The latest estimate from the Social Development Ministry shows the average time people spend on a main benefit is around 13 years and four months.  

For people under the age of 25, that figure jumps to more than 20 years. 

Time spent on main benefits is 26% higher than in 2016, following a sustained period of increases under Labour.  

Labour's Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Ryan Bridge any government needs to focus on risk factors that lead to people going on welfare. 

She says that Minister Louise Upston continues to make out that it's going on the benefit itself that is problematic and should be punished, but the reality is that there are other factors involved.  

LISTEN ABOVE