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, as part of the Annual General Adjustment, amends certain Ministerial directions and welfare programmes under the Social Security Act 2018. The amendments adjust:

• the appropriate income limits in relation to the Recoverable Assistance Programme, Special Needs Grants Programme, and Advance Payments of Instalments of Benefit to reflect the 5.28% increase in the net average wage over the previous year;
• standard costs in relation to the direction in relation to Special Benefit to reflect a 4.66% increase in the New Zealand Consumers Price Index (CPI) from the December 2022 quarter to the December 2023 quarter (calculated using the CPI All Groups);
• the rate of the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment to align with the highest Childcare Subsidy rate, and to reflect a 4.66% increase in the CPI from the December 2022 quarter to the December 2023 quarter (calculated using the CPI All Groups);
• certain rates and limits in relation to Family Start and Early Start (Childcare Assistance) Programme, New Employment Transition Grant Programme, Seasonal Work Assistance Programme, and Training Incentive Allowance Programme to reflect a 4.66% increase in the CPI from the December 2022 quarter to the December 2023 quarter (calculated using the CPI All Groups);
• the Home Help Programme, to adjust the hourly rate that may be paid to a home helper, in line with the actual 1.98% increase in the adult minimum wage rate from 1 April 2024 (occurring in line with Cabinet’s decision to increase the minimum wage by 2% and then round to the nearest 1 cent);
• the Special Transfer Allowance Programme 2000 to adjust average regional rents to reflect movements in rentals.

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.