Minister's foreword

The Ministry of Social Development has a key role in contributing to the Government’s goals. The Ministry lead or is a major contributor to Better Public Service targets aimed at reducing long-term welfare dependence, supporting vulnerable children, increasing the participation of young people in education and training, reducing crime and reoffending, and improving interaction with government.

Over the next four years, the Ministry will build on the success of the recent welfare reforms, strengthen connections across the public sector and with community organisations, and ensure services are focused on the right people, when and where they need it most.

Among those the Ministry and the wider sector are working to protect and support are our most vulnerable children and young people.

I have recently appointed an independent Expert Advisory Panel, tasked with developing a new operating model for our Child, Youth and Family service. This review is part of a wider approach alongside other Government initiatives to support vulnerable children and young people. The new model will ensure the Ministry’s people are supported to do their job to the best of their abilities.

The Ministry is also addressing child hardship through a range of measures that will help New Zealand’s poorest families, as part of a commitment to reduce benefit-dependent households and support people into work.

The Ministry of Social Development purchases more than $330 million of social services every year. A new long-term Community Investment Strategy for social service investment will enable this funding to be targeted where it can make the biggest difference for at-risk children, young people and adults.

Through implementing a more results-focused and evidence-based approach, we can be sure taxpayer money has a positive and beneficial impact, and is spent wisely.

The Government has challenged the Ministry, and the wider social sector, to achieve better outcomes for New Zealanders. This Strategic Intentions document outlines the Ministry’s plans to meet that challenge and deliver results that will support and strengthen our families, our communities and New Zealand.

Hon Anne Tolley
Minister for Social Development