1. Question No. 1—Social Development and EmploymentDr EMILY HENDERSON (Labour—Whangārei) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 1—Social Development and Employment1. Dr EMILY HENDERSON (Labour—Whangārei) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent reports has she seen on the effects of changes to the welfare system since 2017?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): Last week Max Rashbrooke reported in The Spinoff what progress has been made by this Government's successive investments to lift incomes pull children out of poverty and help those in need through changes to the welfare system. He concludes in his article that income poverty has decreased overall and that 115000 people have been brought out of poverty since we came into office. This is hard—sometimes technical—work but we are making progress. We're not shying away from putting families first and focusing on what matters most to New Zealanders as we continue to deliver meaningful change in children's and families' lives through the welfare system. We remain focused on easing the pressure for our most vulnerable families.Dr Emily Henderson: What progress has been made for reducing hardship through changes to the welfare system?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Mr Rashbrooke identified progress on three key measures including how many children are in families that find it hard to afford the basics whether living standards are rising over time and how many families report being unable to afford life's basic necessities. Mr Rashbrooke concludes progress has been made on these three measures and we are heading in the right direction. Today 13 percent of children say food runs out sometimes or often compared with 20 percent in 2019. On 2023 Government figures 356000 beneficiaries are estimated to be better off by on average $118 per week which increases to $142 per week during the 2023 winter period. A further 109000 beneficiaries with children are estimated to be better off by on average $190 per week which increases to $222 per week during the 2023 winter period.Dr Emily Henderson: How do those who receive this support feel about their current situation following these changes to the welfare system?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Max Rashbrooke spoke to a range of people. One man was Paul Clutterbuck a 50-year-old Wellingtonian living with multiple rare health conditions. [Interruption] We take this person's situation very seriously unlike the other side of the House. Mr Clutterbuck expressed his support for the changes this Government has made stating I'm grateful for the improvement since Labour came into office." He noted that until the recent benefit increases made by this Government his disposable income had "stagnated terribly" for several decades.Dr Emily Henderson: And what further changes is the Government making this year to improve outcomes for those most in need?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: From 1 April this year we're rolling out further support to 1.4 million New Zealanders including families seniors caregivers students workers and those on main benefits. Examples include 646000 children who will be better off through increases to Working for Families tax credits. In Budget 2023 we continued with the support including 20 hours free early childhood education for two-year-olds scrapping $5 prescription fees and free public transport for under-13s with half-price for under-25s. While these measures won't solve everything they will help to ease some of the pressure. And right now every bit counts when making ends meet."