MSD’s Frontline Focus Boosts Job Placements and Work Readiness in NZ

According to MSD’s latest data, the ministry delivered 80,000 proactive appointments in June 2025, a 60 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Minister for Social Development and Employment, Louise Upston, has praised the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) strong progress in connecting jobseekers with employment opportunities, highlighting the success of its proactive, partnership-driven approach. The initiative, built around MSD’s regional “Into Work” workshops and expanded engagement with jobseekers, is driving tangible results in helping more New Zealanders transition from benefits into sustainable jobs.

Upston said she has been encouraged by the enthusiasm and feedback from employers participating in the workshops. “Employers at these workshops consistently tell me they find well-prepared, work-ready staff through MSD. A key driver for this has been MSD increasing its proactive engagement with jobseekers so they’re primed and ready for roles,” she said.

Proactive Approach Yields Results

According to MSD’s latest data, the ministry delivered 80,000 proactive appointments in June 2025, a 60 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. These appointments include intensive one-on-one support, personalised career advice, and targeted initiatives that equip jobseekers with the skills and confidence needed to enter or re-enter the workforce.

One of the cornerstones of this proactive engagement strategy is the Kōrero Mahi seminar series, which Jobseeker Support clients are required to attend. These in-person workshops offer practical, hands-on guidance to help individuals prepare for employment. Topics covered include CV preparation, job search strategies, interview skills, and even assistance in obtaining a driver’s licence — a critical requirement for many roles, particularly outside major urban centres.

“These seminars are about empowering jobseekers,” Upston explained. “They provide the practical tools and motivation needed to secure meaningful employment. For many people, it’s about confidence as much as it is about skills.”

Strong Partnerships with Employers

MSD’s ‘Into Work’ regional workshops have become a vital platform for connecting employers with ready-to-work candidates. The sessions facilitate direct conversations between jobseekers and local businesses, helping employers fill vacancies more efficiently while ensuring that jobseekers are matched with suitable roles.

Employers across sectors — including retail, logistics, healthcare, construction, and hospitality — have expressed strong support for MSD’s renewed focus on practical, collaborative approaches to workforce development. Many employers have noted improvements in candidate readiness, reliability, and communication skills.

Upston said these partnerships are essential in ensuring that government efforts align with the realities of the labour market. “The best results happen when government agencies and employers work hand in hand. MSD’s regional partnerships are a perfect example of how collaboration at the local level delivers national impact,” she said.

Employment Outcomes Improving Despite Challenges

Despite ongoing economic headwinds, New Zealand’s labour market is showing positive signs of resilience. In the June 2025 quarter, MSD recorded a 12 percent increase in Jobseeker benefit exits compared with the same quarter in 2024 — meaning 1,866 more clients successfully moved from welfare into employment.

Upston attributed this progress to MSD’s emphasis on personalised, face-to-face support and accountability. “We know the faster we can help beneficiaries — especially young people — find sustainable employment, the better the outcomes for them, their families, and our economy,” she said.

The government’s broader employment strategy also includes targeted initiatives to address youth unemployment, regional skills shortages, and barriers faced by long-term jobseekers. The goal, Upston explained, is not just to reduce benefit numbers but to help people build lasting careers.

A Sustainable Pathway to Work

As part of its long-term vision, MSD continues to strengthen its regional networks and employer partnerships while investing in digital tools to improve access to employment support. Jobseekers can now access career planning resources, training opportunities, and job-matching tools online, while still benefiting from in-person coaching and mentoring.

MSD’s focus on practical, human-centered solutions reflects a shift in employment policy towards early intervention and empowerment. “We’re helping people take charge of their futures,” Upston said. “When individuals succeed in finding meaningful work, our communities thrive, and the country becomes stronger.”

The Ministry plans to expand its proactive engagement efforts through the remainder of 2025, with more workshops, employer collaboration programmes, and region-specific initiatives designed to boost job placements and workforce participation across all sectors.