The Green Party has sharply criticized the government’s newly introduced benefit sanctions, labelling them as a “war on the poor.” These sanctions, unveiled by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston, are part of a broader crackdown on beneficiaries. The measures include a traffic-light warning system that imposes stricter penalties on those who fail to meet specific requirements. Beginning today, jobseekers must reapply for benefits every six

months, a change from the previous annual requirement. Additionally, any violations will now remain on their records for two years, doubling the current timeframe.
The sanctions introduce new penalties, such as mandatory community work and money management payment cards. Green Party spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March has condemned these changes, arguing that such interventions have not been proven effective in helping people secure employment. He criticized the government for imposing punitive measures on beneficiaries while simultaneously cutting benefit increases and neglecting broader issues like child poverty.Menéndez March also rejected the notion that community work sanctions would provide beneficiaries with a sense of purpose or help them develop new skills.
He described these schemes as a “reheated, failed approach” from the 1990s that is unlikely to work now and would only cause more hardship for those affected. Labour leader Chris Hipkins echoed these concerns, pointing out that there are currently fewer jobs available than when the coalition took office. He argued that sanctions won’t help people find work if there aren’t enough jobs available, and criticized the government for focusing on penalizing those who are already struggling rather than creating job opportunities.
ACT leader David Seymour defended the changes, claiming they restore balance by ensuring that benefits are used appropriately, particularly for the care of children. However, Auckland Action Against Poverty Coordinator Brooke Pao Stanley criticized the sanctions as punitive and counterproductive. She advocated for a more supportive approach, suggesting a high-trust model at Work and Income and liveable incomes for all, rather than continuing to punish those who are already marginalized and stressed.
-TIN Bureau