Tangible Government Actions - Social Cohesion consultation
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Background information on tangible Government actions
As a reminder, one of the recommendations by Cabinet directed us to work with communities to provide advice to Government on how we can:
“Build on the Government’s existing work programme through tangible government actions in the short-, medium- and long-term to improve social cohesion”.
What do we mean by “short-, medium-, and long-term”?
Short-term
These are Actions that are taken in one to two years.
These tend to be actions that government agencies have already planned to do or are achievable with the existing resources
For example, these may include the establishment of new grant funds, establishing and running programmes, or implementing legislation that has been passed
As a result of those actions, you would expect to see:
- attitude change
- increased skill-level
- motivation
Medium-term
These are actions taken in two to five years:
These are actions that are larger programmes, may involve more steps or more coordination. They include actions to address system change. They will take more time to get right. E.g., a medium to long-term action of the Welfare Overhaul is to reset the foundations of the welfare system.
As a result of those actions, you would expect to see:
- Increased capacities
- Changes in practice
- Decision-making polices
- Social action
Long-term
These are actions to be taken in the next five years+:
These actions tend to be more ambitious and could take much longer times, including more than one generation to achieve. The actions can also be changing the way institutions work and work with each other, or the way society responds to an issue. For example, the long-term actions of Kia Manawanui, the ten-year roadmap for transforming Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to mental wellbeing, is to embed changes to give effect to a joined-up, cross-sector and people- and whānau-centred approach, with a strong focus on learning and adjusting activities as we build our understanding and evidence base, including mātauranga Māori natural taonga, our economy and primary sector.
What does “tangible” mean?
“Tangible” actions are actions you can see and notice. They are clear, real and definite.
The aim is to provide a package of actions that the Government could take to improve cohesion. These will be a very wide range of policies across a large number of areas, where we can build in more belonging in all the work that Government does (for example, health or education settings).
What has the Social Cohesion team done so far?
The Social Cohesion team has talked with many people and communities and collected a range of actions that people think the government can take. Below are the themes the communities suggested:
- tackling discrimination in Aotearoa New Zealand
- transforming the education system and curriculum
- transforming Government structures, systems and processes
- empowering and supporting young people and children
- empowering and enabling communities
- recognising Māori and Tino Rangatiratanga
- inclusive immigration policy
- environmental sustainability
- addressing welfare issues and inequities
- improving the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand
The Social Cohesion team is identifying what actions are already in progress and where there may be gaps that, if filled, could foster social cohesion.
So far, they have found that there is already a lot of work underway in all the theme areas, however they consider that there is some value in providing a more co-ordinated and joined approach to Government’s work.
The Social Cohesion team wants your feedback
At this development stage of the policy products, the team wants to hear your initial views on their approach to tangible Government actions. The questions below may guide your input.
- Are there any more themes the Social Cohesion team should consider?
- Which themes should Government prioritise?
- Which theme areas need a more coordinated Government approach? And why?
