The Ministry of Social Development, Te Manatu Whakahiato Ora, provides strategic social policy advice to the New Zealand Government and provides social services to more than one million New Zealanders including:

• income support, employment services and NZ Superannuation through Work and Income
• care and protection of children and young people, youth justice coordination, adoption information and community organisation funding through Child, Youth and Family
• student allowances and loans through StudyLink
• services to rural clients through Heartland Services
• leadership and coordination of services and programmes that support families through Family and Community Services

The Ministry is also responsible for:

• Ministry of Youth Development
• Office for Disability Issues
• Office for Senior Citizens
• Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector
• SuperGold Card

The Ministry works in partnership with communities to help maximise regional development and employment opportunities.

On this site you will find information about the Ministry and the work we undertake to lead social development towards achieving a better future for all New Zealanders.