SOI 2022 cover

Minister’s foreword

Te Reo | English 

As a Government we are committed to ensuring all New Zealanders have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and live with dignity.

In many cases, achieving this will require the courage to do things differently and readiness to adapt to changing needs.

This Statement of Intent recognises and embraces this need for change. It sets out the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD’s) focus for the next four years and the key social development initiatives that the Government is seeking to progress over that period.

Foremost amongst these initiatives is the Welfare Overhaul work programme. For welfare overhaul to be successful, MSD needs to be able to respond to a changing social landscape and be equipped to deliver effective, timely and mana-enhancing support and services.

This document also sets out the transformation programme MSD is set to embark upon. This programme will support welfare overhaul and enable MSD to achieve its strategic outcomes. It will also fundamentally improve the experiences and outcomes for its clients and their whānau.

I am confident that MSD has the ambition and ability to achieve this change.

With locations in nearly every centre in New Zealand and well-developed networks, MSD is well-placed to reach some of our most vulnerable communities. It is able to work across agencies to get vital support out to those who need it most, and at pace.

There is much more to do – particularly for vulnerable groups that include Māori, Pacific and people who have spent a long time in the welfare system. I expect MSD will:

  • maintain a strong focus on supporting more people into work
  • build strong pathways for our young people to fulfil their potential
  • continue to support those doing the mahi at a regional and community level to ensure the right support is available, at the right time, in the right way
  • strengthen its partnerships, including with NGOs, iwi, industry and community groups, and whānau and family, to support people through challenging and complex situations.

With the strategic path outlined in this document, I believe MSD will continue to keep its foot on the accelerator, using innovation and a commitment to improve as they move forward.

The actions MSD takes now are laying the foundations for a better, fairer future for New Zealanders.

Minister’s statement

I am satisfied that the information on strategic intentions provided by the Ministry of Social Development is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.

Hon Carmel Sepuloni
Minister for Social Development and Employment
September 2022

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