Source: Child Poverty Action Group
As the world turns its focus to social and institutional maltreatment, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is joining with other community groups to demand an end to the harmful practice of benefit sanctions.
Right now, thousands of people in Aotearoa New Zealand are being sanctioned by the Ministry of Social Development. These sanctions reduce already inadequate incomes and punish families who are struggling to survive.
CPAG’s recent Below the Income Floor research shows that more and more households relying on income support are in deficit. That means their income is falling below the bare minimum needed to cover essentials, let alone to participate fully in society.
While the Government insists sanctions are about “compliance”, the facts tell a different story. Sanctions rose sharply in both the March and June 2025 quarters, even before the Social Security Amendment Act 2025 came into effect in May.
In reality, there are many reasons why someone might miss an MSD appointment, ranging from childcare, to health or transport issues, all made worse by the prolonged cost of living crisis. A Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) client had their benefit halved after they missed their Work and Income meeting due to their child being unwell.
Instead of recognising these barriers, the Government continues to punish families who are already doing it tough, despite the Government restating its commitment in May to the legislated 2028 goal of halving child poverty.
Right now, government agencies are developing proposals for the 2026 Budget. We call on them to take bold, principled action by putting people at the centre of their advice.
Two years on from the last election, New Zealanders should be seeing results. Instead, we are seeing increased hardship. It is time for the Government to change course, and a good start would be to end sanctions and treat families receiving support with dignity.
Notes: The Fairer Future collaboration has consistently called for the elimination of benefit sanctions since May 2022. It has campaigned for a fairer welfare system, including updated liveable income benchmarks based on the Welfare Expert Advisory Group’s 2019 recommendations.
Fairer Future groups supporting this release:
Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP)
ActionStation
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
Citizens Advice Bureau NZ
Disabled Persons Assembly
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Methodist Alliance
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS)
United Community Action Network (UCAN).
