Minister’s foreword | Te kupu whakataki a te Minita

The Government is focused on breaking the cycle of welfare dependency and reducing the number of children in benefit-dependent households.

Employment can be a route out of hardship. It provides individuals and families with greater independence, choice and opportunity.

That is why one of the Government’s nine targets for public service agencies is to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is responsible for the Jobseeker Support target, as well as a second target, working with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to reduce the number of households in emergency housing.

Jobseekers involves an ambitious target and early intervention will be key in meeting it.

People who come onto Jobseeker Support will have their employment needs assessed – if they are ready to work, MSD will help them apply for a job. If they need re-training or upskilling, MSD will refer them to a programme that can help. More jobseekers will be in case management and there will be more regular work seminars to help people with their job searches. Employers and industry partners will also play a key role in meeting this target by helping people into work.

Further changes to the welfare system over the coming years will help MSD meet the Jobseeker Support target and reduce forecasted years that people spend on welfare, particularly our young people.

In August 2024, the Government took urgent action to bolster the disability support system. Disability Support Services was established as a business unit within MSD. Eight months on, it is making good progress towards stabilising the disability support system, with an aim to ensure disabled people receive fair, consistent services and supports.

The Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group also joined MSD in 2024. I’m excited about the opportunities this creates for improving outcomes for children and reducing child poverty.

To support the emergency housing target, MSD will strengthen verification processes, review eligibility settings, limit discretion and clarify an applicant’s responsibilities while in emergency housing.

The work that MSD’s people do is critical in supporting New Zealanders into employment and achieving the Government’s targets. This work is underpinned by the Government’s commitment to fiscal sustainability.

MSD’s Strategic Intentions 2025-2029 sets out MSD’s priorities for the next four years to deliver these targets and, most importantly, make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders.

Minister’s statement

I am satisfied that the information on strategic intentions prepared by the Ministry of Social Development is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.

Hon Louise Upston

Minister for Social Development and Employment

28 May 2025