Media Releases - 2006

The Ministry of Social Development's Chief Executive Peter Hughes has welcomed the conviction of Wayne Patterson who today pleaded guilty to multiple fraud and forgery changes in the Waitakere District Court.

The SuperGold Card launched today will provide meaningful discounts across a range of services and products to seniors, says Associate Minister for Senior Citizens Winston Peters.

The public is being asked to provide feedback on a code of practice for Home Equity Conversion Schemes, Minister for Senior Citizens Ruth Dyson announced today.

A number of changes will be made to the Social Security legislation to align, update and simplify benefit provisions in April, July and September 2007.

Work in paid employment offers the best opportunity for people and their families to achieve social and economic wellbeing. Over the next year, the Working New Zealand: Work-Focused Support programme has a focus on getting the right services and support in place for people to get into work.

Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope has announced new measures to provide intensive employment support to every New Zealander who is receiving a benefit and is able to work.

The Job Search Service is Work and Income's new 13 week job search support programme for Unemployment Benefit clients and any people who are receiving other benefits who choose to take part.

More than 5,000 families stand to benefit from increases to childcare and OSCAR subsidies, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope announced today.

The Ministry of Social Development today announced it will be purchasing Curam software for its new Client Management System.

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope has announced the government's new initiative to support vulnerable families to be safe and secure and give their children the best start in life.

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope has announced a cross-government Action Plan to improve outcomes for young people and reduce youth offending in Counties Manukau and Otahuhu.

A package of services aimed at helping children achieve the best possible start in life is receiving over $7 million of Government funding, Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope announced today.

The Ministry of Social Development today welcomed Salvation Army research on men living on their own.

The Social Report 2006, released today by the Ministry of Social Development, shows that New Zealanders' social wellbeing is continuing to improve.

The Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families First Report identifies four key areas of actions to reduce family violence. The plan released today emphasises specific progress the Taskforce aims to achieve in improving action on leadership, changing attitudes and behaviours, ensuring safety and accountability, and effective support services.

A Child, Youth and Family report on child death from maltreatment confirms the need for government and community agencies to work together in reducing child abuse.

Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Peter Hughes today challenged the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services to use its influence constructively rather than destructively.

New Zealand Living Standards 2004 Report, released today by the Ministry of Social Development, shows that three in four New Zealanders report having a fairly comfortable to very good living standard.

"The Bay of Plenty 211 pilot phone service has the potential to provide a non-emergency phone service to relieve demand on emergency services," said Richard Wood, the Deputy Chief Executive of Family and Community Services.

Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Peter Hughes has condemned the actions of a former Work and Income case manager who abused his position of trust to defraud the Ministry.

Comprehensive employment help will be available to all Work and Income clients regardless of their benefit type under a new case management approach launched today by Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope.

Benefits and student allowances will increase from 1 April 2006 and income thresholds for the Community Services Card will rise, Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope said today.

Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Peter Hughes is promising minimum disruption for staff and services in merging the Department of Child, Youth and Family with the Ministry of Social Development.

A major Australasian conference on child abuse and neglect provides an opportunity for young Kiwis to have their say on this important issue. Over 800 people are expected to attend the Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect (ACCAN) which will be opened by the Governor General, Dame Sylvia Cartwright and takes place over three days from 14-16 February. The conference theme: Kia Puawai Nga- Tamariki Blossoming of our children - Resilience, Rights, Responsibilities

Anyone planning tertiary study this year is being reminded that the time to apply for a Student Allowance is right now.