The Work of the Taskforce
Taskforce Meetings - key agreements and achievements
August 2009
Family Violence Ministerial Group
The Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Minister Turia has signalled she will be establishing a Family Violence Ministerial Group.
Community Response Fund
The first round of funding closed on 3 July 2009. Just under 300 applications were received. Funding is being allocated via a panel process which is due to conclude in mid August. The second funding round opened on 6 July and is due to close on 25 September 2009.
June 2009
Community Response Fund
The Community Response Fund was announced by The Minister for Social Development and Employment, on 20 May 2009. The fund, up to $40 million in the first year, will be to support those community and voluntary sector organisations facing cost and demand pressures to deliver vital social services.
Family Violence Campaign
The Government has allocated a further $1 million in funding for the Campaign through Budget 2009. The Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment has indicated that the focus of the Campaign going forward will be strengths-based and action-focused. The Campaign will move toward more positive messages about what individuals can do to support themselves and others.
April 2009
2008 calendar year Police crime statistics
The latest Police crime statistics were released on 1 April 2009.
Taskforce progress
The Taskforce discussed the importance of measuring progress over time. They also talked about different ways of working to maximise efforts to eliminate family violence.
The Ministry of Justice Domestic Violence work
In the new Government’s first 100 days, the Ministry of Justice have been working on the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill and the Sentencing (Offender Levy) Bill.
Delegation for Family Violence
Minister Tariana Turia, as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, has been delegated full responsibility for the Government’s response to addressing, and reducing the impact of, family violence. Announced on 31 March 2009.
Farewell for Dr Cindy Kiro
Dr Kiro is due to finish her role as Children’s Commissioner at the end of April 2009. Taskforce members thanked her for her determination, leadership and tenacity.
December 2008
Local Government Family Violence Initiatives
The Campaign for Action on Family Violence is working with a number of local government bodies to promote the Campaign message. Examples of this include Waitakere City billboards and local news spreads, and a march and violence-free day in Nelson/Tasman.
Campaign for Action on Family Violence
Additional resources for the Campaign have been developed. Some messages of change that were recently filmed will be placed on the Are you OK? website.
Elder Abuse and Neglect
The Ministry of Social Development and Age Concern outlined the work that has been done and is continuing on elder abuse neglect prevention, and presented the proposed priorities for further action.
October 2008
The Campaign for Action on Family Violence
An overview of positive Campaign related initiatives was given, including working with local government and sports teams nationwide. The Campaign has now been in action for over a year, since September 2007.
The Family Violence Disability Coalition
Information on the Coalition was given to the Taskforce. The Coalition is working to eliminate violence against disabled people.
The Police Family Violence Policy Review
The review will reflect the changing knowledge and practices within police in relation to family violence and provide a single point of reference for police officers.
2007/2008 Fiscal Year Crime Statistics
The latest crime statistics were discussed.
Australia and New Zealand Police Family Violence Strategy
The New Zealand Police Commissioner and all Police Commissioners from across Australia have signed up to a common family violence strategy. The strategy is complementary to the Taskforce’s programmes of action.
Child Maltreatment Prevention Work Programme
Information on the key projects was given, which include Health, Social Services and Education sector initiatives, as well as working with communities and response to neglect. The Taskforce agreed the work programme.
August 2008
Maori Programme of Action
The draft Maori Programme of Action was agreed by the Taskforce. This programme was developed by the Maori Reference Group, whose vision is "Whanau-Ora for all whanau members arising from strength, safety, identity, integrity and prosperity".
Pacific Programme of Action
The draft Pacific Programme of Action was agreed by the Taskforce. This programme was developed by the Pacific Advisory Group.
Taskforce agencies will identify the specific actions they will lead and support in both the Maori Programme of Action and the Pacific Programme of Action.
Child Maltreatment Prevention Programme of Action
The work programme was presented, including an overview of the strategy for implementation and a brief description of the nine work projects. The Taskforce agreed that child maltreatment prevention be a strategic priority.
Te Rito Family Violence Strategy
The NGO Alliance has undertaken a review of the implementation of Te Rito. It was noted that Te Rito is still very visible in the community. It was agreed that the Taskforce would hold an additional meeting to discuss this review and the next steps to be taken.
Farewell for Dr Rajen Prasad
Dr Prasad finished his role as Chief Families Commissioner on 8 August 2008. Taskforce members thanked him for his contribution and leadership.
April 2008
Child Abuse Programme of Action
The Taskforce's Ongoing Programme of Action includes the development of a strategy to prevent child abuse/maltreatment. The Taskforce agreed a process and approach for developing the strategy.
Maori Reference Group (MRG) Family Violence Whanau Summit
MRG is an advisory group to the Taskforce. On 3-4 April 2008 they held a Family Violence Whanau Summit in the Waikato which was hosted by Tainui and King Tuheitia. The summit confirmed that the safety and well-being of Māori whanau is a priority and identified actions to eliminate and prevent family violence in Māori communities.
Review of the Domestic Violence Act
The Taskforce acknowledged the importance and complexity of this work and the need to consult the NGO sector as much as possible, given the tight timeframes for this work.
Campaign for Action on Family Violence
The Taskforce agreed to undertake formative research on child abuse which considers the impact of family violence on women. The Taskforce will consider this information when agreeing the focus for the campaign's next phase.
