Ministry Of Social Development
Govt writes off pensioner debt 3x more than beneficiary debt
Newly-released Official Information Act figures show the government writes off three times as much pensioner debt as it does debts accrued by beneficiaries when they're mistakenly overpaid. But MSD… Audio
Debts cancelled more often for pensioners than beneficiaries
The government wipes the debts of superannuitants who have been accidentally overpaid three times as often as debts accrued by beneficiaries, figures reveal.
MPI, MSD botch Thompson and Clark OIA
Both MPI and MSD told Checkpoint earlier this year their staff had no correspondence with security firm Thompson and Clark, but have since admitted that was wrong - their staff did have dealings with… Audio
Ministry apologises after woman's benefit cut
The Ministry of Social Development has apologised to a woman whose benefit was wrongly suspended, not once but twice. In April, the Auckland solo mother of three was wrongly told her benefit had been… Audio
'Life-changing' course for youth on dole expanded by DoC
A course that's proved life changing for a handful of young people on the dole is about to be expanded. In April the Department of Conservation took on ten young unemployed with the aim of getting… Audio
Man told he must quit free night class or face benefit cut
An unemployed man with depression has been told to quit his free night class or he and his partner won't be able to access full benefits.
Homeless families evicted from motel for tourists
Twenty-five homeless families in Hawke's Bay have been forced to leave their emergency motel accomodation to make way for tourists attending the Art Deco Festival over the last two years. Audio
Woman's benefit cut after Tinder date, MSD apologises
The Ministry of Social Development says it doesn't make a habit of cutting people's benefits off, before they've investigated allegations they've been cheating the system. A solo mother in south… Audio
MSD backs off plan to collect personal details in survey
The Ministry of Social Development is backing away from a proposal to collect young people's names and other details as part of a national health survey.
Thousands overpaid pensions, nine prosecutions
More than 52,000 people were overpaid superannuation or veteran pensions in the last financial year.
Pensioner overpayments increase by 50% in 5 years
Ministry of Social Development is defending its systems after it was revealed more than 52,000 pensioners were overpaid last year. Audio
MSD staff used false names, fearing attacks
Staff on the Ministry of Social Development's benefit review committee kept their identity secret on legal documents because they feared volatile clients.
Tolley defends data behind beneficiary drug policy
Just a few days after announcing an election pledge to bust drug dealing gangs the National Party says it wants to do more to stop unemployed young people missing out on jobs because of their drug… Audio
Homeless accommodation 'not what I was expecting'
Families in the Far North needing emergency housing are being sent to a dilapidated campground to live in concrete rooms with no carpet, insulation or hot water. Video, Audio
Winston Peters' pension: RNZ political analysis
Investigations are under way into who leaked private information about New Zealand First leader Winston Peters' superannuation overpayment. It's been revealed that Social Development Anne Tolley and… Audio
Winston Peters admits superannuation overpayment
The New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has admitted to receiving overpayments in his pension. Overnight Mr Peters released a statement saying the Ministry of Social Development contacted him in… Audio
'Out of sight, out of mind': MSD moving homeless to Kaeo
Homeless families are being sent by MSD to one-room units in Kaeo, a town which is already facing severe economic deprivation and housing problems. Audio
Split views on Meteria Turei's benefit fraud admission
The Ministry of Social Development won't say whether it will take action against the Greens co-leader Metiria Turei after she admitted to benefit fraud as a solo mother 24 years ago. Audio
Ministry of Social Development criticised by Ombudsman
For the fourth year in a row, the Ministry of Social Development has not responded in time for its statistics to be included in the National Youth Custody Index, which showed the number of Maori… Audio
Community volunteer says new people become homeless every day
Kriddles Roberts describes the dire circumstances for the increasing number of homeless people living in the Auckland. She started New Money, an organisation which drops food parcels to parks around… Audio