Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Quin Tauetau
The government says a new survey shows its traffic light system for those on a job seeker benefit is working as planned.
In August 2024, the coalition set up a traffic light system – alongside sanctions – for beneficiaries who don’t meet their obligations.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston said an evaluation had now found MSD clients were more on top of their job search responsibilities.
“Ninety percent of clients surveyed as part of the Ministry of Social Development’s latest evaluation said they found the traffic light system has been helpful for understanding their obligations, which include a range of activities towards finding employment.
“We’re also seeing nearly 99 percent of clients are fulfilling their obligations, along with a 10.6 percent drop in the number of sanctions issued between the September 2024 and September 2025 quarters.”
Upston said the traffic light system had been designed to reset expectations for those on welfare and it was clear the reset was working.
“The traffic light system ensures the welfare system is more integrated and helps jobseekers understand and navigate their obligations, helping them to be prepared, proactive and seize opportunities when they come along.
“Welfare is conditional on recipients meeting their responsibilities.”
Upston said the coalition remained committed to reaching its target of 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
