LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN
East Coast
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Cover Photos Left: Assisting clients living in rural communities into work. Centre: Year 12 students hard at study at Tamatea High School in Napier.
Right: Harvest time at Delegats vineyard, Crownthorpe in Hastings.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development:
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Contents
Achieving Better Social Outcomes Together
Opportunities for Action
in the East Coast
2
3 Moving Forward
8
Leading Social Development
9
Helping our Children, Young People
and Families Succeed
13 Improving Opportunities for
Working Age People
19 Enhancing the Wellbeing
of Older East Coasters Partnering with Communities
25 28 LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Achieving Better Social Outcomes Together
Our Ministry of Social Development
possible start in life; and that anyone
2006/2007 Regional Plan sets out the
accessing our services is guided through
priorities and direction for the East
to the right place to get the help they
Coast region. It paints a picture of how
need. Our merger with the Department
we intend to achieve the things that will
of Child, Youth and Family Services on
make a real difference in the lives of
1 July 2006 strengthens our ability to
this region’s families and communities.
achieve these outcomes.
We can’t do this alone! We need to
Record low unemployment presents
be well connected to our central and
a new set of opportunities for us.
local government partners. By working
Although the number of working-age 1 in partnership with the people of East
New Zealanders receiving a benefit has
Coast, our communities will get an
decreased significantly in the last five
accessible service that meets their
years, some groups remain at risk of
needs.
long-term benefit receipt, and therefore
Within the Ministry we have a growing
number of regional services and
activities. Under the leadership of
the Regional Commissioner for Social
lower living standards. There is a real
opportunity for us to focus on the groups
that need extra help to move in to and
hold on to sustainable employment.
Development the challenge is to ensure
We have set these goals because we
that these services are aligned, strongly
know that if they are achieved they will
led and tightly focused on the social
contribute positively to the wellbeing
development outcomes that matter.
of the people of the East Coast region,
Families are under pressure. Experience
shows that they face many challenges. they will enrich your communities and
improve the lives of all New Zealanders.
We strive to support parents and families
We look forward to working to achieve
to ensure all children get the best
these goals with you!
Peter Hughes
Chief Executive
1.
Footnote.
Working-age people are those aged between 18 to 64 years (inclusive).
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Opportunities for Action in the East Coast
Our region extends from Potaka in the north of East Cape to Takapau in the
southern Hawke’s Bay. It incorporates a number of iwi including Rongo-whakaata,
Ngäti Tämanuhiri, Te Aitanga ä Mähaki, Ngati Porou, Rongomai Wahine and Ngati
Kahungunu. We have six local authorities and two district health boards.
There are 186,918 people living in the region. This population is spread over
two areas; Gisborne district with 24% and the Hawkes Bay with 76% of the total
population 2.
Compared with national statistics, we have some unique features including a youthful
population, with 25% being under the age of 15; this will continue to place demand
on youth services over the next 10 years. A high proportion of us identify as Mäori,
29% compared to 14.7% for New Zealand, so continuing to support services which
meet Mäori needs is important 3. While the majority of people live in the cities of
Napier, Hastings and Gisborne, 16.7% are spread throughout our rural communities 4.
Ensuring essential services reaches all these groups is a challenge to be addressed
by many agencies including those from health, education, justice and social services
(which includes Housing New Zealand; the Department of Building and Housing;
Child, Youth and Family Services; and ourselves).
Making the most of the East Coast environment and culture, a group of tourists take a guided horse trek
along the East Cape beaches.
2.
3.
4.
Census of Population and Dwellings, Community Profile, Census 2001, Statistics New Zealand.
Ibid.
Census of Population and Dwellings, Regional Summary, Census 2001, Statistics New Zealand.
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for Action in the East Coast
“The mix of referrals (to Career
Connexions) has been right across
the board… it shows that everyone
wants help with their kids
regardless of their background”.
Geoff Meade
Manager
Career Connexions
The East Coast has many positives
The agricultural, processing, manufact-
including a great climate with high
uring, construction, retail, tourism,
sunshine hours supporting a thriving
transport and social services industries
horticulture and viticulture industry.
have driven high economic growth. Our environment supports many of the
In 2005, Gisborne had rapid economic
activities connected with the growing
growth of 4.4% compared with 2.9%
tourism industry. Mäori culture and
nationally 7. There has been an associated
identity is thriving in our region and this
10.3% growth in jobs in the region since
is illustrated by the number of Mäori
2004, compared to 6.1% nationally 8.
speakers, for example 34% of Mäori This level of demand on the labour
in the Gisborne District speak Te Reo and
market, particularly during the harvesting
there are a number of active marae. and processing season has created
Our community is very physically active,
labour-market shortages in the region.
with 70% of adults regularly participating
in sport and active leisure 5.
Our challenge is to sustain economic
and job growth while addressing
However, we have challenges as well
these challenges. We can only do
including poor health, which has been
this by working alongside individuals,
featured in reports from both the
communities, government and non-
Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay District
government partners.
Health Boards. In recent years, economic
growth has contributed to improvements
in the living standards of many, but the
region still has low to medium wages
compared to the rest of New Zealand.
We have a median personal income of
$16,700 for Hawke’s Bay and $15,300
for Gisborne, compared to $18,500
nationally 6. Poor health and low incomes
have a ‘cause and effect’ impact on
housing, low educational achievement
and personal and community safety,
where we also compare poorly with the
rest of the country.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The Social Report 2005, Regional Indicators, Ministry of Social Development.
Census of Population and Dwellings, Community Profile, Census 2001, Statistics New Zealand.
Regional Economic Activity, National Bank of New Zealand, September 2005.
Household Labour Force Survey, 31 March 2004 - 31 March 2006, Statistics New Zealand.
Key issues for the
coming year
Our conversations with community
groups, local government, iwi authorities
and other government agencies
consistently identified five issues
affecting our communities. These impact
both an individual’s and the community’s
ability to reach their potential and
develop thriving communities for
everyone.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Opportunities for Action in the East Coast
• Personal debt may result in financial hardship, can increase stress in families and stop people moving into work, as they fear higher debt repayments will make them financially worse off than being on a benefit.
The season for working
• Some of our youth are missing out on opportunities in education and employment. We must intervene early, before problems occur, investing our time and focus on helping them achieve their full potential. Providing support to our youth now will lead to positive outcomes for the whole community.
• Our rural communities face challenges including fewer job opportunities, higher unemployment, lower incomes, difficulty accessing quality housing and access to services including health care can be costly.
• Many people in the region are facing barriers that inhibit them from moving into work including poor education, access to childcare services, family violence, poor health and financial hardship. Living with these barriers makes accessing work or training difficult, and this in turn affects their economic and social security and
independence.
• To achieve positive community outcomes and provide opportunities for groups to work together we need to increase opportunities for collaboration between community organisations, government agencies, local authorities and employers to generate solutions for community issues. Collaboration also allows us to provide the best service to people at the right time, help agencies manage their workload and provides a forum to share information, expertise and training.
There are three further issues that are relevant to the work we are doing now and will
form part of our future focus.
• The proportion of people aged over 65 years will continue to increase as people are living longer and are healthier. We must consider how we meet the needs of an ageing population, to deliver services that support them both now and in the future.
• During our engagement with community and our staff, it was identified that many of the behaviours which create barriers to potential later in life begin with our youth aged 11 to 13 years. We must address how better support can be provided to this
group, in partnership with our communities.
• The Community Outcomes and Long Term Council Community Planning processes offer some real opportunities to partner with communities and work more closely with local authorities to achieve great outcomes.
It is essential for us to work with our partners to maximise the East Coast region’s
people and resources and meet the challenges we have outlined. Together we can plan
a way forward.
Some of our Flaxmere clients have been
involved in a seasonal work initiative,
meeting with our staff to discuss
seasonal employment opportunities while
ensuring they are receiving their correct
entitlement to income support. Two work brokers were on hand during
the meetings to place people into
immediate vacancies. Eighty people were
successfully moved into work, with the
support of all of the assistance available
to them including Working for Families. A further positive outcome for these
clients included assisting them to move
into work with no added debt, thanks to the input of our Benefit Integrity
Services staff. Pictured during a meeting are from left,
Lawrence Nathan, Flaxmere client; Lisa Watkins, Benefit Integrity Services;
and Kylee Holgate, Flaxmere Case
Manager.
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for Action in the East Coast
Our role
Knowledge is power
We want to better understand the
sets out how we are implementing the
issues for East Coasters, and to build
Ministry’s vision in the East Coast region
partnerships that create opportunities
to develop and improve opportunities
and growth in our region. We are already
for our children, youth and families;
achieving this by leading initiatives,
working-age people; older people; and
collaborating with other government
communities. Each of our business units
agencies and organisations and delivering
in the Service Delivery Cluster and the
policy and services that invest in our
Ministry of Youth Development have a
people and communities.
part to play in improving wellbeing and
Our Statement of Intent 9 sets out the
direction we are heading in and what
we want to achieve nationally. This plan
Reducing barriers to learning is the single
most significant factor in educational
success for our young parents. We believe
education will empower these young
mothers with the knowledge they need for
positive and successful futures.
Work and Income childcare co-ordinators
and Benefit Integrity Services staff
regularly visit the Teen Parent Units at
William Colenso College and Lytton
High School. Having an opportunity to
talk with the parents about their benefit
entitlements and additional assistance
that may be provided through the
Working for Families package is great. We also explain the importance of
advising us of any changes in
circumstances that may impact on their
benefit entitlements and the process of
applying for child support.
implementing this vision for people in
the East Coast. The services with those
delivery responsibilities are detailed
below.
Ministry of Social Development organisational structure
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Corporate, Governance and Risk Cluster
Specialist Services
Service Delivery
Policy Cluster
Cluster
Work and Income
Family and
Community Services
Ministry of Youth Development
William Colenso Teen Parent School
student Jessica Rayner is pictured with
her daughter Tasha.
Including StudyLink, Senior Services, Benefit Integrity Services
9.
Moving Forward with Confidence: Statement of Intent 2006/2007, Ministry of Social Development.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Opportunities for Action in the East Coast
• StudyLink administer Student Loans and Student Allowances, and provides information to help students make informed decisions and to complete their study
with the least debt possible. We also work alongside education providers and student
bodies to ensure we are providing the best service possible.
• Senior Services manages three key areas of work. On behalf of the Ministry of Giving students
exceptional support
Health, we administer the Community Services Card, which gives people access to lower cost health care; International Services administers the payment of pensions to people who come to New Zealand from overseas, and New Zealanders who leave the country; and War Pension Services administers pensions to veterans on behalf of Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand. Senior Services main client group is people aged 65 years plus, however younger New Zealanders also receive their services.
• Benefit Integrity Services helps to ensure clients are receiving their correct entitlement to financial assistance with an emphasis on preventing and minimising debt and fraud.
• Work and Income supports people who need help getting work, provides financial assistance to people who are on low incomes or not working and addresses labour market issues. We work with people in the region to find solutions to the issues that make it difficult for business and community growth. This work is carried out through our 11 service centres, four outreach services and regional office staff.
• Family and Community Services co-ordinates government and non-government organisations to support families to be well resourced, violence-free and connected to their communities. Our goal is to build connected communities and strong and resilient families.
• The Ministry of Youth Development promotes the interests of young people aged 12 to 24 years. We encourage and assist young people to be involved in their communities so they are able to reach their full potential.
These business units deliver services to, policy for and engage with a wide range of
people in the East Coast community and we will continue to work with the community
to make a difference for our people.
The StudyLink Outreach Centre at
the Eastern Institute of Technology in
Taradale offers students information and
support to move into tertiary education. One student’s mother described the
service as exceptional. She went on to
say, “…everything was explained to us
in a manner that was clear and easy to
understand”.
Pictured from left are Margaret Fennessy,
Student Job Search Officer; Sue
McLaren, StudyLink Outreach Officer;
Vicki Jarvie, StudyLink Regional Outreach
Manager; and Hoteera Riri, Eastern
Institute of Technology student.
LEADINGSOCIAL
SOCIALDEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
LEADING
Moving Forward
This is the first Ministry of Social
Development Plan for the East Coast
region. Previous plans focused on Work
and Income aspects as they related to
clients in receipt of income support.
This has a wider scope, encompassing
the total Ministry presence in the region.
It draws together the work of all our
business units to present a coherent
overview of the full range of activities in our region.
In developing the Plan we have started
with the Government’s goals, especially
those for the social sector. These are
reflected in our Statement of Intent
Outcomes Framework, and to an extent
are also mirrored in the Long Term
Council Community Plans of our local
councils. Into these conceptual
frameworks we have woven the feedback
we have gleaned from our staff, our
clients and our community stakeholders.
So what does this all mean?
Our region stands out as having high
levels of unemployment, particularly
for young people. The region is also
characterised by having low household
incomes, household overcrowding and
some serious health issues affecting
life expectancy such as obesity and
diabetes. These adverse factors
often coincide in our smaller remote
communities where opportunities for
work are limited and where there are
pockets of real disadvantage.
Equally we need to work alongside
schools and health services providers to
ensure that all young people have the
opportunity to gain employment.
The region is also committed to
encouraging and supporting those
clients facing health and disability
barriers to participate in the workforce.
To be successful in this we need to draw
on expertise available in the community
to derive individual solutions that are
tailored to the specific needs of clients.
Quite simply, we cannot achieve these
sorts of social development outcomes
on our own and will need to work
collaboratively with all those in the
social services sector.
Our senior citizens are important. They
anchor our communities by fulfilling
a critical leadership and support role,
particularly as mentors and kaumatua,
and we need to support them to remain
active in their communities because it is the right thing to do.
Ultimately any success will rest on the
foundation of the skill, professionalism,
Taking all of this into account, we
recognise that there needs to be a clear
focus on finding ways to support young
people into sustainable employment.
Lindsay Scott
Regional Commissioner for Social Development
1.
Footnote.
passion and goodwill of our frontline
staff and their managers. Each day Work
and Income, StudyLink, Family and
Community Services, Benefit Integrity
Services, Senior Services and Ministry
of Youth Development staff interact
with hundreds of citizens on a one-onone basis. This is where we can make
a positive difference to people’s lives
and the wellbeing of our communities.
We all share a commitment to learn, to
improve and to achieve a high standard
of service delivery. By working together
in a co-ordinated way, we are more likely
to be able to meet client needs.
We are a provincial and largely rural
region where it remains important to be
able to talk face to face with people, to
listen and to respond in a practical way.
Despite having some adverse indicators
of wellbeing, we live in a wonderful
region whose wealth rests in the land
and the indomitable qualities of its people.
It is a great privilege to be a public
servant here and to be able to assist our people.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development
“We started working with the
Ministry of Social Development
because we shared the bigger
objective of a better deal for
Hawke’s Bay families. Two years on
we know it’s been the right thing
to do. In fact our biggest challenge
now is trying to prioritise the wealth
of opportunities that joint working
presents”.
Chris Clark
CEO Hawke’s Bay District Health Board
“Social development means a commitment to equality of opportunity and a fair go
for everyone. It means providing social protection for vulnerable New Zealanders:
a helping hand during hard times. It also means investing in our people, our
future: spending the money today that will ensure better health, education and
employment outcomes tomorrow” 10. In the East Coast this has meant building
working relationships with government and community agencies to improve services
and outcomes for our community. We also use fora to foster collaboration and share
information.
Collaboration across government
Each year the Ministry releases The Social Report 11, an annual report that monitors
the standard of living and wellbeing of all New Zealanders at a national and regional
level. In response to the issues being raised by The Social Report, on behalf of
the Government we developed and published Opportunity for All New Zealanders
in partnership with many other government agencies. This outlines what the
Government is doing to improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders. There are five
critical social issues that the Government wants to focus on over the next three years:
• improving educational attainment among low socio-economic groups
• increasing opportunities for people to participate in sustainable employment
• promoting healthy eating and healthy activity
• reducing tobacco, alcohol and other drug abuse
• minimising family violence, and abuse and neglect of children and older people.
From left, Student Mentoring in Local
Employment (SMILE) participants Danielle Grant
and Tia Mihaka attend the Life is for Living Expo,
held in Napier in March 2006.
10. Opportunity for All New Zealanders, Office of the Minister for Social Development and Employment, 2004.
11. The Social Report 2005, Ministry of Social Development.
10
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leading Social Development
“Working together benefits
both community organisations
and Work and Income clients”.
Saffron Gardner
Co-ordinator for LIVE Hawke’s Bay
We are responsible for co-ordinating
how two of these issues are addressed;
minimising family violence and
increasing opportunities to participate in sustainable employment (in conjunc-
tion with the Department of Labour).
We produced the document Te Rito 12
which outlines an inter-agency
strategy to address family violence
in our community. Our Sustainable
Employment Strategy aims to help move
more people into employment and we
have implemented a range of services
including developing a recruitment
service and jobz4u (Jobs for You), a webbased skills-matching tool.
We are also committed to ensuring that
our work at a regional level reinforces
the Government’s three priorities for the
next decade: economic transformation,
families - young and old and national
identity.
Debt to multiple agencies can place a
heavy financial burden on some people
and is compounded by the efforts of
multiple agencies competing to recover
debt. We lead the Debt to Multiple State
Agencies project, bringing together
Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand
and the Ministry of Justice (Collection
Unit) to work on establishing a common
approach.
This work will help clients manage
and reduce their debt while helping
government agencies recover debt and
address client hardship.
In the region, we participate in the
Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay Regional
Inter-sectoral Fora which has
12. Te Rito, New Zealand Family Violence Prevention Strategy, Ministry of Social Development, February 2002.
membership from a wide range of
government agencies including New
Zealand Police, the Department of
Internal Affairs, Te Puni Kökiri, Housing
New Zealand, district health boards,
local authorities and the Ministry of
Education. This group meets to share
information, find opportunities for
collaboration and to support initiatives.
The outcomes can be as simple as
Work and Income staff identifying and
referring clients needing assistance
from Housing New Zealand’s initiative
Retrofitting Houses, which improves the energy efficiency, health and safety of homes.
We have recently formed Social
Development Fora in the Gisborne
and Hawke’s Bay regions for local and
central government agencies. The
purpose is to review current activities
in the social sector, identify emerging
issues and to agree key strategies around
which agencies can either joint venture,
provide complementary services or align
activities. Those involved are planners
or managers who can commit to or move
forward their agencies involvement.
People representing education, justice,
local authorities, Mäori and health are
involved.
Our various business units have an indepth knowledge of the needs of their
key population groups: older people,
youth, families, communities, iwi,
students and beneficiaries. We use this
knowledge to guide government policy
and decision-making and provide advice
to other interested groups to improve
local planning and service provision.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development
Working across the region
Our Regional Commissioner for Social Development attends the CEO’s Forum in the
Hawke’s Bay. Networks developed in this forum have led to the establishment of
a new General Manager, Health and Social Development role, which reports to the
CEO of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and our Regional Commissioner. This
position will exist for a year and is working on projects which align our goals with
those of the health sector. Some of these are improving access to health services
for our clients, addressing some labour market shortages in health and using our
networks to implement health promotion and prevention initiatives particularly
around heart disease. Our region will see the benefits of this role beyond its
completion.
The Regional Labour Market Forum and Regional Funders Forum lead a number
of inter-agency initiatives focused on sustainable employment and labour market
development in the East Coast. The Regional Labour Market Forum has a wide
membership including local and central government agencies, industry and employer
groups. The Regional Labour Market Forum is responsible for co-ordinating a labour
market workforce development strategy. The Hawke’s Bay - East Coast Labour Market
Strategy has identified the main workforce issues and challenges for the region
and the actions needed to address them. The Strategy also provides direction for
our Labour Market Development team, made up of Enterprising Communities and
Industry Partnerships.
The East Coast Social Well-being Report Card 13 has been produced for the second
year. The Report contains information about the population, economy, social
wellbeing and an analysis of trends. It has been designed to be used by community
groups, government agencies and industry to help them plan. Sharing this
information with the community helps build a shared picture of the region,
increasing opportunities for collaboration and shared goals to improve social and
economic wellbeing.
Drawing together the strengths of each of our business units to work across
government and the region provides opportunities to address regional issues and to ensure people are receiving quality services.
13. The Annual East Coast Social and Economic Well-Being Report Card, Ministry of Social Development East Coast Regional Office and Sean Bevin, Economic Solutions Ltd, Napier, December 2005.
A Caregivers Training programme, funded by an
Enterprising Communities Grant and the Hawke’s
Bay District Health Board and delivered by the
Hawke’s District Health Board, was launched in
the region in March 2006.
Pictured is Lindsay Scott, Regional Commissioner
for Social Development speaking at the launch.
11
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LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leading Social Development
A whole-of-Ministry approach
As mentioned earlier, we have a wide
called Financial Planning for Change.
We have a Regional Policy Advisor who
range of functions; from policy develop-
The programme provides clients with
takes issues identified by staff, clients
ment to leading strategies and delivering
skills on budgeting, planning for the
and the community to a national forum
services to clients. Ensuring these
future and information about making
to find ways to address them. Our case
functions work well together provides
positive choices.
managers highlighted a concern about
quality support to our community. We have developed a holistic approach,
working together on the issues of
personal debt, working innovatively in
service centres and using the skills of
our Regional Policy Advisor to gain a
national response to regionally identified
issues.
Our service centres are finding
innovative ways to support our clients’
needs. The Flaxmere Service Centre has
become a ‘hub’ of services for clients
and the community in general. The
Service Centre provides office space
for other agencies, and case managers
refer clients to the different services.
the impact power disconnections have
on clients in financial hardship. The
disconnections were causing significant
debt, contributing to family stress and
were inconvenient. We took this to the
Electricity Commission, who has worked
with electricity retailers, ourselves and
other social service agencies. They have
now produced a protocol which guides
The Ministry’s Debt Strategy provides
Staff from Housing New Zealand,
a framework and strategic direction
Inland Revenue, the Budget Advisory
for the work we undertake to address
Service, Whänau Whakatipu (Social
client debt. It has aligned our services
Services), Community Law, Workbridge
including Benefit Integrity Services who
and the Strengthening Families co-
lead the Strategy, our Contact Centre,
ordinator are all available to provide
Work and Income and StudyLink,
services to clients. To ensure the
Addressing community and individual
who work with our clients to avoid or
services offered are meeting community
needs through social development
minimise debt. In our Napier Service
needs, staff participate in community
which supports people’s social needs
Centre we are offering our clients an
projects including the development
will continue to build strong, connected
opportunity to take part in an
of the Flaxmere Community Plan. The
communities.
educational programme being piloted
advantage for the community is having
how electricity retailers relate to lowincome earners to reduce the financial
hardship caused by disconnections. This
process has not only benefited people in
the East Coast but all of New Zealand.
greater access to services and timely
support is provided for clients.
Agencies working together out of the Flaxmere
Work and Income Service Centre provide the
community with convenient access to a range
of services. Staff from Housing New Zealand,
Strengthening Families and the Presbyterian
Support Social Services all provide services from
the Service Centre.
Pictured from left are Karen Bartlett, Service
Centre Manager; Alan Urbahn and Whetu Lloyd,
Tenancy Managers for Housing New Zealand;
Jeannette Mackenzie, Strengthening Families
Co-ordinator; and Karen Bardell, Co-ordinator for
the Presbyterian Support Social Services Whänau
Whakatipu programme.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Helping our Children, Young
People and Families Succeed
Tomairangi o Te Kohanga Reo has recently
opened in Gisborne. Our Working for Families
childcare co-ordinators support staff with the
administration of childcare subsidies.
Childcare Co-ordinators Mary Hollis
(left) and Ella Wynyard (standing) assist
kohanga staff to fill out application forms.
“The relationship with Ministry of
Social Development staff has been
good; they have paid attention
to the needs of Gisborne District
helping with initiatives, providing
accurate information and support. We have appreciated working with
the friendly Ministry of Social
Development staff on issues facing
our young people, immigration and
developing jobs”.
Meng Foon
Mayor of Gisborne
Investing in families helps to build resilient children, young people and communities.
By investing early in our children, we increase their future potential and reduce the
barriers they face during their lifetime. Most families are doing well and provide this
investment themselves. Some families need support to help them cope with the
pressures they face.
Supporting our children and families
SKIP (Strategies with Kids: Information for Parents) is a programme provided by
Family and Community Services, supporting parents to bring up their children in a
positive way. There are three parts to the programme:
• The resources include tip sheets, videos, pamphlets and information which are available from a range of community locations including our service centres.
• Ikaroa Mäori Women’s Welfare League and REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) deliver positive parenting, practical knowledge and skills to parents of under fives in Hastings and Gisborne. We provide training to those leading the sessions to give them the skills and knowledge to deliver these programmes.
• The Local Initiatives Fund 14 supports projects which promote positive parenting including the Family Expo held in Gisborne.
14. The Local Initiatives Fund supports activities which foster the collaborative networks in communities. These activities focus on the objectives of SKIP by helping build strong and healthy relationships between parents and children.
13
14
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
“An extremely professional service. We came away from the meeting
feeling that we were listened to and
understood and that our needs have
been met”. Parent and their student daughter after
visiting the Studylink Outreach Centre
Family Start programmes provide
providers, helping families to access
intensive home-based support and
early childhood education. They parenting programmes for vulnerable
provide parents with information about
families with newborns, improving
entitlements and subsidies to help
their ability to resolve difficulties and
cover the cost of childcare and support
problems. The programmes assist with
childcare providers with information
education, link families with services
about funding, parents entitlements
in the community and set up positive
and other resources in the community.
parenting practises. Family Start services
Childcare co-ordinators have given
have been extended in the region. There
presentations at teen parent schools and
are now services offered in Wairoa and
have been working with kohanga reo to
Napier along with the existing services
share information with parents and staff.
in Hastings, Central Hawke’s Bay and
Gisborne. The families referred to Family
Start are identified as having significant
barriers to achieving their potential such
as health issues, behavioural problems
and poor access to resources.
Strengthening Families brings together
government and non-government
agencies working with families, to
provide better outcomes by co-ordinating
services. The Strengthening Families coordinator works with individual families
dealing with more than two government
or non-government agencies. With the
family’s input, a co-ordinated plan to
address the family’s concerns can be put
in place. Everyone benefits, agencies
Supporting the potential
of youth
Emerging adulthood is a stage of life with
significant challenges. Young people are
taking on adult responsibilities, making
decisions about careers and coping with
change happening around them. The
transition from school-based education
to higher education or work is handled
well by most young people, however some
need more support. Decisions made at
this stage can influence the rest of their
lives so it is important young people get
the right information and support.
are not repeating each others work and
StudyLink provides Outreach Services
families can see everyone in one place.
at the Eastern Institute of Technology
This provides a service focused on the
and the Tairawhiti Polytechnic. We
family, helping them overcome what can
focus on providing financial support and
often be complex barriers.
information to students either in tertiary
Having access to quality early childhood
education and care gives children
their first step towards succeeding in
education and developing good social
connections and skills. Our childcare
co-ordinators support and provide
information to parents and childcare
education or to those thinking about
study as a future option. We also connect
students to a range of services available
to help them make informed tertiary
education decisions. We want students
to complete their studies with the least
possible debt. We talk to students at
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
our campus sites or through the Contact Centre, discussing options and providing
information such as keeping debt down by studying in the East Coast when the course
they want to take is available locally.
We are providing information while students are still in high school through the On
Course programme for Year-12 and 13 students, which encourages them to think about
whether moving into tertiary education is the right decision for them. It provides an
insight into the realities of student life, stimulates thinking about their study choices
and identifies who to talk to about their choices and options for funding the study.
On Course also provides information to parents, whänau, teachers and other key
influencers in young people’s lives, so they can also support them to make this choice.
A Youth Transition Service has been established in Gisborne and we are working with
local authorities in Hawke’s Bay to establish a Service there. The Service provides
support for the small group of secondary students for whom school is not meeting their
needs, liaising with local schools to identify young people and then working with them
to build a pathway to training and employment. Youth Transition Services is part of a
strategy to deliver the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs goal, that by 2007, all 15 to 19 year
olds will be engaged in work, education or training or other activities that contribute to
their long-term economic independence and wellbeing.
The Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa 15 is the overarching document shaping the
work the Ministry of Youth Development and other government agencies do around
young people. It outlines how government and society in general can support young
Keeping students on course
StudyLink’s On Course programme is presented to senior
secondary students to give them an insight into the realities of
student life. The programme looks at options for funding study
such as student loans, allowances and scholarships, managing
money and agencies available to support students transitioning
into study.
Pictured from left discussing the On Course programme at
Tamatea High School are Leah Wilson, Year 12 student; Cindy
Morgan, Careers Counsellor; Kendal Latimer, Year 12 student; and Sue McLaren, StudyLink Outreach Officer.
15. Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa, Ministry of Youth Affairs, 2002.
15
16
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
The Mayor of Gisborne, Meng Foon (right)
makes an address during the launch of the
Youth Transition Service. Also pictured is
Victor Walker, Information Advisor for
Te Puni Kökiri.
people aged 12 to 24 years and gives
together, a Mäori-based initiative
them opportunities to develop the skills
to encourage the uptake of formal
research project is underway, in
and attitudes they need to take a positive
learning opportunities through the Youth
conjunction with the University of
part in society, both now and in the
Development Partnership Fund 16.
Auckland; this will build on the findings
future.
The Aotearoa Youth Voices 17 programme
The Ministry of Youth Development
encourages youth input into decision
funds the Conservation Corps programme
making by providing opportunities for
through the Tairawhiti Polytechnic. The
young people to speak and be heard.
programme has provided training to
PROVOKE is one such initiative,
16 young people giving them in-class,
providing ideas and tools to secondary
worked-based and outdoors learning
school students and adult liaisons to
experience. Course participants have
get the youth voice heard locally and
since gone on to participate in local
nationally. Youth Week happens annually
training courses, tertiary education and
and Youth Parliament triennially - the
employment. We also support Kokiri
next one is due to be held in 2007.
Taiohi - young people moving forward
These provide opportunities to profile
Work on preparing for the Youth 2007
of the Youth 2000 project. This piece of
research is based on a survey undertaken
by secondary school students nationally.
The information gathered from the survey
describes the wellbeing of young people
in New Zealand. Covering topics from
sexual health to mental health to social
connection, this information helps shape
services by guiding how we work with young people.
youth achievements and highlight issues.
16. The Youth Development Partnership Fund supports projects in partnership with local councils, enabling us to respond to emerging needs and opportunities for young people.
17. Further information about the Aotearoa Youth Voices programme and contributing projects can be accessed via www.youthvoices.govt.nz.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
The Ministry of Youth Development delivers workshops based on Keepin’ it Real, a
resource which helps organisations find ways to involve young people in their work
and decision making. Those attending the workshops in the East Coast region have
included youth, community workers, health workers and local authorities. The resource
sets out a range of models for including young people so we can meet their needs more
effectively.
“The On Course programme is
excellent. It really helps students
understand the financial options
available to them before their end of year exams”. Cindy Morgan
Careers Counsellor
Tamatea High School
Supporting family potential
The Working for Families package helps low- and middle-income families by ensuring
they have a better standard of living. The package includes in work payments, tax credits and childcare subsidies to support working parents. The thresholds for
payments increased in April 2006, meaning more families are eligible for support. To ensure that families are receiving their entilement, our Contact Centre has an on-going programme to call our past and existing clients, giving them details about the package and how to access it.
We have been working with teen parent schools in Napier and Gisborne to provide
students with information about Work and Income assistance, their responsibilities
while receiving a benefit and the services we provide. The aim is to support these
young women so they are able to be financially independent and support their family.
Staff from Benefit Integrity Services and Work and Income have built relationships with
the staff and students at the schools and as a result, students are working with our
work brokers and StudyLink when moving from the school into work or further study.
Tairawhiti youth accept the challenge
The Tairawhiti Polytechnic is actively involved in delivering the
Conservation Corps programme in the East Coast region. It is a 12-week programme for youth currently not engaged in
training or education.
Conservation Corps participants complete activities aimed to
increase their self-esteem and confidence such as rock climbing,
kayaking and conservation and environmental projects.
17
18
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
Family and Community Services and Work and Income have developed the Family
Violence Intervention Programme, giving case managers the skills and support to help
clients who are affected by family violence. The process involves staff being able to
recognise and understand what family violence is, providing a supportive environment
for clients and referring them to services in the community that can work with them
and intervene in a family violence situation. To support our case managers in this
process, there are two family violence response co-ordinators, one covering Wairoa to
Ruatoria and the other Napier to Central Hawke’s Bay. In 2005, East Coast was one of
three regions involved in phase one of rolling the Programme out nationally.
Investing in early intervention for children and youth has a lasting effect on their lives
and helps them to reach their potential. The support we give to families adds to this by
helping them care for children and young people and contributing to their community
and local economy.
Addressing family violence
The introduction of our Family Violence Intervention
Programme has led to increased involvement with family
violence agencies, including the Local Initiative for Violence
Elimination - Hawke’s Bay (LIVE HB), Domestic Violence
Intervention and Education (DOVE) and the Tairawhiti Abuse
Intervention Network (TAIN). Together we are working to
prevent family violence by raising community awareness and
improving the co-ordination of services for people affected
by family violence. White Ribbon Day promotions, fora and a
family violence conference are examples of the work that has
been undertaken to raise awareness.
Ministry staff paid a visit to the new premises of DOVE and
LIVE. Pictured from left are Sharon Millar, Administration
Officer for DOVE; Chrissie Hape, Social Development Manager,
the Ministry of Social Development; Shari Tidswell, Hawke’s
Bay Family Violence Response Co-ordinator; Malcolm Byford,
Manager for DOVE Hawke’s Bay; Saffron Gardner, Co-ordinator
for LIVE Hawke’s Bay; and Eleanor O’Rourke, Women’s
Services Co-ordinator for DOVE.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
19
Improving Opportunities for
Working Age People
Work provides people with the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their
communities. Paid work helps people achieve their economic and social goals and improves access to education, healthcare, quality housing, retirement savings and social services. Supporting people into employment at the earliest opportunity Lighting up a career path
supports working-age people, their families and the whole community.
Who are we working with?
We have two key roles. Firstly we support those able to work, to find and move into
lasting and sustainable employment, providing In Work Support when appropriate.
Secondly, we provide financial protection and support where paid work is not
appropriate. These roles ensure financial security for all our clients.
We have a total of 44,812 18 clients, and of these 20,081 are of working age. Of our
working-age clients, 1,763 are receiving an unemployment-related benefit 19, 6,830
people are receiving health-related benefits 20 and 7,358 are in receipt of a domestic
purposes-related benefit 21. We also have people receiving the Independent Youth
Benefit, Emergency Benefit and training benefits.
There has been a 12.3% reduction in the number of people receiving an
unemployment-related benefit over the last year, along with reductions in the number
of people receiving domestic purposes-related benefits. In fact, the number of people
receiving a domestic purposes-related benefit has reduced by 359.
Getting people ready for work
Many people are telling us they want to work and participate in their communities,
Jo Mitchell cancelled her Invalid’s Benefit in
December 2005 after commencing full-time
employment as a Consumer Advocate for
The Lighthouse, a Mental Health Advocacy
and Support Service in Hastings. Jo was
assisted into her role through the combined
efforts of Hastings West case managers and
a post-placement support service provided by
Disability Training Services in Napier.
Pictured from left, inspecting the new
premises of The Lighthouse in Karamu Road,
Hastings are Andrea Dibley, Case Manager;
Jo Mitchell; and Susie Crooks, Mental Health
Advocate.
and as a result, the way we deliver services to our clients is continuing to evolve. This
is demonstrated by the New Service Approach being delivered in all Work and Income
service centres.
The New Service Approach provides clients with access to a range of employment
programmes and support services at their first point of contact with us based on their
individual needs, regardless of their benefit entitlement. Sole parents or people with ill
health or a disability are now able to access support and employment services which
were traditionally more readily available to people receiving an unemployment-related
benefit.
18.
19.
20.
21.
All benefit statistics in this Regional Plan have been sourced from the Ministry of Social Development’s Information Analysis Platform as at 31 March 2006. Where comparisons are made, these reflect statistics as at 31 March 2005, unless otherwise stated.
An unemployment-related benefit includes an Unemployment Benefit and an Unemployment Benefit - Hardship.
A health-related benefit comprises a Sickness Benefit and an Invalid’s Benefit.
A domestic purposes-related benefit comprises Domestic Purposes Benefit (DPB) Sole Parent, DPB Caring for the Sick or Infirm, DPB Woman Alone and Emergency Maintenance Allowance.
20
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
The New Service Approach was trialled in 12 service centres around the country,
including the Gisborne Service Centre, before being made available nationally in May 2006.
WRK4U (Work for You) seminars are provided through our service centres to clients
seeking work. Seminars cover job-seeking techniques, information about other support
available to help find jobs, their responsibilities while receiving a benefit and
information about the local job market. At 13 weeks, this is followed up with a Work
Track seminar for clients who have not been able to find a job. This is an intensive
seminar supporting clients with further job-seeking skills, helps identify the barriers
they face to employment and identifies support to address these in individual plans. Both seminars aim to help people move into work and become financially independent.
We have approximately 60 contracts with community providers to support our clients
into work. These contracts cover training and up-skilling that provide clients with the tools they need to get a job. Contracts run over a business year (1 July to 30 June),
and annually, a proportion of these contracts are opened up to public tender. This offers opportunities to review which services we need and the ability to respond
to current issues identified in the region. A current focus is on youth and connecting
them to employment and training opportunities. The contracted services support the
work being done by services centres to help job-seekers find work.
The Ruahine Skill-seekers programme reached
a milestone in April 2006, as five of its students
attained a ‘National Certificate in Employment
Skills’, awarded to students who have demonstrated
competency in literacy, numeracy, foundation and
life-safety skills.
Pictured from left is Julie-Anne Turfrey receiving
her certificate; Simon Osborne, Manager of
the Ruahine Skill-seekers programme; and Julie
Weaver, Waipukurau Case Manager.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
Work and Income provides funding to
support the Spacifically Pacific initiative,
a Pacific student mentoring programme.
The programme provides ongoing mentoring
to 22 senior Pacific secondary school
students across Napier and Hastings.
Pictured at the two-day launch of the
programme (in the foreground) are from
left, Lagi Farani, Sacred Heart School
student and mentor, Mabel Fatialofa.
Improving skills and supporting people
hairdressing, floristry, retail and painting
other services they need to support their
in training gives them greater options in
and decorating. There are skills shortages
journey into paid work. When required we
the job market, meaning they can access
in most trade areas and placing these
put In Work Support and some financial
jobs with higher pay and have a career
apprentices will address the shortage
assistance in place to help clients stay
path. In Gisborne, we are working with
as they become qualified and/or
in work. On the employer side, the work
two pre-apprenticeship programmes
experienced. The training gives these
broker sources jobs with employers
provided by Tairawhiti Polytechnic and
people opportunities to find sustainable
that are able to provide an environment
Gisborne Development Incorporated.
jobs while adding to the economic growth
meeting the client’s health and disability
We find work experience placements
of the region.
needs. Part of the process is informing
for pre-apprenticeship trainees with
low academic achievement. These
placements are with employers wanting
to take on an apprentice, so this is an
opportunity for the trainee and employer
to decide if this is right for them. Most of
the trainees are taken on as apprentices
at the end of the programme. To support
the trainees’ employment we provide In
Work Support including Job Plus Training
and Job Plus Payments.
This programme has a very high success
rate and at the beginning of 2006, we
had placed young people in joinery,
construction, the motor industry,
We have a specialist work broker 22 to support existing clients on healthrelated benefits find jobs. Just over a
the employer about the health issue
and preparing them to support their
employee.
third of clients receiving a health-related
Debt has been identified by some clients
benefit have mental health issues and
as a barrier to moving into work; they
the remaining people have a range of
fear that by moving into employment
illnesses and disabilities. Having a job
they will have to make higher repayments
greatly enhances these people’s health,
and be worse off financially. Debt can
but often their ill-health and disabilities
also place people in financial hardship.
are barriers to moving into employment.
To reduce the debt clients have, Benefit
Our work broker meets the client to
see if they want to move into paid work
and to assess how ready they are. The
client is helped to access health and
22. The work broker primarily focuses on clients receiving a Sickness or Invalid’s Benefit, but also works with people from other client groups with disabilities.
Integrity Services is working with a
range of seasonal employers to set up
three-way agreements between Work and
Income, the employer and the employee.
21
22
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
“Through the Skill-seekers
programme, you learn a new
range of skills and discover what
employment options there are and
what interests you. It also allowed
me to make new friends and
complete challenges that I never
dreamed of achieving”.
Employers give their employees a form to sign upon starting work, which notifies Work
and Income. At this point they are advising us of a change in their circumstances so
their benefit and entitlements can be adjusted. This means clients receive all they are
entitled to and create no new debt.
Our childcare co-ordinators are helping parents who have already or are about to move
into paid work or training by providing information and support to access childcare.
Availability and cost of quality childcare is a barrier for these parents and letting
people know about the full range of care available and the financial support offered
Julie Anne Turfrey
Participant in the Ruahine
Skill-seekers programme
can address these barriers. The co-ordinators also provide information about the
Working for Families package and other services which offer financial support and
encouragement to stay in paid work.
Supporting labour market development
Supporting the key drivers in the labour market by addressing shortages, providing
access to training opportunities and sharing information helps build regional
employment opportunities. We have specialist positions to help us build these
relationships with employers and job seekers including a Labour Market Manager, work brokers and a Local Industry Partnerships advisor.
Caregivers Training was launched in March 2006, with 16 domestic purposes-related
benefit clients participating. It was set up in response to an identified labour market
shortage in the health sector. A partnership was established between ourselves, the
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and Healthcare New Zealand (a national training
provider) to begin to address the shortage. The programme includes training toward the
‘National Caregivers Certificate’ while in paid work and trainees are paid a higher rate
than the average for the region. Funding for the programme is coming from the District
Health Board and our Local Industry Partnerships programme. We are monitoring the
training programme and if it is successful, we will look to implement it in partnership
with the Tairawhiti District Health Board.
The business of farming is changing with the introduction of new technology and
farming practices. This creates a need for employees with skills to meet these changes
and an opportunity to train job seekers for this work. We have funded the Farming
and Horticultural Industry Scoping Project to evaluate the feasibility of setting up
training in farming and horticulture in the East Coast, particularly the Ruatoria area.
The project co-ordinator will bring together the key stakeholders, identify information
around feasibility, detail what is needed for a training programme and draft an
implementation report. The training will be targeted at Work and Income clients
identified by the Gisborne, Kaiti and Ruatoria Service Centres.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
Seasonal employment generates labour
standards and continuing economic
employment in arts and tourism. Part of
market shortages, and to find solutions
growth. The Labour Market Development
this project is focused on employment
for these we have implemented a range
team includes Enterprising Communities
pathways for youth in Matakaoa (Potaka,
of initiatives. One is the Picknz website 23
and Industry Partnerships; their role is to
Hicks Bay and Te Araoa). This will be
which contains information about job
build relationships with employers and
supported by a trade-training centre
opportunities in seasonal work. Another
the community to develop labour market
for youth and long-term unemployed
initiative is providing transport to
opportunities.
clients 24. Courses cover life skills, arts
packhouses for people who do not have
available or reliable transport, picking
people up from their homes in Maraenui
and dropping them off at work. This
initiative addresses access to work and
increases the available labour force for
seasonal work.
As part of our Labour Market Development function, we provide Enterprising
Communities Grants to help community
organisations design and implement
projects that create skills and opportunities for people who are finding it hard
to get lasting paid work. A number of the
and trades and will provide people with
the skills and knowledge to support
expansion in the local tourism industry.
The next stage is establishing an art
gallery to display and sell the work of
local artists.
Providing sustainable employment is
projects identified for the next year are
the best way for people to end benefit
based in rural communities and range
dependency, improve their standard
Working to develop
lasting jobs
from land development to tourism and
of living and develop a path towards
agriculture.
a successful future. We are asssisting
Developing employment that lasts and
Our Enterprising Communities advisors
generates future employment growth
have worked with the Te Aroha Kanarahi
is vital to improving people’s living
Trust on a project to establish sustainable
people to achieve this by supporting them
into work, creating new employment
opportunities and addressing regional
labour market shortages.
Planting the seeds of success
The Mahia Beach Re-forestation Project has seen
150,000 trees planted, goat-proof fences erected and the development of an access road.
Our Mobile Employment Service, who work with
remote and isolated communities disadvantaged in the labour market, supported the project by placing
a project supervisor and 12 workers to complete the
work. Project Supervisor, Jimmy Keil had previously
undertaken seasonal work, but is now employed along
with another worker all year round on the Project. This winter a further 50,000 trees are being planted. Pictured are ex-Mobile Employment Service clients,
Jimmy Keil, with fellow worker Raymond Winitana,
carrying out fencing on the Mahia block.
23. www.picknz.co.nz.
24. Long-term unemployed are clients who have received an unemployment-related benefit for 26 weeks or more.
23
24
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Te Mata o Rongokako (the face of the sleeping giant). Te Mata Peak and the Tukituki River Valley, Havelock North.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Enhancing the Wellbeing
of Older East Coasters
People aged over 65 years offer a wide range of skills and experience to the East
Coast community. Many are remaining in paid work while others contribute to the
voluntary sector. This allows us to meet labour market shortages, the social needs of
the community and it helps older people increase their economic security. The current
provision for retirement has resulted in the majority having a good standard of living
and high levels of participation in their communities. Our goal is to maintain this into
the future.
Supporting independence
Providing financial, strategic and collaborative support to older people allows them to
remain involved in their community and remain independent. This involvement also
helps the community continue to gain from the wealth of information they have gained
over a lifetime.
There are 25,141 superannuitants in our region. To support this group, we have
specially trained case managers and designated areas in our service centres, called
super centres. We administer superannuation payments and provide help with the
cost of housing, health and emergencies. It is important that our clients are receiving
all the support they are entitled to as this helps them remain in their homes and
communities. We are continuing to provide information to superannuitants to help
them access our services.
City of Napier Pipeband piper Ian Mansfield
gave a fitting start to the Positive Ageing
Forum, providing Napier senior citizens with
ample choices for a positive lifestyle.
25
26
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Enhancing the Wellbeing of Older East Coasters
“One of the ladies who visited us
on the day went away so excited.
She was heading off to sign up to
a recreation group, she was that
motivated from what she saw”.
Denise Rouse
Chairperson
Napier Council of Social Services
Senior Services manages three areas; International Services, War Pensions and the
Community Services Card. International Services maintains relationships with other
countries so that people living in New Zealand who are entitled to receive an overseas
pension can do this. Additionally, we ensure New Zealanders living abroad can access
their superannuation entitlement. War Pension Services is contracted by Veterans’
Affairs New Zealand to administer War Disablement, Veterans’ and Surviving Spouse
Pensions. The Community Services Card is administered on behalf of the Ministry of
Health to low- and middle-income earners so they can receive cheaper health care.
Nationally, Senior Services has over 1 million clients with many aged over 65 years.
The New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy 25 is administered by the Office for Senior
Citizens and sets out how agencies across sectors can support older people. Positive
ageing is about providing the support people need to fully participate in their
community, retain their independence and foster their wellbeing. Key areas for the
Strategy are flexible work options, enabling people to stay in their own homes, offering
housing options, providing flexible transport and strengthening legislation to support
older people’s choices. To move forward in these key areas, we have a positive ageing
co-ordinator in the region to support the implementation of the Strategy.
Rural communities have concerns over the costs and quality of housing for older
people on fixed incomes. In isolated areas, rising land values and the cost of
maintenance are leading to some older people living in poor housing or having to move
out of their homes. A number of initiatives led by Housing New Zealand and iwi
providers are beginning to address these issues, with support from Work and Income.
Improving the services and information we offer
When older people receive quality services and information at the right time, they
can use this information to maintain their independence, increase their safety and
participate fully in the community.
Superannuitant Seminars have been developed and run throughout the year to give
information to older people which helps them stay safe, healthy and independent.
These seminars host a range of speakers from organisations such as New Zealand
Police, health services, New Zealand Fire Service, community organisations and
ourselves. The speakers provide practical information and contact points for older
people to receive ongoing support which helps maintain their independence.
Our Wairoa Service Centre has developed an initiative with Age Concern, linking
young sole parent mothers with clients of Age Concern. This provides opportunities for
friendship, mutual support and for older people to share the skills they have gained
25. The New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy: Towards a Society for all Ages, Ministry of Social Policy, April 2001.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
27
Enhancing the Wellbeing of Older East Coasters
over their lifetime. There are mutual
for our super centre case managers over
benefits to be gained from continuing this
the coming year. A significant group initiative and we will evaluate it before it
of older people have experienced family
is shared with the rest of the region.
violence and are requesting support; the
In the coming year we will be reviewing
the services we deliver to older people
so we are able to find ways to maintain
the good outcomes we have achieved
and identify what services we should be
delivering over the longer term. This work
will be carried out across the Ministry and
will include dialogue with older people.
The review will help us to anticipate
and understand the impact of an ageing
population on social wellbeing so we can
plan accordingly.
Family Violence Intervention Programme
has made it easier to discuss this with
their case manager. To respond, we
have established a relationship with
Age Concern - Elder Abuse services
and developed a training package. This
will enable case managers to recognise
what elder abuse is, respond effectively
to older clients and refer people to
appropriate agencies and support.
Addressing elder abuse will contribute
to the safety and social and economic
wellbeing of older people.
Although ageing is not one of our priority
Protecting our older people
issues this year, we need to be prepared
Older people are vulnerable members
Our region, along with the rest of New
of our community and we must support
Zealand, has an ageing population and
for the future needs of this age group.
them to be safe from harm and abuse. by 2016, the number of people over
If isolated, they are even more
65 years will increase by 29.2% 26.
vulnerable, especially when the abuse
Their needs will be different as people
is coming from within their own family.
live longer and remain healthy longer,
This is known as elder abuse and is
increasing opportunities for people to
often difficult to deal with. It can result
work even later in life and have an active
in physical, emotional and financial
role in their community. We will work difficulties. Using the strategies outlined
with other agencies including Housing earlier in this section to maintain
New Zealand, the district health boards
connections is very important.
and local authorities to move this
Our family violence response planning forward.
co-ordinators and Age Concern social
worker are providing additional training
26. Subnational Population Projections, 2001 - 2026, Statistics New Zealand.
Still enjoying a working life
Hera Ferris, a mother of four, grandmother of nine and a great grandmother of six was born in Paki Paki, Hastings. Her hapü is Ngati Ngarengare and her iwi is Ngati Kahungunu.
Hera, who has worked for the Ministry of
Social Development in its various forms for
23 years, celebrated her 65th birthday in
December 2005 and still loves work!
28
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Partnering with our Communities
Accessing the specialist services offered by community organisations enhances the
service we offer and improves the health and the economic and social wellbeing of our
clients. Collaboration between government, local authorities and community agencies
is enhanced by regional outcomes, strategy documents, research, information sharing
and planning as they provide direction to improving the social wellbeing of whole
communities.
Local authorities undertook a consultation process in 2005 to develop Community
Outcomes for their regions. Two consultations took place; one for the Gisborne District Council and the other for the Hawke’s Bay including the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, the Hastings District Council, the Napier City Council, the Wairoa
District Council and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The Community Outcomes set out priority areas, giving all agencies a platform to work from and common ground
to work together. Eastender Horse Treks offer a unique horse-trek adventure in Rangitukia. With hard work and an Enterprise
Allowance from Work and Income, Reg Kaa and partner Jacqui Hoogstraten have established Eastender Horse
Treks as a promising tourist attraction for the region. Reg is pictured with partner Jacqui and daughter Noa.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
Partnering with our Communities
Renew, repair, revitalise!
Maraenui has been identified as one of the more
disadvantaged communities in New Zealand. Led by
the Napier City Council and in collaboration with seven
government agencies, the Maraenui Urban Renewal Plan
has been developed and will be implemented over three
years. This is creating a safe, secure and revitalised
shopping centre for the community. The centre will
include:
• a one-stop-shop for government agencies
• a Whänau Ora Centre
• a community safety plan
• a housing upgrade plan
• a credible community-based organisation.
The Maraenui Urban Renewal Plan is supported by
Family and Community Services’ Community Initatives
Fund.
Pictured at the opening of the Maraenui Information
Centre are from left, Matt Eru, Kaumatua; Thomas
Heremia, Project Manager for the Maraenui Urban
Renewal Project; and Barbara Arnott, Mayor of Napier.
The priorities for the East Coast region
Local authorities have developed Long
cover:
Term Council Community Plans which
• sustainable economic development
• safe and healthy communities
set out their plan for 10 years including
how they will address the Community
Outcome priorities. This collaboration
is new and we are committed to being
• strong, positive leadership
• active democracy
• communities which are connected and value their unique culture and heritage.
active partners with local councils in
the region. This has begun through fora
such as the Social Development Forum
and Labour Market Forum and joint
strategies such as the Mayors Taskforce
for Jobs and our Sustainable Employment
Strategy.
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30
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Partnering with our Communities
Building strong relationships
Collaboration is vital as we cannot achieve social wellbeing for the community without
support from across the community. Strengthening Families provides a forum for
government and non-government agencies to work together to improve services and
support families. The group is made up of representatives from health, education and
community agencies. A recent review of Strengthening Families led to the co-ordinators
being located in our service centres and collaboration meetings being chaired by our
Regional Commissioner for Social Development. The meetings are able to identify
arising issues and find actions to address these.
The Maraenui Urban Renewal Plan in Napier has been developed and will be
implemented over three years. Maraenui has been identified as a community with
high levels of deprivation, including poor health, low incomes and a lack of services.
The Plan is to establish a safe, secure and revitalised shopping centre within the
community. The shopping centre will include a one-stop-shop for government agencies,
a Whänau Ora Centre (Family Wellbeing Centre) and a community agency which is
credible with the Maraenui community. This is a joint project led by the Napier City
Council in partnership with the health sector and social services (including ourselves).
We are funding a co-ordinator to help implement the Plan and provide a central point
for other people supporting it. Complementing this is a Safety Plan and a Housing
Upgrade Plan.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the
Like Minds Community Mental Health Group
and Turanga Health hosted a community day
for service providers to network and display
information. The theme for the day was promoting
a healthy diet through fresh fruit and vegetables.
Pictured are Work and Income staff at the expo.
A PLAN FOR EAST COAST 2006 / 2007
31
Partnering with our Communities
Local Services Mapping involves government agencies, local authorities and
community organisations working together to identify the services in a community and
the particular services they need. An action plan is developed setting out what each
group will do to find solutions and address needs in the community. Over the next year
Local Services Mapping will begin in the Gisborne District, helping to build on the
Employer relationships
that work
knowledge and information available to this community.
Building resourceful communities
Providing a range of resources to community agencies supports the work they are
doing. The resources we provide range from on-line directories to service centres and
funding. These all help improve access to quality services.
Family and Community Services provides an online directory. The 211 Directory
(formerly known as the Family Services National Directory) contains information about
family-related services, programmes and resources available across New Zealand.
Online, individuals and groups can search the directory by location, type of service
and client group to help locate the best information to support them. It also assists
agencies to refer clients to the right place for the services they need. The Directory
contains information on 489 services in Hawke’s Bay and 342 for Gisborne District.
To ensure that our clients avoid debt
and fraud by advising us of any change
in their circumstances, we have built
relationships with East Coast employers
such as J.M. Bostocks and Thornhill
Ltd, who see the advantage of using our
Employee Liaison Forms and encouraging
their staff to use them too.
We also provide the FamilyWeb, linking people to helpful sites covering subjects such
as raising children, supporting young people and growing old. This site is being further
developed over the coming year .
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Managing Well is a catalogue of information, resources and contact people to assist
those working in community organisations to manage them effectively. The catalogue
covers information on operating an agency including running meetings, funding,
finances and human resources. It also has information around community development
and planning. Gathering together information about what is available to support those
The Forms were developed to encourage
employers to update Work and Income
when people start work, with the consent
of the employee. We also provide new
employees with an Employee Induction
Pack, along with information on other
assistance available to people in work
such as the Working for Families
package.
working in community agencies improves access and ultimately increases the skills of
those in the agency.
In order to improve access to our services, particularly for rural communities, we have
Heartland Services located in Waipukurau, Wairoa and Ruatoria. Heartland service
centres are a one-stop-shop where people can easily access the services of a range of
government agencies and some community organisations. Permanently located in Heartlands Waipukurau are the Central Hawke’s Bay Support and Counselling
Service, the Foodbank and Community Probation Services. Part-time services are also
provided by Accident Compensation Corporation, Career Services, Community Law,
Housing New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs, Inland Revenue, the Mäori
Land Court and Te Puni Kökiri.
27. Information about these services can be accessed via www.211.govt.nz.
Pictured from left are Jude List from
Thornhill Horticultural Contracting Ltd
and Karen Garard, Benefit Integrity
Technical Officer.
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LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Partnering with our Communities
Heartland Services are complemented by
substantial barriers in their lives
Outreach Services provided in Te Araroa,
including health, justice and family
Tokomaru and Tologa Bay. They operate
issues. Purena Koa Rehua Services
from existing community facilities and
provides a supportive training programme
government agencies provide services on
based in a working orchard. The young
a fortnightly or monthly basis.
people learn life skills, develop good
The Flaxmere Service Centre has
partnered with Purena Koa Rehua
work habits and have the opportunity to
express their creativity through art.
Services, a youth work community
Sharing information, supporting agencies,
organisation. The Service Centre
collaboration and funding are helping
identified 12 youth who were having
build a stable and robust community
difficulty moving into the paid workforce
sector. These community agencies help
and provided funding for each person
build wellbeing for our clients and the
referred. These young people have
whole of the East Coast community.
Napier clients plan for a debt-free future
The Napier Service Centre is offering financial planning and
budgeting education to new applicants for a Domestic Purposes
or Unemployment Benefit as part of our Debt Pilot. The Pilot
helps clients to learn skills in financial management and avoid
unnecessary debt.
A personal ‘handing over’ of clients to the Napier Family Centre
Financial Planning for Change programme co-ordinator, and the
Centre’s skill in working effectively with clients are the key to the programme’s success.
Pictured from left during a Financial Planning for Change briefing
session are Napier Case Managers Margaret Girvan and Shelley
Smallman, Financial Planning for Change Co-ordinator, Renee
Manaena and National Project Manager, Beryl Barras.
POLICY
Organisational Overview
Social Development Policy and Knowledge
• Strategic Social Policy
• Regional Social Policy
• Social Inclusion and Participation
(including the Office for Senior Citizens, the Office for Disability Issues and the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector)
• Centre for Social Research and Evaluation.
Social Services Policy
• Ministry of Youth Development
• Working-Age Peoples’ Policy
• Child, Family and Community Policy
• Older Peoples’ Policy
• International Relations.
SERVICE DELIVERY
Specialist Services
• StudyLink
(which includes 6 Outreach Offices plus
numerous campus services, 2 Contact Centres
and 1 Processing Centre)
• Senior Services
• Benefit Integrity Services.
Family and Community Services
• 4 Regional Offices
• Co-ordination of 34 Heartland Services.
Child, Youth and Family (from 1 July 2006)
• 52 Site Centres delivering services
• 12 Service Centres managing Sites
• 3 Specialist Service Units
• 7 Secure Residences for children and young
people in youth justice or care and protection.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RISK
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Work and Income
• 11 Regional Offices
• 141 Service Centres
• 46 Outreach Centres
• 5 Contact Centres
(which includes a Multilingual Contact Centre).
People, Capability and Resources
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Information Technology.
Corporate and Governance
• Planning, Purchase and Governance
• Communications
• Legal
• Ministerial and Executive Services
• Client Representatives and Review of Decisions.
Risk and Assurance
• Internal Audit
• Risk Management
• Internal Fraud
• Security.
Ministry of Youth Development promotes the interests
of young people aged between 12 and 24 years.
By listening and responding to the needs of young
people, we seek ways to help ensure that young
people are valued, nurtured and challenged to reach
their full potential.
Work and Income offers a single point of contact
for people needing work-search support to secure
employment; in-work support that assists people to
stay in employment; and income support to people
who require temporary assistance or additional income
to supplement their earnings.
StudyLink administers financial assistance to students
and works in co-operation with secondary schools,
tertiary education providers and student bodies
to ensure students get the finance they are entitled to
so they can complete their study.
Senior Services includes administration of the
Community Services Card, which gives people access
to lower cost health care; International Services,
which pays benefits and pensions to people who come
to New Zealand from overseas, and New Zealanders
who leave the country; and War Pension Services,
which administers services to veterans.
Benefit Integrity Services includes Benefit Control,
the National Data Match Centre and Debt Management.
It helps to ensure clients are receiving their correct
entitlement to financial asistance with an emphasis on
preventing and minimising debt and fraud.
Family and Community Services helps to build
connected communities and strong, resilient families.
We co-ordinate government and non-government
organisations to support families to be well resourced,
violence-free and connected to their communities.
We do so by providing leadership, information and
funding social service providers.
Ministry of Social Development
Regional Office
Level 1, Vautier House
Corner Vautier and Dalton Streets
Napier
www.msd.govt.nz
Benefit Integrity Services
0800 558 008 (Debt Enquiries)
Community Services Card
0800 999 999
Family and Community Services
www.familyservices.govt.nz
International Services
0800 777 117
Ministry of Youth Development
www.myd.govt.nz
StudyLink
www.studylink.govt.nz
0800 88 99 00
War Pensions
0800 553 003
Work and Income
www.workandincome.govt.nz
0800 559 009