From November 2026, there will be a parental assistance test for jobseekers and equivalent emergency benefits, with the government saying parents who can support their children should do so, instead of the state.<\/p>\n
Luxon said the government did not want to “send a message to young people” that they could “just drift into welfare and that’s it”.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nPrime Minister Christopher Luxon.
\nPhoto: MARIKA KHABAZI \/ RNZ\n<\/p>\n
“I make no apologies for it. If you want a job you go where the jobs are.”<\/p>\n
He said parents needed to get their children connected to work, training or education.<\/p>\n
“Kids need to go to school… expect them to participate in work, training or education.<\/p>\n
“We care about you, we love ya, but don’t want to consign you to a life on welfare.”<\/p>\n
He estimated about 4300 young people would be impacted by the changes.<\/p>\n
Luxon also told Morning Report on Monday he couldn’t commit to a date for when New Zealand matches Australia’s free screening age<\/a>, as was earlier promised.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Green Party has called on the government to ensure the safe return of three New Zealanders<\/a> aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla and to sanction Israel.<\/p>\n Green Party co-leader Chl\u00f6e Swarbrick urged Luxon to intervene and ensure their safe return.<\/p>\n Luxon reiterated the message to all New Zealanders was very clear – do not go to Gaza.<\/p>\n “It is a war zone. We have had a consular partner on the ground in Tel Aviv meet with the three New Zealanders.”<\/p>\n Luxon said he was not going to comment on individual cases due to privacy.<\/p>\n