Next government to see $1.3 billion cut in benefit spending

Friday 6 November 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 6 Nov, 5:00am

In this story Labour Party, National Party, ACT Party, Green Party, Donald Trump, Treasury

A social welfare overhaul started by the Labour government and continued by National is expected to result in a $1.3 billion reduction in benefit spending for the next government. The Ministry of Social Development released an in confidence Cabinet paper regarding the planned reduction.

How they headlined it

4am5am

1. The PostFri 6 Nov, 4:00am

   Next government to start to see a $1.3 billion cut to benefit spending (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldFri 6 Nov, 5:00am

   Labour asks how National will get to $12 billion defence spending target (opens in new tab)