Statement of Intent 2006 - Foreword - Minister for Social Development and Employment
The Government is committed to maintaining New Zealand’s sound economic and employment progress of the past few years. We have three priorities for the next decade: economic transformation, families young and old, and national identity.
Economic transformation is about creating a knowledge-based, high-income economy with opportunities for everyone. Families – young and old is about supporting families to be strong and safe for their members. National identity is about all New Zealanders taking pride in who we are. The Ministry will be a key player in supporting families – young and old, and will also be a key contributor to economic transformation through the employment services it provides.
This Statement of Intent sets out the work the Ministry of Social Development will do over the next three years to support and strengthen a prosperous, vibrant, and safe society.
During this time, the Ministry will implement the final stages of the Working for Families package, which aims to make it easier to work and raise a family. The Ministry is also implementing changes to create a simpler social assistance system. Over the next year, the Ministry will further develop the Core Benefit, and expand its programmes to help people into long-term jobs.
The merger with Child, Youth and Family on 1 July 2006 is a key focus for the Ministry, and will make a big difference to our work. We will really see the benefits of the merger in the area of supporting families – young and old. Both agencies complement each other in terms of their respective interests in families, including early intervention programmes like Family Start. Preventing family violence will also be a key priority this year.
For older New Zealanders, the Ministry will work on developing a card for Seniors and continue to focus on providing more seamless services.
Crucial to the success of all this work will be the work the Ministry does with others. Collaboration is the basis of the Ministry’s work to lead social development, co-ordinating investment and activity across the whole social sector.
The work of the Ministry of Social Development and of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services has a profound effect on the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. The year ahead will be one of change, adjustment and growth for both agencies. I am confident they will maximise the benefits of the merger, and will make a strong and positive contribution to the Government’s priorities for economic transformation, families – young and old, and national identity. I confirm that the information in this Statement of Intent is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.
David Benson-Pope
Minister for Social Development and Employment
