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New Zealand Budget Cuts Youth Benefits, Ignites Controversy

5/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a controversial move, New Zealand's Budget 2025 slashes unemployment benefits for 18- and 19-year-olds, pushing support onto parents and impacting nearly 9,000 young lives. Critics fear this will deepen struggles for many. Meanwhile, funding for cancer treatments remains unchanged, education faces cuts, and while local journalism sees a boost, RNZ's budget suffers a $18 million hit.

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Story summary

In a controversial move, New Zealand's Budget 2025 slashes unemployment benefits for 18- and 19-year-olds, pushing support onto parents and impacting nearly 9,000 young lives. Critics fear this will deepen struggles for many. Meanwhile, funding for cancer treatments remains unchanged, education faces cuts, and while local journalism sees a boost, RNZ's budget suffers a $18 million hit.