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 2021, amends the Ministerial direction and welfare programmes under the Social Security Act 2018 (and the Social Security Act 1964 as 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. These changes reflect a 1.15% increase in the New Zealand Consumers Price Index from the December 2019 quarter to the December 2020 quarter (calculated using the CPI All Groups excluding cigarettes and other tobacco products). The instrument also amends;

• the definition of “chargeable income” in the Direction in relation to Special Benefit to exempt “Abatement Threshold Increase (Transitional Assistance) Programme 2021” and the order of the programmes listed in that definition so they are alphabetised;
• the Home Help Programme, to adjust the hourly rate to reflect a 3.09% 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 Grant Programme, to adjust the income abatement rate for assistance to Farmers, from $90 to $160, in line with the upcoming increases to the main benefit abatement thresholds on 1 April 2021.

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

The instrument is administered by the Ministry for Social Development.

Dated this 8th day of March 2021.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development and Employment.