The government’s targets in charts: Employment target remains elusive

Four of the government's nine key targets risk not being met, the latest update shows.

People receiving Jobseeker benefits have increased significantly to 223,500 and education targets remain elusive.

A target to reduce the number of households in emergency accommodation has been met well ahead of schedule, as has a goal to reduce the number of victims of assault or robbery.

RNZ is tracking progress towards each of the government's nine targets, which were announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in April 2024. The targets were chosen to focus the public sector on priorities, and progress is updated each quarter.

Employment and education goals - in reading, writing and mathematics - are classified as "at risk" of not being met. Two health targets are considered "feasible": still possible, but behind schedule and facing "major risks and/or issues".

Targets considered "on track" include reducing the number of households in emergency housing, cutting crime and youth offending, and meeting near-term greenhouse gas emission targets. Officials also say lifting school attendance is "probable".

Each responsible agency assigns a status to progress, ranging from "on track" to "unachievable". Progress toward reaching a target can still be classed as "feasible", even if there are major risks or issues in meeting it, as long as the agency in charge believes these can be resolved.

The nine targets are set to be delivered by 2030, beyond the current political term.

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