Regional Commissioner's foreword

I am proud to present the Ministry of Social Development’s Auckland Regional Plan for 2009/2010.

The global economic crisis has affected all parts of Auckland’s community. The rise in unemployment has added a further dimension to the unique challenges of Auckland’s size, rate of growth, ethnic diversity and growing youthful and ageing populations. This plan provides an overview of the work we are doing now and into the future to accomplish the Ministry’s aim to help people be successful in their lives.

We are continuing to work with employers and industries so we can understand their changing needs. Knowing their expectations for the future and their workforce needs will help Auckland be ready for the economic upswing.

The amazing commitment and steadfast work of the Ministry’s staff in Auckland make this possible, but we cannot work in isolation. We will continue to build on and strengthen our collaborations across the Ministry and with partners that include industry groups, employers, other social sector agencies, local and central government agencies, and community groups.

The year ahead will be challenging. However, I’m confident that by working together we will find great opportunities to support the people and the region of Auckland to develop and be successful.

This plan highlights some of the initiatives we are undertaking in Auckland. Most of them couldn’t happen without our community, non-government and government groups working with us. As I said at the beginning, now more than ever we need to be working together for Auckland.

Isabel Evans
Regional Commissioner
for Social Development