Three weeks ago I highlighted a very disturbing trend in benefit numbers.

In the 10-week period to September 15, 2023 the number of people on a main benefit rose by 6,768 or almost two per cent, whereas, in the 10-week period ending September 16, 2022, the numbers were virtually flat with a very small decrease of 141 recipients.

Image Credit: Lindsay Mitchell

I would like to be able to tell you that the trend has been arrested, but, after the last report was published on 22/9/2023 and showed a further one week increase of 948, the data stopped appearing.

The reason given is “processing delays”.

Perhaps campaign sensitivities might be closer to the truth.

For three weeks now no updated data has been made public.

Image Credit: Lindsay Mitchell

Election day eve is as good a time as ever to remind ourselves that Jacinda Ardern promised New Zealanders the most open and transparent government ever.

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Lindsay Mitchell has been researching and commenting about welfare since 2001. Many of her articles have been published in mainstream media and she has appeared on radio, television and before select committees...