Greens claim benefit changes will increase food bank usage
Friday 14 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Green Party
The Green Party has accused the government of driving young people toward food banks by tightening Jobseeker benefit access. From next November, the coalition plans to end payments for 18 and 19-year-olds whose parents earn over $65,000. The government aims to reduce the number of people on benefits by 50,000 by 2030.
How they headlined it
More on Jobseeker changes for young people
- Citizens Advice Bureau report reveals crisis in welfare support
- Officials warned ministers against welfare changes for teenagers
- South Island employers report mixed job market conditions
- Hundreds of disabled or sick teenagers may lose Jobseeker benefits
- New policy makes many 18 and 19 year olds ineligible for Jobseeker benefit
