Luxon and Upston apologise after 14,862 pensioners wrongly lose Winter Energy Payment

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Social Development Minister Louise Upston have apologised after 14,862 superannuitants and veterans had their Winter Energy Payment wrongly stopped between 1 May and 7 August. The error arose from legislation passed under urgency that failed to exclude the automatic payment from a 52-week re-confirmation requirement. All affected payments have been resumed and backdated. Luxon has ordered an after-action review.