carmel sepuloni

Labour's defending its work in the benefit space when in government, saying it takes time for change to occur. 

Social Development Minister Louise Upston's announced a ramp up of work check-ins for jobseekers, with sanctions for those who don't meet obligations, starting in June. 

Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Mike Hosking that when she was minister, there were record levels of people leaving benefits to get into employment. 

But she says there were a lot of people coming onto the benefit who didn't necessarily have the skills to match the jobs that were out there, which is why they invested in upskilling and training. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's accusing National of beating up on the vulnerable with its new welfare scheme. 

The opposition is promising to introduce traffic light style sanctions to those on the dole who aren't meeting Jobseeker requirements.  

A red light breach could mean reductions, mandatory work experience, and someone's money being managed by WINZ. 

Labour's Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Tim Dower that it's in line with previous National parties, she's still surprised by the timing.  

She says given the challenges the country is facing, she was disgusted by the timing of the announcement. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's accusing National of beating up the vulnerable with its new welfare scheme. 

The opposition is promising to introduce traffic light style sanctions to those on the dole who aren't meeting Jobseeker requirements.  

A red light breach could mean reductions, mandatory work experience, and someone's money being managed by WINZ. 

Labour's Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Tim Dower that it's in line with previous National parties, she's still surprised by the timing.  

She says given the challenges the country is facing, she was disgusted by the timing of the announcement. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says it's taking a long-term approach to reducing youth crime. 

In Auckland, a 16-year-old boy has been charged over Monday's fatal bus station attack, the victim's family revealing he was a 24-year-old alleged 501 deportee from Australia. 

And in Christchurch, an 18-year-old learner driver is facing charges over Sunday's fatal Rangiora crash, with new figures revealing Canterbury has been facing a sharp rise in serious boy racer incidents. 

Labour's Carmel Sepuloni told Kate Hawkesby that she understands community concerns about youth crime, but there is no easy short-term fix. 

She says the Government has to continue to do what works to reduce crime over the long term. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says it's taking a long-term approach to reducing youth crime. 

In Auckland, a 16-year-old boy has been charged over Monday's fatal bus station attack, the victim's family revealing he was a 24-year-old alleged 501 deportee from Australia. 

And in Christchurch, an 18-year-old learner driver is facing charges over Sunday's fatal Rangiora crash, with new figures revealing Canterbury has been facing a sharp rise in serious boy racer incidents. 

Labour's Carmel Sepuloni told Kate Hawkesby that she understands community concerns about youth crime, but there is no easy short-term fix. 

She says the Government has to continue to do what works to reduce crime over the long term. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a mood of celebration and a message of unity at this weekend's commemorations at Waitangi.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is among thousands of people who have been braving the rain to attend a dawn service and flag raising ceremony on the Treaty Grounds.

Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is spending today at West Auckland's Hoani Waititi Marae, after spending the weekend at Waitangi.

Carmel Sepuloni observed that Chris Hipkins' speech from this morning was well-received and genuine.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Tuesday.

To start off the year they discuss Jacinda Ardern's shock resignation, how Chris Hipkins will perform  as Prime Minister and what policy changes he needs to make.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.