13876 (2026). Dan Rosewarne to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 29 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	13876 (2026)
Question asked:	13 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Dan Rosewarne
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	22 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_13876_2026
Document guid:	b364f592-4e8f-4b7b-a0f9-ccc23a310b25

13876 (2026). Dan Rosewarne to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Why has the Ministry of Social Development changed the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs eligibility criteria in a way that limits the Kaikōura programme to working with up to five school leavers per year?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that they updated the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs contract in 2025 to align with funding requirements for the 2026 financial year. The updated contract continues to provide for NEETs and Ministry clients aged 16–24, with a target composition of 80 percent comprising 18–24-year-olds receiving a main benefit (for example, Jobseeker Support), and 20 percent comprising other participants, including NEETs. The Ministry advises that these changes are intended to focus investment where there is the strongest evidence of impact, and to align with Government priorities, in particular reducing the number of people receiving Jobseeker Support and improving long-term outcomes for those already in the welfare system.