Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regional Plan 2006/2007
Foreword from the Regional Commissioner for Social Development
It is with pleasure that I introduce our Regional Plan for 2006/2007.
This year’s plan is very different. For the first time it shows the whole of the Ministry of Social Development’s priorities for the region, detailing how our different service lines will work individually and collectively for the various sectors of our communities. Our plan is focused on five priorities:
- leading social development to help our people and their communities thrive
- supporting our children, young people and families
- identifying and initiating sustainable employment opportunities for working-age people
- working to improve the wellbeing and community participation of older people
- partnering with our communities to get the most effective results that meet local needs.
While these priorities reflect the Ministry’s Statement of Intent, this plan provides the Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast and Buller perspective on those priorities and shows how we intend to respond.
Leading social development covers a wide range of responsibilities. Our focus is to concentrate on initiatives that have been identified through evidence-based research and community feedback. This means that we can concentrate on projects that have the most relevance to our communities.
Communities with a strong economy, sustainable environment and a focus on social wellbeing are fundamental to better futures. In our social development role we will try to influence change that will address disadvantage. This work will continue to be very reliant on collaboration with community and government stakeholders.
Continuing to help people to secure and retain jobs remains a top priority. With the number of people receiving an unemployment-related benefit declining, there is a growing emphasis on assisting other working-age people who are able, to contribute to the labour market. Where single parents or people with ill health or disabilities wish to work, we can support them to overcome employment barriers, often in partnership with other support services and employers. In our Labour Market Development role we will support community enterprise and partnerships with industry that allow more people to participate and socially aware employers to thrive.
I am delighted with the increased regional input and investment from service lines of the Ministry including Family and Community Services, StudyLink, the Ministry of Youth Development, Senior Services, Work and Income and Benefit Integrity Services. We are working together to ensure that our services are well co-ordinated, accessible and add maximum value to this region. Our combined activities provide the opportunity to connect with thousands of people every year. If we can grasp that opportunity and provide quality information, services and support we can begin to make a difference to issues such as family violence, which is of enormous concern to all New Zealanders.
In closing, I would like to thank our staff who will work hard to make this plan a reality, and the many stakeholders (too many to list), that are dedicated to strong and inclusive communities. Together we will make a difference.
Janine Dowling
Regional Commissioner for Social Development
