Minister seeking tougher accommodation supplement criteria claims $1000 a week housing allowance

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Social Development Minister Louise Upston wouldn’t answer questions about her $1000 per week accommodation allowance.

Upston introduced a bill last week that would increase the housing cost threshold from 30% to 40% of income for homeowners claiming accommodation supplements.

She would not say whether she would meet that eligibility threshold.

Louise Upston wouldn’t answer questions about whether she would meet the eligibility threshold she is seeking to enforce for New Zealanders claiming accommodation supplements from the Government.

MPs who live outside of Wellington are entitled to an accommodation allowance to pay for housing in the capital.

Ministerial expense claims show the social development minister claims $1000 per week, while the pecuniary interests register shows she jointly owns an apartment in Wellington. It does not show any mortgage debts owed.

The amount Upston claimed last year was $52,000, on top of her $320,600 ministerial salary.

For other New Zealanders receiving accommodation support from the Government, Upston introduced a bill last week that would amend the eligibility criteria for homeowners.

At the moment, households can claim an accommodation supplement if their total cash assets are worth no more than $8100 (or $16,200 for a couple).

The maximum a household can claim, if they meet certain income tests, is $305 a week. But they have to contribute at least 30% of their income to housing costs before they are eligible.

If Upston’s bill passes, that threshold will increase to 40% for households that own their home.

For families with children, the estimated average reduction in entitlement would be $42 per week.

At the time, Upston said it was a matter of fairness.

“The AS calculation has not changed for 33 years, and those with unsubsidised housing costs now generally pay a higher proportion of their income towards housing,” she said.

“This rebalances that to make it fairer.”

Upston wouldn’t answer Stuff’s questions on Thursday about whether she contributes more than 40% of her income towards her accommodation costs. MPs are not subject to a minimum contribution requirement before receiving their allowance.

She suggested we direct our questions to her office. Her office said the minister had nothing to add to supplement the publicly available information.