By Webfit News | 5 October 2025

ACT Party Leader David Seymour has welcomed the Government’s new plan to reduce benefits for 18 and 19-year-olds whose parents earn more than 65,000 dollars a year.

According to Seymour, the change will encourage young people to start working and learning real skills instead of staying at home on welfare payments. He believes this step will help both taxpayers and young New Zealanders who need to become more independent.

Seymour said that it is unfair for people who go to work every day to pay taxes that support teenagers who are not making an effort to find jobs. He added that many businesses across the country are struggling to find local workers and are depending on migrants to fill roles that Kiwi teenagers could easily do.

He called it disappointing that overseas workers show more willingness to work than many young New Zealanders. Seymour said the goal should be to motivate teenagers to build their future through work experience and learning opportunities.

“This is a positive move toward personal responsibility and hard work,” Seymour said. “If an 18-year-old can work, they should be earning and learning, not relying on benefits.”

The ACT Party plans to keep supporting welfare policies that reward effort and reduce dependency on the system.

Source: scoop.co.nz

What the Government Will Change

Starting July 2027, single 18 and 19-year-olds who are unemployed will face a parental assistance test. If their parents can reasonably support them, those young people will no longer qualify for Jobseeker Support or Emergency Benefit.

However, those 18 and 19-year-olds with dependent children, or those estranged from their parents, will still have access to benefits. The Government says the change is meant to push young people toward education, training, or work instead of expecting automatic welfare support.

Around 17800 young people in that age group are expected to be affected in the first two years after the change is in force.

Key New Zealand Rules for Teen Work

There is no fixed minimum age for all work. However, people under 16 have strict limits on their hours.
If you are under 16, you cannot work during school hours or between 10 pm and 6 am on school nights.
Teenagers under 18 cannot work in licensed premises or places with gaming machines.
Young workers under 15 must not do dangerous tasks such as operating machinery or handling hazardous substances.
For wages, 16 and 17-year-olds often start at a starting-out wage if they have worked less than six months. After six months with the same employer, or once they turn 18, they are entitled to the full adult minimum wage, which from 1 April 2025 is 23.50 dollars an hour.

Why Summer Holiday Work Matters Right Now

With Christmas and summer holidays approaching, many teenagers will have a break from school. This is the perfect time for them to find part-time or casual jobs. Even seasonal work in hospitality, retail, delivery, or summer camps can help build skills, earn money, and form healthy work habits early.

If more teenagers take summer jobs, they can avoid long gaps in their work history. That experience helps when applying for future jobs or studying. It also reduces pressure on welfare systems.

Because the Government is tightening benefit rules, young people may feel greater motivation to find jobs during these breaks. For many teens, the summer break offers the flexibility to try work, earn, and experience responsibility.

Challenges and Concerns

Not everyone supports the changes. Some critics argue that telling 18 and 19-year-olds they must rely on parents if possible could hurt those from families under financial strain. Others worry about whether enough job opportunities exist for young people and if wages will be fair.

A recent report shows businesses already struggle to find staff. Encouraging teen work is helpful, but the jobs must be real, safe, and fairly paid.

Conclusion

The upcoming benefit changes and summer season together may mark a turning point. The idea is to discourage idleness and encourage young people to engage in work or study early. The success of this policy will depend on how well the system supports ambitious young people, offers them fair opportunities, and protects them in the workplace.

Source: scoop.co.nz