17162 (2025). Hon Dr Megan Woods to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

17162 (2025). Hon Dr Megan Woods to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What is the total amount, if any, listed by month since November 2023, the Ministry of Social Development has contributed in special payments to assist with power, gas, water bills, or heating?

Hon Louise Upston: I refer the member to the attached table, which provides the number of hardship grants and amount granted for power, gas, and water during the period 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2025, by month and need type. I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development that there is no specific hardship assistance category for heating. To provide this information would require a review of individual client files and for the to undertake substantial manual collation and divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with the Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering this part of the Member’s questions is not in the public interest.