Kerre Woodham: Build the economy and the workers will come

New rules come into force for job seekers today, as the government continues efforts to get more young people off a benefit and into work. It's a very worthwhile enterprise. Do not let young people drift onto a benefit because there they will stay for around about 18 years, which is a hell of a life to condemn any young person to.

Hang on a minute though, weren't there sanctions announced in May? You're right, there were. They targeted beneficiaries with money management and community work sanctions if they failed to meet one of their obligations, which involved preparing for or looking for work.

Lindsay Mitchell: National's problem epitomised

Why did National pick two former welfare-dependent sole mothers to be Ministers of Social Development?

Because National is woke. They buy into the leftist public service fetish for 'lived experience'.

New Zealand's unique welfare problem isn't disability or unemployment. Other developed nations can match us.

Ele Ludemann: Rights and responsibilities

The government’s announcement of a traffic light system for beneficiaries aims to help people off benefits and into employment:

. . . Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says a new Traffic Light System comes into effect today to inform people what is required of them to continue receiving a benefit under the current system and warn them when they are not meeting those expectations.

Francesca Rudkin: The new Jobseeker sanctions are worth a try

Yesterday the Prime Minister said that the vast amount of people on Jobseeker Benefits were trying hard to find a job and meet their obligations, and before we have a conversation about changes to the Jobseeker Benefit, that is important to remember.

But we do have a problem with the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit, and how long they are on it.

Chris Lynch: Tougher sanctions for beneficiaries to be introduced next year

A new set of tougher sanctions has been announced as part of a package of reforms aimed at moving more people off Jobseeker Support and into employment.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced a new Traffic Light System designed to inform beneficiaries of their responsibilities to continue receiving support.

Peter Wilson: The Week in Politics - Luxon likely to get what he doesn't want

Christopher Luxon's announcement that he'll work with Winston Peters after the election if he has to boosts NZ First's chances of getting back into Parliament; the latest polls show a three-way coalition is a likely outcome; and Chris Hipkins comes blasting back in the second leaders' debate.

National leader Christopher Luxon's announcement on Monday that he would work with NZ First after the election, if he had to, changed the dynamics of the campaign.