Social Development and Employment

services and systems

Luxon's Government nearly halves food bank funding as demand hits record high

The Green Party says this Government has nearly halved funding for food banks in Budget 2026, extending the $15 million in annual support for just one more year before cutting it to $8 million a year from 2027, at the very moment demand has never been higher.“Food banks are the last lifeline for the people doing it the toughest, and this Government has chosen to nearly halve their funding,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “Demand has never been higher. The NZ Food...

Posted at June 04, 2026 11:32 AM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Government clears the way to automate decisions about people's survival

The Green Party is condemning the Government's move to hand decisions on benefits over to automated systems, warning it will leave more people in hardship without the support they are legally entitled to."Handing decisions about people's ability to survive to a machine is a deliberate choice to make it harder for people to get the help they need," says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.  The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill will be introduced today for its first...

Posted at May 29, 2026 11:07 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

National’s public housing reform ‘cuts costs’ at the expense of our most vulnerable

The Green Party is warning that the Government’s changes to public housing will see more public housing tenants evicted and driven deeper into poverty. “Luxon’s Government has built on their despicable pattern of finding ‘savings’ in their budget from the empty pockets of the poorest people in New Zealand,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson, Tamatha Paul.  “They are balancing their budget on the backs of pensioners, beneficiaries and disabled people who rely on public housing.”  “Increasing rents by 20% on top of unaffordable food costs, power bills and medical bills is simply cruel.”  “Ironically, they say they want to limit time spent in public housing, yet these changes mean that these tenants will never be able to...

Posted at May 21, 2026 1:07 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March and Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Government legalises debts for survivors of sexual violence and abuse in state care

The Government today passed legislation entrenching nearly 40,000 people, including many sexual abuse and abuse in state care survivors in debt.  Pushing survivors of sexual abuse, survivors of abuse in care and injured people into debt is cruel and inhumane," said Green Party spokesperson for social development Ricardo Menéndez March.   "The Government had every opportunity to not entrench an unlawful policy that has harmed survivors of abuse. They were asked to exempt them, but today they refused.   "Just over a...

Posted at March 05, 2026 5:59 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Highest unemployment rate in a decade a tragedy for families

The latest labour market figures confirm that the unemployment rate, under the National Act NZ First coalition, has risen to 5.4%, New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate since September 2015.  “This National Act NZ First coalition is a government of despair” says Marama Davidson, Co-Leader of the Green Party.The latest labour market figures confirm that the unemployment rate, under the National Act NZ First coalition, has risen to 5.4%, New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate since September 2015.  “This National Act NZ First coalition is a government of despair” says Marama Davidson, Co-Leader of the Green Party.  “There are more people without jobs and without income now, under...

Posted at February 04, 2026 4:12 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Greens call on the Government to increase and extend the Civil Defence Payment to all regions affected

The Civil Defence Payment is finally being activated for some communities impacted by last week’s climate-charged weather events, after the Greens urged the Government to make the support available.“While we welcome the Civil Defence Payment, the Government needs to increase the payment and make it available to all regions affected by the extreme weather events” says Green Party Social Development and Employment Spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March.  “It shouldn’t have taken this long, and it shouldn’t have taken such persistence from the Greens to activate this payment.   “We wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this week and we’re glad that pressure worked.  “We intend to keep the pressure...

Posted at January 29, 2026 4:37 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

No sign of Govt’s ‘green shoots’ in latest jobs figures

Today’s figures, which show fewer jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors than a year ago, are further proof that the Government for the rich is failing working New Zealanders.“These figures paint a damning picture of an economy that’s failing to provide enough jobs or security for workers,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs, and our future. We can create the jobs we...

Posted at January 28, 2026 12:58 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Another blow to young people as unemployment reaches near nine-year high

Unemployment has surged to its highest level in close to nine years, with young people bearing the brunt of the crisis.“The Government must take ownership for its decision to cut thousands of jobs, and then punish those left unemployed," says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Since mid-2023, this Government has driven the loss of 150,000 jobs in Aotearoa, including 80,000 jobs in the 15-35 age bracket.  “This isn't just an economic crisis. The...

Posted at November 05, 2025 11:29 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Open letter to Hon Judith Collins

It is with sadness that we write this open letter to respond to the blatantly partisan screed you wrote yesterday. We find it necessary to do so to correct the record and defend the hardworking teachers, nurses and doctors who are striking for fair pay and safe conditions for staff and the public they serve against your attempts to smear them.  But before we get to that - we would like to invite you to spend just one week walking...

Posted at October 20, 2025 11:11 AM by Francisco Hernandez

services and systems

Govt for the rich failing unemployed New Zealanders

Today’s Ministry of Social Development stats, which show record numbers of New Zealanders relying on benefits, are further proof that the Government for the rich is failing unemployed people and fuelling poverty.“These figures paint a damning picture of an economy that’s failing to provide enough jobs or opportunities,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs, and our future. We can create the jobs we...

Posted at October 16, 2025 11:35 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

New high in unemployment as Govt punishes the jobless

Latest stats indicating the worst unemployment numbers since the outbreak of the pandemic are further proof that the Government’s policies are forcing people further into hardship and poverty. “The Government should take ownership for its decision to cut thousands of jobs, and then punish the unemployed,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Instead of sanctioning people for being unemployed when there is no work, we can build a workforce with good jobs that support...

Posted at August 06, 2025 11:47 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Benefit sanctions double under National as unemployment soars

Latest figures from the Ministry of Social Development show the Government is pushing more and more people into unemployment, while punishing them with sanctions for being out of work. “It’s no wonder people are fleeing the country in droves with this Government punishing people for being unemployed at a time when there are little to no jobs,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This is blatant cruelty dressed up as policy. People deserve to live in...

Posted at July 17, 2025 11:08 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

‘Growth Budget’ = growth in poverty

The Government’s Budget is failing families in poverty by pulling the rug on young people receiving income support and allowing more children to go without enough food on the table.“This ‘Growth Budget’ will result in a growth in poverty, particularly for the vulnerable teenagers who have had support stripped away from them,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Government has just told teenagers doing it tough that they are on their own....

Posted at May 22, 2025 2:50 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Social Security Amendment Bill pushes poverty on people

The Government’s just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty. “Instead of punching down on the poor like the current Government, we can end poverty and provide everyone with what they need to live good lives,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Calling these new sanctions non-financial is misleading, as they’ll still deprive people of the ability to access financial support like hardship...

Posted at May 15, 2025 4:19 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt for the rich is failing the unemployed

The latest job market statistics show that unemployed people are being failed by a Government more focused on punishing the poor than creating jobs.“This Government for the rich is failing unemployed people and fuelling poverty,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The economy belongs to us, we can build it for us. We can ensure people have stable employment and incomes instead of slashing jobs and cutting back on support for those trying...

Posted at May 07, 2025 11:32 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

More children going hungry under Coalition govt

The Government yesterday released its annual child poverty statistics, and by its own admission, more tamariki across Aotearoa are now living in material hardship.“The Government should be ashamed of the fact that more children are going without enough food and bare essentials under their watch,” says Green Party Social Development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Everyone in Aotearoa deserves a warm, dry home, a bed of their own, and a full belly. What’s achingly sad is that we have all the...

Posted at April 11, 2025 9:55 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Benefit levels fail to keep families out of poverty

The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation report is a bleak indictment on the failure of Government to take steps to end poverty, with those on benefits, including their children, hit hardest.“Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing for our communities, intentionally exacerbating inequality and pushing thousands of families into hardship,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “In this country, we have the means and resources to ensure all whānau have the basics...

Posted at February 12, 2025 8:16 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt’s lack of a plan shows in soaring unemployment stats

The latest labour market figures confirm unemployment has risen to levels not seen since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.“This Government lacks a plan for creating jobs, its only plan is entrenching poverty for our poorest communities,” says the Green Party’s Social Development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Our country has the means to build an economy that works for everyone and leaves nobody behind. We can invest in the public services and infrastructure which support our communities into meaningful jobs...

Posted at February 05, 2025 11:49 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt’s sanctions regime fails us all

The Government’s newly released data paints a damning picture: the sanctions regime targeting beneficiaries is an abject failure. “Benefit sanctions deprive people of the means to survive and there is no evidence they support people into paid employment,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This is blatant cruelty dressed up as policy. People deserve to live in dignity and to be supported in times of need, not punished.  “The Government's own data shows their vindictive...

Posted at January 23, 2025 12:02 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families

Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials.“Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing, pushing through policy that will punch down on those in need,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “People deserve to live in dignity and to be supported in times of need. In this country we can afford to look after...

Posted at December 13, 2024 9:14 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt continues to punch down

The Government’s new initiative to get people off the benefit won’t address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. “This shallow, soundbite policy will see poverty continue to proliferate,” says the Green Party’s Social Development Spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “People deserve to live in dignity, they deserve to be supported in times of need. We can afford to look after one another, all that is missing is the...

Posted at December 03, 2024 9:00 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Near four-year high unemployment reveals dire need for new direction

Today, Statistics New Zealand’s latest labour market report revealed that unemployment has reached 4.8 per cent, the highest rate since late 2020, during the COVID pandemic.“The Government’s economy for the rich is leaving thousands behind," says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez-March. “We can build an economy that works for everyone and leaves nobody behind by investing in the public services and infrastructure which support our communities as well as programmes like jobs for nature...

Posted at November 06, 2024 11:15 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Louise Upston cherry-picks data to punch down on the poor

The Government has very conveniently cherry-picked data from the latest MSD projections to justify its cruel agenda and punch-down policy when it comes to people living in poverty. “Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing for our communities,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “We can choose to look after each other and ensure everyone has enough to get by and that nobody gets left behind. The solutions exist and they are right at our...

Posted at October 31, 2024 10:08 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty

Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty.“This heartless Government has more than doubled benefit sanctions, stripping people of their dignity and ability to put food on the table,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “People deserve to live in dignity, they deserve to be supported in times of need. We can afford to look after one another, all that is missing is the...

Posted at October 17, 2024 10:48 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt more interested in punishing beneficiaries than ending poverty

The expansion of compulsory money management and introduction of mandatory community service for beneficiaries reheats failed policies that have not supported people into work both here and in Australia.“People in poverty deserve so much better than the pain and misery this Government is inflicting upon them,” says Green Party Social Development and Employment spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.  “People deserve to live in dignity, they deserve to be supported in times of need. Everything we need to turn this ambition into...

Posted at August 12, 2024 4:02 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt setting poverty trap with punitive policies

Rising unemployment confirmed by the latest labour market figures, along with the Government’s job cuts and punitive policies for beneficiaries, will place great strain on struggling households.“This Government is setting a poverty trap by cutting thousands of jobs while at the same time intentionally cutting benefit increases,” says the Green Party’s Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “As a country we have more than enough to ensure everyone has the means to put food on the table and live in...

Posted at August 07, 2024 12:34 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government quietly waters down child poverty targets

The Government’s move to dilute child poverty targets is a reminder that it is actively choosing to preserve hardship for thousands of households. “The Government has watered down our child poverty targets by stealth, a decision that will plunge thousands of children into material hardship,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This decision will have severe consequences for our communities and is something the Government has tried to do as quietly as possible. There has been...

Posted at July 25, 2024 2:40 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

MSD figures show Govt determined to punish beneficiaries

The 53.7 percent rise in benefit sanctions over the last year is more proof of this Government’s disdain for our communities most in need of support. “The huge rise in benefit sanctions is just further evidence of the callous politics and cruel agenda at the heart of this Government,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Benefit sanctions hurt people already struggling to make ends meet and limit their chances of escaping poverty.  “This is...

Posted at July 18, 2024 11:33 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government prioritises punishing beneficiaries again

Frivolous check-ins with beneficiaries are the Government’s latest plan to find excuses to punish those on the Job Seeker allowance and add to the stigma they face.“The Government is more interested in punishing the poor than actually helping people into good employment,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Government cannot be serious about supporting people into work when their target of getting 50,000 off a benefit includes people leaving because they died or entered a...

Posted at June 24, 2024 12:13 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdown

The Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries.“Poverty is a political choice and this Government is not only choosing to maintain it but also make life even harder for those doing it tough,” says Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment Ricardo Menéndez March. “Minister Upston and her colleagues in cruelty are doubling down on wanting to punish people in...

Posted at May 09, 2024 10:56 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

New unemployment figures paint bleak picture

The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. “Slashing Government spending mixed with severe job cuts and declining state support will prove to be a catastrophic cocktail for our communities already under significant strain,” says Green Party Social Development and Employment spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Today’s unemployment figures, the highest we have seen in three years, show that the Government’s dated and...

Posted at May 01, 2024 12:16 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt must prioritise building more homes, not kicking people out

If the Government was serious about moving families into public housing, they would build more houses so there is actually somewhere for people to go. “The shameful reality is that many children are being raised in hotels and backpackers in our country. The Government will make this issue worse by adding more barriers for people to enter secure, permanent public housing,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March. “How on earth has it escaped the Government’s notice that...

Posted at March 06, 2024 3:06 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Benefit sanctions will punish people who need support

The National-led Government’s plans to arbitrarily increase benefit sanctions will have a lasting impact on the people who need our support the most.“Today’s announcement confirms the Government’s goal of pushing more people into poverty via benefit sanctions,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Sanctions do not work. They do not support people into meaningful employment, nor support them to participate fully in their communities. Taking away people’s incomes only makes it harder for...

Posted at February 19, 2024 4:15 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Groundhog Day as National once again punishes people on benefits

The coalition Government has today conceded that it did not consider the impact of its benefit changes on children. “It is unconscionable that Cabinet Ministers took the decision to cut yearly increases to benefits, made worse by the disregard of the harm it would do to children,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. While forcing benefit changes through urgency without proper scrutiny, the Minister responsible, Louise Upston told Parliament in answer to questions from the Greens that...

Posted at February 14, 2024 4:09 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

National Govt will make more people poorer

The Social Development Minister, Louise Upston’s plan to increase benefit sanctions and decrease the rate at which benefits increase each year will make life harder for thousands and push more people into hardship.“Everybody should have a warm home to live in and enough food to put on the table, but successive Governments have chosen to set income levels below poverty levels while the rich get richer,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Speaking...

Posted at February 11, 2024 10:53 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Income support for unemployed must be urgently increased

Stats NZ unemployment data released today further highlights the urgent need for this government to step up and provide everyone with enough to get by.“Everyone has the right to safe, decent, and meaningful work. But when we may find ourselves without work, it is equally important for there to be a safety net in place to make sure we always have enough to put food on the table and pay the bills,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development...

Posted at February 07, 2024 2:36 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

National's welfare policy is cruel

The National Party’s job seeker policy announced today is heartless.“National is deliberately and heartlessly choosing to make life harder for thousands of people. A National government would literally leave children to go hungry and punish families. It is cruel, ill-thought out, and will endanger the wellbeing of thousands of people. The policy goes against our shared values of caring for each other,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Green Party’s plan will treat people with...

Posted at September 26, 2023 11:04 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

A National/ACT Government would make life miserable for those already worst off

Only a party vote for the Greens will end poverty. ACT’S welfare policy announced today is as cruel as it gets.With National doing absolutely nothing for those on low incomes, it’s clear that these two parties in government would be dangerous for those already struggling. “The Green Party’s plan is the right and compassionate thing to do to make sure that no matter what, everyone will always have enough to cover life’s essentials. All paid for by a simple and...

Posted at September 15, 2023 1:57 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Food banks are not the solution

The Green Party is today calling on the Government to implement the Income Guarantee, in addition to funding food banks.“Demand for food banks is increasing, but the Greens know that food banks are not a solution, they are a symptom of inequality and poverty. The time is now to lift every single family out of poverty through our Income Guarantee and to pay for it with a fair tax system,” says the Green Party spokesperson for social development, Ricardo Menéndez...

Posted at June 26, 2023 4:12 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Income guarantee a clear and immediate solution to Prod Comm findings

The Green Party’s Income Guarantee could be a central pillar of the “social floor” recommended today by the Productivity Commission.“Hundreds of thousands of people across Aotearoa are struggling every day to afford life’s essentials. There’s a clear and immediate solution and that’s an Income Guarantee paid for with a fair tax on the wealthiest few,” says the Green Party spokesperson for social development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “A Fair Chance for All, released today by the Productivity Commission shines a light...

Posted at June 20, 2023 10:17 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government must end benefit sanctions and cancel debt

The Government needs to end benefit sanctions, cancel debt to the Ministry of Social Development, and immediately lift benefits, says the Green Party.“The tools to lift every family and child out of poverty exist, the Government just needs to use them,” says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Greens would ensure everyone has enough to live their lives with dignity, by increasing benefits to liveable levels, ending sanctions, wiping debt, doubling Civil Defence Payments, and increasing the...

Posted at April 20, 2023 10:36 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Liveable incomes needed

With benefit changes coming into effect tomorrow, the Green Party is calling on the Government to lift benefits to liveable levels to make sure everyone has what they need to thrive.“Let’s be clear, continuing to keep benefits at a level where people do not have enough to thrive is a political choice. The tools to lift every family out of poverty already exist, and the Government needs to use them,” says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “The...

Posted at March 31, 2023 2:22 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Child poverty stats show need for action

The Green Party is calling on the Government to immediately provide more support to families doing it toughest.Statistics released today by Stats NZ show the situation has not improved and that progress to lift children out of poverty is far too slow. “The tools to lift every family and child out of poverty exist, the Government just needs to use them. They can start by increasing benefits to liveable levels, expanding Working for Families, and doubling Best Start and making...

Posted at March 23, 2023 12:34 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt must urgently wipe MSD debt

The Green Party is calling on the Government to clear debt people are being forced into by MSD, and support those doing it toughest. “Wiping debt to MSD would help people cover the essentials, protect against predatory lenders and give people the freedom and resources to do what is right for their communities,” says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Right now thousands of people are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. Even pre-pandemic people...

Posted at February 27, 2023 11:02 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Additional cyclone support needed for people

The Green Party welcomes the relief funding announced today and calls on the Government to go further by providing additional direct support to people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and the January floods.“Immediate steps the Government should take to help people get back on their feet is to double the Civil Defence Payment, expand Working for Families, and introduce the Winter Energy Payment two months earlier than planned,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for social development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Although extreme...

Posted at February 20, 2023 7:53 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Greens call for Civil Defence Payment to be doubled

The Green Party is today calling on the Government to double the maximum Civil Defence Payment for Aucklanders affected by flooding.“Families have had their homes, and many of their possessions destroyed in the recent climate-fuelled flooding. As an immediate intervention, the Civil Defence Payment needs to urgently be doubled to reflect rising costs of essentials, and ensure families are back on their feet as soon as possible,” says Greens spokesperson for social development Ricardo Menéndez March. “Currently, for a single...

Posted at February 08, 2023 8:58 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March