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The Government is defending the Flexiwage scheme, saying it's a tool to lower unemployment rates, and help people launch their own businesses.
$30 million has been ring fenced for self employment, with weekly payments of $600, and grants for personal business training and start up costs.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni told Mike Hosking 4000 people accessed an earlier version of the scheme last year, with good results.
She says 93 percent stayed in the job, or had left the job but were not back on benefits. 
Sepuloni says the scheme will help up to 40,000 people get jobs.
"One of the issues in the past was that the criteria was unclear, so we've tidied it up so it's more accessible for employers."
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