LINDSAY MITCHELL: Most open and transparent government ever

Three weeks ago I highlighted a very disturbing trend in benefit numbers.

In the ten-week period to September 15, 2023 the number of people on a main benefit rose by 6,768 or almost two percent, whereas in the ten-week period ending September 16, 2022 the numbers were virtually flat with a very small decrease of 141 recipients.

I would like to be able to tell you that the trend has been arrested but after the last report was published on 22/9/2023 and showed a further one week increase of 948 the data stopped appearing.

The reason given is "processing delays".

Perhaps campaign sensitivities might be closer to the truth.

For three weeks now no updated data has been made public.

Election day eve is as good a time as ever to remind ourselves that Jacinda Ardern promised New Zealanders the most open and transparent government ever.

Lindsay Mitchell blogs here