Notice is given of the making of the following instrument by the Minister for Social Development and Employment.

A copy of the instrument is available for free at: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/about-msd/legislation/notice-of-change.html.

This instrument, which comes into force on 1 April 2024, amends the Employment and Work Readiness Assistance Programme established and approved on 6 March 2014 under section 101 of the Social Security Act 2018.

The amendment removes the authority to grant Flexible Childcare Assistance (FCA) under clause 9 of the Schedule and creates a new FCA provision in clause 9A of the Schedule. It extends the duration of FCA payments to 52 weeks and provides new rates of assistance. The amendment outlines the transitional arrangements for applicants who have been granted FCA prior to 1 April 2024, or applications that are in the process of being assessed on 1 April 2024.

The instrument is secondary legislation for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2019 and is administered by the Ministry of Social Development.

Dated this 27th day of February 2024.

Hon LOUISE UPSTON, Minister for Social Development and Employment.