Benefits
Thousands of children hit by benefit sanctions
New data shows about 2000 children on any one day are living in households where their parents have lost up to half their benefits because they've failed to turn up to an appointment in most cases. Audio
Give beneficiaries the money they're owed - Greens
The Green Party is calling for beneficiaries to be paid in full for a Government mistake that has led to years of underpayments.
Labour calls for Housing NZ dividend cut
The Labour Party is calling for the Government to invest some of the dividend it demands from Housing New Zealand back into state house maintenance. Audio
Work and Income experience 'upsetting'
An Auckland man speaking from his own experience says he can understand why the number of eviction orders and assaults at Work and Income have risen.
Minister out of touch with beneficiaries - Greens
The Green Party has accused Associate Social Development Minister Jo Goodhew of being out of touch with the pressures beneficiaries are under. Audio
Govt says annual benefit re-application will help
The Minister of Social Development is denying that plans to have sole parents on a benefit re-apply every year is a cost-saving exercise. Audio
Social Development Minister defends policy
And listening to that is the Minister of Social Development, Anne Tolley. Audio
Annual re-application process for sole parents "worrying"
The Governnment's plan to have sole parents reapply for their benefits after a year is being labelled a money-saving exercise that may put vulnerable children at risk. Audio
Anne Tolley defends Work and Income
And listening to that is the Social Development Minister, Anne Tolley. Audio
Beneficiary advocates accuse Work and Income of bending rules
Beneficiary advocates are accusing Work and Income of failing to follow its own protocols, in order to slash benefit payments. Audio
Thousands of people lose benefits because of paperwork
Thousands of people are having their benefits cut off because they are not filling in the complicated paperwork required. Audio
Bill to lift benefit rates passes first reading
Opposition parties have reluctantly agreed to support the first stage of a Bill to lift benefit payments, saying something is better than nothing. Audio
Insight for 21 December 2014 - Living Poverty
RNZ regional reporters speak to those struggling to get by about what would make a difference to their lives Video, Audio
Struggling families looking for higher wages
Families who are struggling to make ends meet say higher wages and greater compassion from government agencies would make their lives a little easier. Audio
WINZ expands scheme to support unemployed with illness issues
The Social Development Ministry is preparing to expand a Work and Income service model that came into effect last year which sees more intensive and individual case management for some people who were… Audio
Frontline services dealing with needy, busier than ever
Fewer people are receiving unemployment benefits and the number of hardship grants being handed out by Work and Income has fallen by 20% in the June quarter compared to last year. Frontline services… Audio
