What share of people are on a benefit in Southland?

There are about 10.8 main-benefit recipients for every 100 residents aged 15 to 64 in Southland (Stats NZ's June 2025 provisional estimate of 65,800 people), compared with 12.0 across the 16 regions combined. The rate is 6th lowest of 16 regions. This ratio is calculated from the two published counts; the age bands are not identical.

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

7,122 working-age people (aged 18 to 64) in Southland were receiving a main benefit in September 2026, down 1.0% from 7,197 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)

7,122

2026 Q3

How many people receive Jobseeker Support in Southland?

In September 2026, Southland had 3,201 people on Jobseeker Support (4.9 per 100 residents aged 15 to 64, 3rd lowest of 16 regions), 1,374 on Sole Parent Support and 2,448 on the Supported Living Payment. A year earlier the figures were 3,192, 1,425 and 2,496.

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

Who receives benefits in Southland?

Māori made up 31.0% of main-benefit recipients with a recorded ethnicity in Southland in September 2026 (2,049 of 6,612 people); Pacific Peoples made up 4.2%. 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 Southland?

74% of main-benefit recipients in Southland had been on a benefit continuously for more than a year in September 2026 (5,253 people), and 17% were aged 18 to 24 (1,209). Women were 53% of recipients.

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

How Southland compares with other regions

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

Southland ranks 11 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
8	Waikato	13.9
9	Nelson	11.5
10	Auckland	10.9
11	Southland	10.8
12	Wellington	10.4
13	Marlborough	10.2
14	Canterbury	10.0

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

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

Southland ranks 14 of 16, highest first.

Rank	Region	Jobseeker Support recipients per 100 residents aged 15-64, September 2026
10	Nelson	5.8
11	Wellington	5.6
12	Marlborough	5.3
13	Tasman	5.0
14	Southland	4.9
15	Canterbury	4.5
16	Otago	3.2

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

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

Southland ranks 14 of 16, highest first.

Rank	Region	Share of main-benefit recipients on a benefit for more than a year, September 2026
10	Nelson	75%
11	Bay of Plenty	74%
12	Tasman	74%
13	Hawke's Bay	74%
14	Southland	74%
15	Marlborough	74%
16	Auckland	73%

Source: Ministry of Social Development · saved copy

More on Southland: 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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