Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui Regional Plan 2007/2008
Foreword from the Regional Commissioner for Social Development
Greetings!
I am delighted to introduce our Ministry of Social Development Regional Plan. The Plan sets out our priorities and how we will respond to issues that matter to us all. It provides direction for our work over the coming year and a glimpse beyond.
As we are a community of small cities and rural townships, we are generally better connected and close-knit. The collaborative relationships we have developed within both the private and public sectors enable us to get things done. Our achievements typify provincial relationships at their best.
Innovation is likely to have its origins in the regions. We have been able to develop unique and at times cutting edge initiatives that are happening only in our region - notably, addressing stress-related disorders earlier on so that people can return to the workforce sooner. Our signature approach in having our PATHS (Providing Access to Health Solutions) teams based in our Work and Income service centres has enhanced our ability to address people’s health barriers to employment.
Unemployment has plunged in recent years. We have zero youth unemployment in most of our centres. This is a significant milestone due directly to the combined efforts of our frontline staff and our valuable partnerships with employers, industry, councils, providers and agencies.
Supporting families to be safe and strong is vital. Through supporting parents and families, we are helping to ensure that children flourish, young people realise their full potential and older people are valued.
Our frontline staff are critical to our ability to recognise and respond to issues. We have strengthened the capacity of our frontline and regional teams to apply additional rigour to planning and implementing new services successfully. In these exciting, dynamic times, however, it is important we maintain core services that are accessible and of the highest standard. I wish to convey a huge thank you to staff for their continued efforts to achieve service excellence.
As more opportunities unfold, we are well placed to ensure more people share in the social and economic success of our region.
Gloria Campbell
Regional Commissioner for Social Development
