Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended tightening eligibility for jobseekers benefits for young people and encouraged them to do "whatever it takes" to get one.
It comes after the government announced it would be tightening eligibility for Jobseeker benefits for young people.
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.
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".
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo: MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ
"I make no apologies for it. If you want a job you go where the jobs are."
He said parents needed to get their children connected to work, training or education.
"Kids need to go to school... expect them to participate in work, training or education.
"We care about you, we love ya, but don't want to consign you to a life on welfare."
He estimated about 4300 young people would be impacted by the changes.
Luxon also told Morning Report on Monday he couldn't commit to a date for when New Zealand matches Australia's free screening age, as was earlier promised.
Meanwhile, the Green Party has called on the government to ensure the safe return of three New Zealanders aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla and to sanction Israel.
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick urged Luxon to intervene and ensure their safe return.
Luxon reiterated the message to all New Zealanders was very clear - do not go to Gaza.
"It is a war zone. We have had a consular partner on the ground in Tel Aviv meet with the three New Zealanders."
Luxon said he was not going to comment on individual cases due to privacy.
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