Central Regional Plan 2007/2008
Foreword from the Regional Commissioner for Social Development
Greetings from the Central region.
I am delighted to present our second Ministry of Social Development Regional Plan, and share with you our goals and challenges for this coming year.
Social development is an approach that provides equal opportunity and a fair go for everyone. As Regional Commissioner for Social Development, I will continue to champion a social development approach both within and outside of our Ministry. I know that many people go about their lives with minimum help from agencies such as ourselves. However there are some people for whom access to government and community assistance is vital or who at times just need a helping hand to move forward with their lives. For these people, social development in action provides a pathway to wellbeing.
We have been working hard to help our clients and communities move towards greater levels of independence during a period of sustained low unemployment and good economic growth. There are more people taking up employment, training and study opportunities. Working for Families assistance has provided a major financial boost to working families and parents are being supported to raise their children in more positive ways. Family violence, however, is an area we have dedicated specialised people and resources to.
Bringing about positive changes in our society does not happen without a lot of hard work and commitment. I would like to personally thank all of our staff who make a positive difference in our community. I would especially like to acknowledge our Child, Youth and Family staff who joined us last year.
I would also like to acknowledge our partners and stakeholders, such as local and central government agencies, iwi, employers, education providers and volunteer community groups. To achieve success, we cannot work alone and we continue to value your support.
This year, important issues for us are supporting families, and continuing to work closely with other agencies on mutual issues. Helping more people to upskill and obtain paid work are also priorities. We are well equipped to make a real contribution to improving the lives of people in our communities. By working well together we will enable the fruits of our region's social and economic benefits to be shared with our communities, including those people who are most disadvantaged. We may not have all the answers but put simply it is about helping people to help themselves.
Penny Rounthwaite
Regional Commissioner for Social Development
