News

Fundamental change signalled in welfare reform recommendations
Tuesday 22 February 2011

The Welfare Working Group, which was established by the Government, today released its report Reducing Long Term Benefit Dependency detailing practical recommendations on how to improve outcomes for people on a benefit and New Zealanders as a whole.

Read the media statement (PDF)
Word version

Read the media factsheet (PDF)
Word version

Options for moving to a well-performing welfare system
Wednesday 24 November 2010

The Welfare Working Group is asking New Zealanders for their views on what needs to change in the way we think about and deliver welfare to increase employment and reduce poverty.

The Welfare Working Group was established by the Government in April to develop practical options on how to improve economic and social outcomes for people on a benefit and new Zealanders as a whole.

In a discussion paper released today, the Working Group sets out options for moving to a well- performing welfare system that invests early in well-directed, active support to help people into paid work, coupled with a greater focus on personal responsibility so that people take opportunities as they emerge.
Read the media statement (PDF)
Word version

Read the fact sheet (PDF)
Word version

New Zealanders provide feedback on the issues in the benefit system
Tuesday 21 September 2010

New Zealanders have shown a keen interest in engaging with the Welfare Working Group on how to reduce long‐term benefit dependency, get better outcomes for those who need welfare support, and ensure the benefit system is effective and sustainable.

Welfare Working Group Chair Paula Rebstock said over 200 online and hard copy submissions had been received on the Issues Paper released in August and there has also been valuable feedback through workshops and an online discussion forum.
Read the media statement (PDF)
Word version

Welfare Working Group extends time for public consultation
Thursday 2 September 2010

The Welfare Working Group welcomes the contribution New Zealanders are making to the current debate about the benefit system and its timeframe is being extended to provide more opportunity for public feedback to be heard. It will now deliver its final report in February 2011.
Read the media statement (PDF)
Word version

Benefit System is failing too many New Zealanders
Monday 9 August 2010

The Welfare Working Group today released a paper setting out the many issues that need to be considered if New Zealand is to reduce long-term benefit dependency, get better outcomes for those who need welfare support, and ensure the benefit system is effective and sustainable.
Read the media statement (PDF)
Word version

Read the factsheet (PDF)
Word version

Welfare Working Group Forum to Debate the Issues
Monday 17 May 2010

Issues around long‐term welfare dependency and obstacles to achieving better life and work outcomes for people on benefits will be the focus of a two‐day forum being hosted by the Welfare Working Group on 9 ‐10 June 2010 at Victoria University in Wellington.
Read the media release here

Paula Rebstock to chair Welfare Working Group
Tuesday 13 April 2010

The mandate and membership of the Welfare Working Group has been announced by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett. "The Welfare Working Group will examine long term welfare dependence, identifying causes and solutions," says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
Read the full media release on Minister Bennett’s website