Beneficiaries Left With Meager $251 After Housing Costs

New Zealand beneficiaries are struggling to make ends meet, with an average income of $251 per week after paying rent and other housing costs.

A report from the Ministry of Social Development shows that inflation-adjusted average incomes have continued to drop since 2023, with an average weekly income before housing costs at $486, down from $492 in 2024.

Budgeting advisor Christine Tawhara said she has never seen a beneficiary's budget without a deficit, and many of her clients rely on KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals to cover essential expenses.

'They're not getting by,' Tawhara said. 'There's real stress, and their anxiety levels are quite high.'