16448 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 03 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	16448 (2026)
Question asked:	19 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Hon Willow-Jean Prime
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	28 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_16448_2026
Document guid:	a10cadff-1295-4037-9c53-63c5c52b7775

16448 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Have there been any changes since 1 November 2023 to eligibility criteria, or assessment and decision-making processes, in relation to applications for the Bond Grant; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that, from 1 July 2024, the Ministry of Social Development extended support to cover certain accommodation arrangements to which the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 does not apply. I am further advised that from 2 March 2026, an additional bond grant could be granted to tenants if their rent increased and the landlord asked for a bond top up to match the new bond amount.