From November 2026, 18- and 19-year-olds will need to pass a “Parental Assistance Test” before they can access Jobseeker Support. To receive the benefit, their parents will need to earn less than a combined $65,529.
Christopher Luxon says, “It’s an incredibly exciting world, but the world doesn’t owe you a living and nor, except in limited circumstances, do taxpayers.” New Zealand’s unemployment rate is 5.2% as of June 2025, the highest it has been since 2020.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.