What share of people are on a benefit in Nelson?

There are about 11.5 main-benefit recipients for every 100 residents aged 15 to 64 in Nelson (Stats NZ's June 2025 provisional estimate of 33,500 people), compared with 12.0 across the 16 regions combined. The rate is 8th lowest of 16 regions. This ratio is calculated from the two published counts; the age bands are not identical.

Poverty and living standards in Nelson, New Zealand: official figures

3,864 working-age people (aged 18 to 64) in Nelson were receiving a main benefit in September 2026, up 4.5% from 3,696 a year earlier. The Ministry of Social Development counts Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Supported Living Payment and other main benefits.

People on a main benefit (Sep 2026)

3,864

2026 Q3

How many people receive Jobseeker Support in Nelson?

In September 2026, Nelson had 1,932 people on Jobseeker Support (5.8 per 100 residents aged 15 to 64, 7th lowest of 16 regions), 612 on Sole Parent Support and 1,302 on the Supported Living Payment. A year earlier the figures were 1,863, 591 and 1,224.

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

Who receives benefits in Nelson?

Māori made up 24.6% of main-benefit recipients with a recorded ethnicity in Nelson in September 2026 (873 of 3,552 people); Pacific Peoples made up 3.0%. Ministry of Social Development tables count people by their recorded ethnic groups, and people can be counted in more than one.

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

How long do people stay on a benefit in Nelson?

75% of main-benefit recipients in Nelson had been on a benefit continuously for more than a year in September 2026 (2,898 people), and 14% were aged 18 to 24 (546). Women were 54% of recipients.

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

How Nelson compares with other regions

Main-benefit recipients per 100 residents aged 15-64, September 2026 (2026 Q3)

Nelson ranks 9 of 16, highest first. Recipients are aged 18-64 (MSD, September 2026); residents aged 15-64 are from Stats NZ June 2025 provisional estimates.

Rank	Region	Main-benefit recipients per 100 residents aged 15-64, September 2026
6	West Coast	15.1
7	Taranaki	14.1
8	Waikato	13.9
9	Nelson	11.5
10	Auckland	10.9
11	Southland	10.8
12	Wellington	10.4

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

Jobseeker Support recipients per 100 residents aged 15-64, September 2026 (2026 Q3)

Nelson ranks 10 of 16, highest first.

Rank	Region	Jobseeker Support recipients per 100 residents aged 15-64, September 2026
7	Hawke's Bay	6.8
8	Auckland	6.7
9	Taranaki	5.8
10	Nelson	5.8
11	Wellington	5.6
12	Marlborough	5.3
13	Tasman	5.0

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

Share of main-benefit recipients on a benefit for more than a year, September 2026 (2026 Q3)

Nelson ranks 10 of 16, highest first.

Rank	Region	Share of main-benefit recipients on a benefit for more than a year, September 2026
7	Waikato	76%
8	Otago	75%
9	Northland	75%
10	Nelson	75%
11	Bay of Plenty	74%
12	Tasman	74%
13	Hawke's Bay	74%

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

More on Nelson: overview · economy and jobs · health · government budget · New Zealand

Sources

Ministry of Social Development: Quarterly Benefit Fact Sheets: Regional Council tables, September 2026 (working-age recipients of main benefits), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b2108068006a…)

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