- Questions published
- Reply lodged
Asked by
Willow-Jean Prime
List MP · Labour Party
Questions
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39154
Further to 37329 (2026), on what date was the first individual case raised through complaints?
Original response/referral lodged:
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39155
Further to 37329 (2026), on what date was the first individual case raised through staff feedback?
Original response/referral lodged:
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39156
Further to 37329 (2026), on what date did senior leadership at the Ministry confirm the issue and that it had broader impacts?
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39159
Further to 37329 (2026), on what date was the first individual case raised through client enquiries?
Original response/referral lodged:
Answered by
Hon Louise Upston
Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment
Answer
I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that senior leadership confirmed the issue and broader impact on Thursday, 13 August 2026. I was advised by officials later that same day. The question of when this matter was first raised with the Ministry please see this link: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/2026/findings-of-review-into-suspension-of-some-payments.html I acknowledge there may have been individual cases raised through client enquiries, complaints and staff feedback which would have been dealt with by the Ministry on a case-by-case basis. I am further advised that the Ministry is unable to provide information on the first individual cases notified to the Ministry through client enquiries, complaints or staff feedback within a written parliamentary timeframe as it would take substantial effort and require the Ministry to divert personnel from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering these questions within this timeframe is not in the public interest.