Pursuant to sections 7 and 101 of the Social Security Act 2018, notice is given of the making of the following instrument by the Minister for Social Development.

A copy of the instrument is available for free at: http://msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/about-msd/legislation/20191402-instrument-amending-ministerial-direction-and-welfare-programme-2019.pdf

This instrument, which comes into force on 1 April 2019, amends the Ministerial directions and welfare programmes under the Social Security Act 1964 (and saved by Schedule 1 of the Social Security Act 2018). The amendments adjust certain rates, standard costs and limits in relation to the Direction in relation to Special Benefit, the Family Start and Early Start (Childcare Assistance) Programme, the New Employment Transition Grant Programme and the Seasonal Work Assistance Programme to reflect a 1.69% increase in the New Zealand Consumers Price Index from the December 2017 quarter to the December 2018 quarter (calculated using the CPI All Groups excluding cigarettes and other tobacco products). The instrument also amends:

• the Home Help Programme, to adjust the hourly rate to reflect a 7.27% increase in the adult minimum wage;
• the Special Transfer Allowance Programme 2000 to adjust average regional rents to reflect movements in rentals;
• the Special Needs Grants Programme to amend the definition of “dentist” so it refers to the definition in Regulation 3 of the Social Security Regulations 2018.

The instrument is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012.

The instrument is administered in the Ministry for Social Development.

Dated this 28th day of February 2019.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development.