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.

The instrument, which comes into force on 25 September 2023, amends a welfare programme and a Ministerial direction under the Social Security Act 2018.

These amendments give effect to the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (Severe Weather Events) Programme by amending the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (North Island Weather Events) Programme to:

• extend financial assistance under the programme to eligible people whose homes were damaged by heavy rainfall in August 2022 in the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions;

• make consequential amendments to give effect to this change;
• insert references to sections of the Act which were inadvertently omitted when the original programme was established; and
• make minor editorial changes.

The amendments also give effect to the Direction in relation to Special Benefit (Temporary Accommodation Assistance) Amendment 2023 by amending the Ministerial Direction in relation to Special Benefit as established and made on 12 February 1999 to ensure payments made under the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (Severe Weather Events) Programme are not chargeable income for Special Benefit purposes.

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

Dated this 20th day of August 2023.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development and Employment.