The number of people on a jobseeker benefit under this government continues to rise.
Latest Ministry of Development figures tell us 143,000 get the benefit, up 10,000 on this time last year.
And not coincidentally, that number has been steadily rising since September 2017.
The number of hardship assistance grants also skyrocketed, up 225,000 compared to a year ago.
Welfare researcher Lindsay Mitchell joined Mike Hosking to discuss the figures.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you