Ministers apologise for error affecting winter energy payments

Tuesday 18 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Tue 18 Aug, 3:04pm

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

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Social Development Minister Louise Upston have apologised after an urgent law change caused errors in winter energy payments. Approximately 15,000 pensioners and veterans missed out on these payments between May and August due to the legislative change.

How they headlined it

2:48pm

1. 1News via RNZTue 18 Aug, 2:48pm

   Luxon apologises as thousands hit by Winter Energy Payment error (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 18 Aug, 3:04pm

   Ministers apologise after ‘appalling’ error that stopped 15,000 winter energy payments (opens in new tab)