Maharey pleased WINZ has improved allowance processing

The Social Services and Employment Minister, Steve Maharey, said he was pleased to see that WINZ had improved its processing Community Wage Student (formerly known as student allowance) applications this year.

“It’s great to see that WINZ has got its systems performing better this year. As an Opposition MP last summer I was very critical of the chronic delays in processing applications which left many students penniless and frustrated.

“Labour worked very hard last year holding WINZ and its Minister to account through the select committee and in Parliament and I’m pleased that our work has paid off. Our focus in Government is to make sure that WINZ continues to achieve good results for students.

“Today I met with senior officials from WINZ and was assured that the department has the situation under control. As a responsible Minister I’m always happy to give credit where it is due.

“Students and parents can be assured that I am keeping a close eye on how applications are being handled this year. This Government believes in being an active steward of public services. I will step in to fix any problems which emerge, but I’m happy to say there appears to be none at present”, said Steve Maharey.

Contact: Michael Gibbs, Press Secretary, (04) 471 9154 or (025) 270 9115.

© Scoop Media