Social development minister declines to apologise for wrongful benefit suspensions

Tuesday 1 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 1 Sep, 5:45pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, Louise Upston, Ministry of Social Development

Minister Louise Upston has refused to apologise after Ministry of Social Development processing delays led to the incorrect suspension of some benefit payments. The errors followed a law change passed through Parliament last year. Upston stated she is awaiting the results of a review into the matter.

How they headlined it

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12:32pm5:45pm

1. StuffTue 1 Sep, 12:32pm

   Social development minister won’t apologise to beneficiaries whose payments were wrongfully suspended (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesTue 1 Sep, 1:13pm

   Louise Upston refuses to apologise after benefits wrongly suspended in second MSD error (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZTue 1 Sep, 5:45pm

   'I've already done that': Upston refuses to apologise after benefits wrongly suspended (opens in new tab)