490 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

490 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: From 01 January 2021 to 15 January 2026, how many people on Aotea, if any, are receiving a benefit, broken down per year by benefit type, age group, and people on the benefit?

Hon Louise Upston: I refer the member to the attached table, which provides: • Table 1: Number of working age clients on main benefits in 'Great Barrier' Auckland Board as at year end December 2021 to December 2024 • Table 2: Number of working age clients on main benefits in 'Great Barrier' Auckland Board as at year end December 2021 to December 2024, by age group • Table 3: Number of working age clients on main benefits in 'Great Barrier' Auckland Board as at year end December 2021 to December 2024, by benefit type The Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) has advised me that unfortunately, because of system issues, data for December 2025 is not available. The Ministry is currently working to resolve these issues.