15264 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

15264 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Has the Minister seen the People’s Inquiry into Student Wellbeing’s finding that two-thirds of surveyed students regularly do not have enough money to buy food, clothing, pay bills, get health care or other basics; if so, does she consider that the winter energy payment should be extended to tertiary students?

Hon Louise Upston: The Winter Energy Payment is a non-taxable benefit paid with the client’s main benefit, New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension to support eligible clients to meet their household heating costs during the winter payment period (22 weeks from 1 May to 1 October every year). The Government currently has no plans to extend the application of the Winter Energy Payment to tertiary students. There are however a range of existing financial supports that students may be eligible to receive. I encourage tertiary students in hardship to reach out for support.