While Māori unemployment is rising and jobs for rangatahi are vanishing across hospitality, retail and construction, the government is shifting the cost burden from the state onto struggling parents.
Community groups say rangatahi Māori joblessness could hit 25% this year, yet the government is cutting access to Jobseeker Support for 18 and 19 year olds whose parents earn more than $65,000 combined.
Economist Susan St John from the Child Poverty Action Group told Dale Husband on Radio Waatea, the policy is not only reckless – it’s unexamined.
“It’s a very ill-conceived, ill-presented policy and there’s no impact analysis to show who it harms.”
Critics warn the changes will hit sole parents, whānau Māori, and youth already locked out of jobs, training, or housing especially in the regions.
The Prime Minister calls it “tough love.”
