New law to see extra $20 a week in sole parents' pockets
The law will see weekly child support payments collected by Inland Revenue passed on directly to eligible sole parents from July 1.
Currently child support payments are collected and used to offset the cost of the benefit paid to parents on the sole parent rate.
Parents will also no longer be required to apply for child support to receive their benefits.
"This change is estimated to lift as many as 14,000 children out of poverty," Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni said. "The first payments will be passed on to parents from August 22, 2023.
"We firmly believe that money intended for children should not be withheld by the Government, and go towards their well-being."
Revenue Minister David Parker added that the move will see sole parents "treated the same" as other beneficiaries.
"If parents know that the child support they pay will get to their own children, it will also encourage more parents to pay," he said.
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Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Auckland’s Angels appeal gets helping hand from Auckland Council
🎄✨ Christmas is just around the corner, and we're proud to support the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland’s Angels appeal to help those in need this festive season! 🪽
🎁 Have unwrapped gifts or food donations at home? Drop them off at our libraries or pools and leisure recreation centres between 2–19 December.