Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Beneficiary numbers have soared to a 12-year high, under a government that promised a reduction.
They were the highest both by volume and percentage of the working-age population since at least the 2013 welfare reforms.
Social development minister Louise Upston said in 2024 - less than three months after taking office - that the government was taking action to "curb the surge in welfare dependency" that ocurred under the former Labour government.
But the most recent Ministry of Social Development data revealed that was yet to take hold.
As of December last year, 427,236 people - about the population of Christchurch - were receiving a m
Continue Reading on RNZ
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.