18470 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

18470 (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 Ministry of Social Development and Employment funding for Ngā Puna Pūkenga; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that the Target Group for Ngā Puna Pūkenga changed from prioritising Job Seekers “Disadvantaged in the Labour Market,” including those recently displaced from their employment, to prioritising Job Seekers “In receipt of a Main Benefit” This came into effect in July 2024 and was accompanied with an increase in the per participant payment to Council suppliers i.e. employers, for those exiting a Main Benefit.