Andrews stands by NZ dole claims

Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews is standing his ground over accusations he fabricated facts about New Zealand's welfare system.

Labor says the minister's claims that Kiwis applying for benefits have to wait one month before they can get welfare are untrue.

Opposition families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin says Mr Andrews has misled the public in order to sell the coalition's plans to force unemployed under-30s to wait six months before they can get benefits.

Mr Andrews stood by his claim when quizzed about it in parliament on Tuesday.

New Zealanders applying for benefits were subject to a waiting period contingent on them undertaking certain job activities, he said.

However, a New Zealand social policy expert says beneficiaries do not need to wait a month for welfare but are subject to a "stand-down" period of at least a week.

Applicants must complete certain activities, such as job search or resume preparation, before they can obtain payment, says Auckland Institute of Public Policy academic Michael Fletcher.

While Mr Andrews claims that has led to four in 10 people staying off welfare, Mr Fletcher cast doubt on its effectiveness.

He said the NZ policy may be leading to people finding work, but it may also be creating hardship for those who do not find it.

"We simply do not know yet," he told AAP.