More than 80,700 people came off a main benefit and moved into work over the last financial year, according to Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston.

“Despite challenging economic conditions, the Government has been relentlessly focused on getting New Zealanders into work,” she said.

“It’s encouraging that 80,000 Kiwis were able to kick start new roles over the past 12 months and there will be more to come.”

The Ministry of Social Development’s latest statistics, released today, show that overall benefit numbers increased between March and June 2025.

As of June 2025, 406,128 people were receiving a main benefit, an increase of 7,965 (2.0 percent) since March.

Jobseeker Support numbers rose to 216,009, up 6,171 (2.9 percent) over the same period.

Minister Upston noted this increase is in line with past seasonal patterns.

“Over the last three years, MSD have traditionally seen a trend of more people coming onto benefit in the March to June period. It’s likely this is partially because there’s less seasonal work around during the winter months.”

To support more people into work, MSD has expanded its services.

The number of people receiving case management has increased from 60,000 to 70,000, with 10,000 supported through a new phone-based service.

There are also 2,100 new places for young people to access community job coaching, alongside more regular seminars, employment plans, and a new traffic light system to help people stay on track.

MSD now also requires people to reapply for their benefit every six months rather than annually, creating more opportunities to engage and support people into work.

With more targeted support now available, Coasties looking for work, especially young people, may find it easier to access help and step into employment sooner.

For local employers, it could also mean more ready-to-work candidates coming through in the months ahead.

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