54103 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

54103 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What criteria and guidelines, if any, are used to determine the application of benefit sanctions and whether cultural competency training is provided to staff making these decisions in relation to Māori?

Hon Louise Upston: There have been no changes to the obligations failure and sanction process. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) must be satisfied someone has no good and sufficient reason for failing to meet an obligation before initiating an obligations failure. Operationally, MSD will review a file and attempt to contact the person to check for a good and sufficient reason before imposing a failure. Everyone has a 5 working day notice period to dispute a failure or recomply before a sanction is imposed. If a client recomplies with their first or second obligations failure within the notice period, their benefit is not sanctioned but the obligation failure is recorded. I am advised MSD has a range of Te Ao Māori resources and learning programmes that are promoted to all kaimahi. In addition, I am advised there are programmes and support that allows MSD to provide a responsive, inclusive and empathetic service.