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Winter Energy Payments Backed Up | Auckland News
Over 24,000 vulnerable New Zealanders, including pensioners and veterans, missed out on crucial winter energy payments due to a catastrophic bureaucratic error. A flawed bill bypassed proper checks, halting payments meant to be exempt from annual verification — a mistake flagged for months. The ministry’s chief executive took blame but remains in place, while Social Development Minister Louise Upston stepped forward to own full responsibility, calling the situation “incredibly frustrating and unacceptable.” She apologized, confirmed all affected were repaid within 48 hours, and pledged to…
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