LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN
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Cover Photos Left: A trainee learning about farming at the Agriculture New Zealand course.
Centre: The Supergran programme gives young mums a helping hand (photo courtesy of the Otago Daily Times).
Right: Workers building the new prison near Milton.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development:
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Contents
Achieving Better Social Outcomes Together
2
Opportunities for Action
3
Moving Forward
8
Leading Social Development
9
Helping our Children, Young People
and Families Succeed
14 Improving Opportunities for
Working Age People
20 Enhancing the Wellbeing of Older
People - Today and Tomorrow 27 Partnering with our Communities
30 LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Achieving Better Social Outcomes Together
Our Ministry of Social Development
accessing our services is guided through
2006/2007 Regional Plan sets out the
to the right place to get the help they
priorities and direction for the Southern
need. Our merger with the Department
region. It paints a picture of how we
of Child, Youth and Family Services on
intend to achieve the things that will
1 July 2006 strengthens our ability to
make a real difference in the lives of
achieve these outcomes.
this region’s families and communities.
Record low unemployment presents
We can’t do this alone! We need to be
a new set of opportunities for us.
well connected to our central and local
Although the number of working-age 1
government partners. By working in
New Zealanders receiving a benefit has
partnership with the people of Southern,
decreased signifcantly in the last five
our communities will get an accessible
years, some groups remain at risk of
service that meets their 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 Southern 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!
possible start in life; and that anyone
Peter Hughes
Chief Executive
1.
Footnote.
Working-age people are those aged between 18 to 64 years (inclusive).
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
r
Opportunities for Action
The region
The Southern region stretches from Stewart Island in the south to the Rangitata River in the north and includes Southland, Otago and South Canterbury. The region covers
the lower half of the South Island, contains 11 local authorities and serves over
345,100 people 2.
In recent years the regional economy has been very strong and has supported a faster
pace of development and renewed vitality and optimism. The main features of the
Southern region are its geographic, social and economic diversity and this presents
many challenges and opportunities for our people and for the Ministry.
Geographically, our people are spread throughout the region, with nearly two-thirds
located in the main centres of Dunedin, Invercargill and Timaru 3. The rest are
spread through many smaller centres, townships and rural areas. This spread brings
challenges such as access to government and community agencies and to services
such as health, coupled with the availability of employment, housing and labour.
View from Nugget Point, South Otago.
2.
3.
Subnational Population Projections, 2001 - 2026, Statistics New Zealand.
Ibid.
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for Action
“Alliance has a good working
relationship with Work and Income.
What has impressed me over
recent years is Work and Income’s
desire to understand our business
needs and tailor solutions to suit, a
good example being the Seasonal
Careers, Your Choice programme.
In January this year we called on
Work and Income’s assistance
following a fire at our Pukeuri Plant
near Oamaru. Working together we
were able to provide the necessary
support for our employees at what
was a stressful time for many”.
Kerry Stevens
Group Personnel Manager
Alliance Group
Our population in most areas is ageing,
The region is economically diverse and
and is not being replenished by young
this diversity reflects its geography. There
people. A measure of this change is that
are the obvious differences between
over the next five years, those people urban and rural, but also differences
65 years and over will increase by 4,500
between coastal and inland areas, and
and our younger population aged under
between lowland and the high country.
15 years will decline by 3,800. In 20
years time (2026) it is projected that
there will be 30,800 more people aged
65 and over than there are now 4.
in Southland. Central Otago relies on tourism, fruit growing and the wine
industry. Invercargill is renowned for
The implications of this population
its seafood industries and services the
change for our regional economy are
primary sector (farming and forestry) and
significant. Employers are already
manufacturing. Dunedin is the biggest
facing skill shortages and have difficulty
city in the south, with over 20,000
meeting seasonal labour requirements.
students at Otago University and Otago
A decline in the number of working-age
Polytechnic and provides many service-
people and an ageing workforce will make
related jobs. Further north in Oamaru
it harder for employers to find workers,
and Timaru, the local economies are
and harder for our smaller communities
predominantly primary-based with a
to sustain services and community
reliance on farming, horticulture and
activities. A declining younger population
manufacturing.
makes it even more important that our
young people leave school ready for
further training or work and to participate
in society. Investing in our young people
is an investment in our future.
This variety in the local economy and
the skills required for it, the widespread
locations, the seasonality of work and
the relatively small workforce mean that
many communities face challenges in
Like the rest of the region, Queenstown
meeting the opportunities that present
Lakes District faces an ageing population.
themselves.
Unlike the rest of the region however, it
also faces the challenge of a constantly
increasing permanent population (35%
by 2026 5) and continued growth in the
younger age group which means that the
demand for services and facilities will
continue to grow.
4.
5.
Farming is the mainstay of the economy
Subnational Population Projections, 2001 - 2026, Statistics New Zealand.
Ibid.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Opportunities for Action
Our role
The region is well placed to build on recent economic success and make progress
on achieving better social and economic results for all its citizens; a better quality of
life and better standards of living. We can help by identifying and addressing priority
issues in people’s lives now, through:
Helping students make
the right choice
• the provision of financial assistance in times of need
• early intervention, preventing poor social outcomes and offering opportunities to children, individuals and families who need it most
• strengthening and supporting community-based social services and developing better linkages between services.
The Statement of Intent 6 sets out our national direction; the social development
outcomes we want to achieve for all New Zealanders. This plan sets out how we are
implementing the Ministry’s vision and what we are working to achieve in the Southern region.
Services in our region are provided by the Ministry of Youth Development, Family and
Community Services, StudyLink, Work and Income, Benefit Integrity Services and
Senior Services.
Young people are profoundly affected by social, economic and political conditions. The Ministry of Youth Development aims to shift thinking from a focus on youth
problems to one of seeing young people as valuable partners and contributors to
society. We encourage youth development and participation by delivering information,
events and workshops that assist local government, social development providers and
youth themselves.
Family and Community Services works with other organisations to co-ordinate
information and services to support families to be strong, violence-free and connected
to their communities. We do this by managing and funding preventative programmes. We also provide information and advice to help families and communities access
services and develop their own knowledge.
StudyLink provides financial support and information to students either in tertiary
education or to those thinking about it. We want students to complete their studies
with the least possible debt and connect them to a range of services that help them to make informed decisions about their tertiary education.
6.
Moving Forward with Confidence: Statement of Intent 2006/2007, Ministry of Social Development.
When Nicola Hoskin called into
StudyLink’s campus site in Invercargill
to work out her finances for the 2006
study year, she was offered an interview
with StudyLink Officer, Chris Ridden.
This service is offered to first-time
loan borrowers in particular, to discuss
the various options for funding study,
and to provide information about the
implications of borrowing money for
study. “StudyLink provided me with
information enabling me to make the
right choices. Choosing a Student
Allowance has given me an opportunity
to pursue a career in hairdressing”, Nicola said.
Pictured, Nicola Hoskin (left) receives
information from Chris Ridden, StudyLink
Officer at the Southern Institute of
Technology in Invercargill.
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for Action
“The Seasonal Careers
(initiative) is a win for everyone.
The worker gets training and a
job during the work’s off-season,
the meat company don’t lose
workers to other permanent jobs
as these are seasonal as well,
Work and Income keep people
off the unemployment register,
and we just love running
farming courses!!”
Russell Stuck
Area Manager
Agriculture New Zealand
Work and Income focuses on preparing people for work, helping them into a job and
keeping them there. We offer financial support to those on low incomes or not working.
Our Social Development team works with government agencies, communities and
service providers in areas such as health, education and housing to tackle broader
social issues. Our Labour Market Development team helps communities to create local
employment opportunities and address skills issues through Enterprising Communities
Grants and by creating industry partnerships.
Benefit Integrity Services helps to ensure people get their correct entitlement to
financial assistance with an emphasis on preventing and minimising debt and fraud.
Through International Services and War Pension Services, our Senior Services team
delivers income support to older people. This includes war-related pensions and
international payments for those who are eligible for pensions from other countries,
or are eligible for New Zealand payments while living elsewhere. Senior Services (on
behalf of the Ministry of Health), also delivers the Community Services Card to almost
1 million New Zealanders, enabling low- and middle-income people to access lower
cost healthcare.
Looking forward
This year we will continue to support people with services and income assistance
when they are unable to support themselves and need help. To meet the challenges
identified for the Southern region, we will focus on:
• Young people. Assisting young people, particularly those at the point of transition between school and their next step in life, is a priority. Some young people have difficulty coping with the change from school to work and/or further training and feel excluded from the wider community. Early intervention can give them the opportunity to reach their full potential with lasting positive effects. Keeping
young people engaged in training, work and their community will help to off-set skill
and labour shortages and to relieve the impact of changes in the workforce and the economy as a result of an ageing population.
• Families. Some lower-income families are disconnected from their communities and do not take part in social activities. Assisting people to find jobs, working to reduce debt and co-ordinating better access to community services will contribute to stronger families and break the cycle of disadvantage. We will also be focusing on developing our response to families and individuals affected by family violence.
• Seasonal labour and skill shortages. Many of our industries continue to have difficulty finding workers at the right time, and often seasonal workers do not have the skills or connections to find employment during the off-season. We will identify and work with industries that would otherwise have jobs available if there were enough skilled workers, and help them to meet their labour demands.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Opportunities for Action
• Improving collaboration with other agencies. Many social issues involve the intervention of several agencies that have differing responsibilities and capacity for intervention. By taking a wider cross-agency view of the issues and by working collaboratively together, our efforts will be more effective.
• Improving access to services. Accessible government and community services can make people’s lives easier and can facilitate economic development. In many of our rural areas, services can be difficult to access because of distance, transport
difficulties and small populations. Even in towns, more accessable services in suburban areas would reduce problems for those who are less mobile because of age, ill-health or affordability.
Improving the lives and future opportunities for our people is a big job. The combined
effort of all our partners in the community is needed to meet these challenges; we
cannot meet them on our own. Building our relationships and working together with
other government agencies, local councils, employers, training providers, iwi, non-profit
organisations, communities and individuals is the key to success.
Preparing for a new life
The Catholic Social Services run a programme for
young, pregnant, single women to help them learn
about pregnancy and prepare for their child’s birth.
Our Benefit Integrity staff attend the programme and
provide information to expectant mothers about the
financial assistance available to them, including the
Working for Families package. We also talk with the
women about their responsibility to inform us of any
changes in their circumstances while receiving a
benefit, ensuring there are no over-payments or debt
incurred.
Pictured from left sharing information are Jill Harris,
Social Worker (standing); Rebecca Gosney; Lavinina
Poulgrain; and Nikki Murray, Benefit Integrity Services.
LEADINGSOCIAL
SOCIALDEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
LEADING
Moving Forward
Welcome to the 2006/2007 Southern
broadened from a Work and Income
• enhancing the wellbeing of older Regional Plan. We have published this
focus to a social development focus and
plan to let you know who we are and
as we have developed the Ministry’s
whether it be in the workforce what we are trying to achieve. Our
regional presence, the plan has become
or in the community and voluntary success will depend on our ability much more about the co-ordinated work
sector and through the provision to work in partnership with others -
of all of the Ministry’s business units
and availability of services
government agencies, local government
that deliver services to the people and
organisations, community agencies
communities in the Southern region.
and groups and non-governmental
organisations - as well as with families
and individuals. We cannot achieve our
goals alone and I hope that through
understanding our work you will find
either now, or in the future.
Our work includes all aspects of social
development; the Ministry provides
social policy advice to the Government,
social services to more than 1 million
to strengthen and support This plan is about people, families and
community organisations through communities and most of all, working
consultation, by providing together. We set out to address our
information and resources and challenges and the opportunities for
through funding.
I would like to thank all of the
• leading social development - working community groups, providers and the
with other organisations, developing
many organisations that we work with
our services, understanding complex to achieve our goals. I would also like
social issues and developing local to take this opportunity to thank all of
responses and programmes
our staff for their extensive contribution
• helping our children, young people partnership with communities to help
and families to succeed - giving maximise regional development and
our children a great start, supporting employment opportunities. With our
families, getting young people broad span of responsibilities, we affect
involved and supporting young the lives of everyone within the region
people in transition
either directly or indirectly.
• improving employment opportunities At this time last year, our planning
for our working-age people - getting had very much a Work and Income
them in to work, making work pay
and employment focus. As my role has
and developing the labour market
John Allen
Regional Commissioner for Social Development
Footnote.
New Zealanders and we work in
1.
• partnering with our communities - action that they present through:
opportunities for us to work together
people - encouraging participation, throughout the last year. You have all
contributed to Southern’s achievements
through your knowledge, expertise and
enthusiasm.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development
The capacity, capability and the contributions of our people define and decide New Zealand’s success as a nation. We need strong families, communities and social
institutions so that our people can thrive. In Southern, we are working with our
partners to create an environment that supports a positive and collaborative approach
Getting to the heart
of the matter
to address a range of underlying social issues across the region.
“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. And it means investing in our people, our future:
spending the money today that will ensure better health, education and employment
outcomes tomorrow ”7.
In its key social-strategy document Opportunity for All New Zealanders, the
Government outlines what it is doing to improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders and
identifies five critical social issues 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 health eating and healthy activity.
• Reducing tobacco, alcohol and other drug abuse.
• Minimising family violence and the abuse and neglect of children and older people.
We are responsible for co-ordinating action on minimising family violence and
sustainable employment (in conjunction with the Department of Labour) and we have
strong contributions to make to the other issues.
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.
Our work with local communities in Queenstown, Dunedin and Gore and consultation
with mayors and community leaders has confirmed that these issues are priorities
for them too. These issues are associated with other factors such as affordable
and available housing, managing sustainable growth and access to health services,
childcare and community services generally.
Opportunity for All New Zealanders recognises that social development and economic
development go hand in hand. We want to build strong communities where people
have the skills, tools and information to improve their lives.
Leading social development in the Southern region requires us to focus on four key areas: working with other organisations, developing our services, understanding
complex social issues and developing local responses and programmes.
7.
Opportunity for All New Zealanders, Office of the Minister for Social Development and Employment, 2004.
Heartland Services in Waimate is
among one of the busiest services
in the country, receiving up to 500
enquiries a month.
Waimate Heartlands Co-ordinator,
Steve Napper, says most enquiries
relate to Work and Income, and up
to three case managers are on hand
several days a week to deal with
appointments. Other enquiries may
involve Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand, Accident Compensation
Corporation and the Department of
Internal Affairs.
Pictured outside the Waimate
Resource Centre are from left, Steve
Napper, Heartlands Co-ordinator
with Kate Heap and Susan Ellison,
Work and Income Case Managers.
10
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leading Social Development
Working with other organisations
We will continue to promote inter-
from agencies such as Housing Benefits back into work. PATHS
sectoral collaboration and strategic
New Zealand, Inland Revenue,
(Providing Access to Health Solutions)
partnerships in our communities Accident Compensation Corporation,
helps people receiving a benefit get
to improve social situations, and with
district health boards and government
back into work by providing access to a
industries to address skill shortages ministries including Education, Tourism,
range of health interventions including
to fill and create jobs.
Agriculture and Forestry and Civil
intensive physiotherapy, access to pain
Defence & Emergency Management.
clinics, fitness programmes and extra
The Regional Commissioner for Social
visits to health professionals for the
Development has a leadership role
Another initiative is around simplifying
in convening whole-of-government
contracts for some providers who work
responses on important social issues
for a variety of government agencies.
such as contingency planning for a
We want to ensure gaps between
possible ‘bird-flu’ influenza pandemic.
different services are bridged and the
The Ministry of Health has overall
Government’s investments are well
responsibility for this planning, but for
targeted. We also want to reduce the
an event of this scale, scope, complexity
burden of negotiation on contracted
We know that accessible government
and potential impact, expertise is
services so that they can get on with
services can make a significant
required from a range of fields.
their jobs. To do this, we are establishing
difference to people’s lives, by reducing
one integrated contract for a service
their costs in time or travel and by
provider to cover all the government
improving the efficiency of interaction
agencies it is involved with.
through face-to-face contact and local
All government agencies are involved
and we are responsible for co-ordinating
welfare planning. This means convening
working groups in Otago, Southland and
Another new approach will support
South Canterbury, with representation
people on Sickness and Invalid’s
management of chronic diseases such as
diabetes and asthma. We will work with
the Otago District Health Board and a
community (mental health) co-ordinator
on the establishment of the programme
in the region this year.
knowledge.
Mainstream award in Oamaru
The Oamaru Work and Income Service Centre won the Mainstream Employer
of the Year award in 2005. The State Services Commission awards the title
each year to an outstanding employer involved in the Mainstream Supported
Employment programme, which provides opportunities for people with
disabilities to work in state-sector organisations.
Case Manager Debbie Gracie, who is deaf, nominated the Service Centre as a great place to work. Debbie has worked at the Oamaru Service Centre for more than a year under the Mainstream programme, specialising in
superannuation and debt management. Most of her work is computer-based,
with communication done via email or fax. Debbie lip reads and if she has
difficulty understanding, staff write it down or a ‘buddy’ explains it.
Pictured from left are Work and Income staff Catherine Bisson, Debbie and Paul McGeown.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development
An alpine experience
On their arrival in Queestown to join the Bridge to Queenstown
programme, graduates from the Limited Service Volunteers course
perform a haka to local whänau members.
As part of the programme, trainees are placed into employment in the hospitality and construction industries and live in supervised
accommodation for their first three months. They also receive In
Work Support and are assisted to develop career plans.
Queenstown has almost zero
taking services to smaller communities
Justice. Clients with debt can place
unemployment. In response to labour
once or twice a month to provide face-
heavy financial burdens on themselves,
shortages, our service centre hosts staff
to-face contact. These services operate
suffer reduced income, poor health,
from the New Zealand Immigration
in Wanaka, Cromwell and Ranfurly.
family stress and social exclusion and
Service who can issue 48-hour fasttrack work visas to foreign visitors. The
hospitality industry has predominantly
benefited from this process and more
recently the construction industry.
Access to government services is also
improved as the office is a Heartlands
A Labour Market Knowledge Manager
from the Department of Labour is based at our Regional Office
and works closely with our Labour
Market Development team, providing
information for a Southern labour
by doing so, undermine agencies’ efforts
to reduce client disadvantage. Agencies
can compound problems by competing
with each other to recover debt, causing
greater confusion and hardship for the
client. This project seeks to improve our
policies and practices.
service centre.
market plan and on a project helping
young people increase training and job
As well as the work we are undertaking
We have set up one-stop-shop
opportunities in Gore. Information in partnership with government
Heartland Services, so that people in
and advice on regional development and
agencies, we have been actively involved
rural or remote communities can access
industry development labour market
in local council long-term planning
a range of government and other related
issues is also being provided to other
and consultation. We have been talking
services. Heartland service centres
agencies and organisations with similar
with the region’s mayors, councils and
operate successfully in Fairlie, Twizel,
aims located in the Southern region.
communities about the particular issues
Waimate, Oamaru, Queenstown, Te Anau, Gore and Balclutha.
We are leading the Debt to Multiple
Heartlands Outreach Services have
partnership with Inland Revenue,
also been developed. This involves
Housing New Zealand and the fines
participating government agencies
enforcement unit of the Ministry of
State Agencies project, working in
that they face so we can join in the
effort to address them. We are working
in partnership with the Timaru District
Council to place young people into
employment, training or education. 11
12
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Leading Social Development
This was established following
This year we will be taking advantage
mentioned as one of the main trends consultation run by the Council and the
of the establishment of our Regional
in our region identified through
Safer Community Council. In Gore we
Ministry Governance team, looking for
Statistics New Zealand information.
are also establishing a partnership to
opportunities to further engage in joint
tackle issues for young people.
planning across our service lines, to
There are many other community
and non-governmental organisations
better meet the needs of our clients and
stakeholders.
Each year the Ministry releases The Social Report, which monitors the quality of life and wellbeing of all New Zealanders across a range
that work on social issues. Forming
We will continue to focus on the
of indicators such as education, health
partnerships with them is a key part
needs of youth. The Ministry of Youth
and community involvement, at both
of our work. One such example is our
Development is expanding its services
a national and regional level. This
work with Ngai Tahu Tribal Services in
this year with the establishment of a
collection of social information directs
Queenstown/Cromwell on developing South Island team, whose staff will
our attention to some key trends and is
the skills of young Ngai Tahu and other
travel throughout the Island, working to
helping local councils to assess where
Mäori, who are being placed into
better support our young people.
they are now and how they might plan
hospitality training and employment
through our Bridge to Queenstown
programme.
We are constantly considering how we can best deliver our services in the
region. Besides our Regional office, We will work with other government
we have 10 full-time service centres and
agencies to streamline service delivery
23 service locations operating part time
where possible and plan collaboratively
or at peak periods, with eight of these
for social development outcomes.
offering Heartland Services.
for the future. Generally, the Southern
region performs well compared to the
rest of the country. However, the main
areas that need attention are wage
and work-injury rates, the educational
attainment of the adult population and
road casualty rates.
Preparing a Long Term Council
Community Plan is a major challenge
Developing our services
Understanding complex
social issues
currently facing each of our local
sure our own efforts are co-ordinated
Information is central to our work. they will work towards achieving their
and different services within the Ministry
We use regional and local information
community’s identified outcomes.
are working together. Our Regional
to help us decide what investments
As this process proceeds across the
Commissioner for Social Development is
to make. We have data from Statistics
region, we will continue to work with
actively building this co-ordination, such
New Zealand, the Department of Labour
our 11 local authorities. The issues and
as tying together the advisory services
and our own systems to support our
strategies defined by councils will help
of StudyLink, labour market information
strategies. We also have three main
to inform our planning and to identify
and Work and Income services so that,
sources of community information: opportunities with a shared focus.
for example, a student may talk with
The Social Report 8, Local Services
a work broker about the chances of
Mapping, and the consultations
obtaining work in their field of study.
undertaken by councils for their Long
We are conscious of the need to make
Term Council Community Plans.
8.
The Social Report 2005, Ministry of Social Development.
authorities. They are required to produce
a plan every three years, outlining how
We are finding out what the challenges
are for our local communities and
how we can help to solve them. We
are building an understanding of the
Our ageing population and lack of
complex social issues the region is
youthful replacements has already been
facing.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Leading Social Development
Developing local responses and programmes
Better information about communities and local situations is improving our ability to respond to the specific development needs of the region and local communities.
In response to information about labour and skill shortages identified in the dairying
industry, we have created programmes that find jobs for workers during the off-season and strategies to find workers for seasonal jobs in Central Otago.
Information and local consultation has led us to initiate a project in Gore that is
aimed at engaging young people in the community and in employment. We are
working with the Mayor of Gore and key groups to increase our youth transition
services, identify apprenticeship opportunities and join health services in improving
the health of young people, among other things.
Investing in people, strengthening our local community and focusing on encouraging
sustainable employment are some of the best contributions we can make towards a
stronger economy. Leading social development in the Southern region means a focus
on partnership and collaboration so that the sum of all of our efforts is greater than
what any of us could achieve on our own. Pictured are graduates of the first heavy vehicle driver training course, held in Timaru.
The course was set up by Work and Income and heavy transport employers to respond
to identified skill shortages.
13
14
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Helping our Children, Young
People and Families Succeed
We want to make New Zealand a better place to grow up in and be part of a family. It is essential for the long-term social and economic wellbeing of New Zealand children and the successful development of our young people. When families and
whänau are strong, they support their members so that they can play full, functional and productive roles in society.
We have a range of flexible services designed to help children, young people and
families succeed. This includes early intervention programmes for vulnerable families,
financial assistance to make it easier for working families to work and bring up children
and a comprehensive range of transition programmes for young people.
Giving children a great start
“StudyLink provides a fantastic
service for our students, here at the
Southern Institute of Technology.
Chris, who works in the on-campus
office, is very friendly and efficient
and always goes the extra mile
for our students. The application
process for student loans and
allowances has evolved over the last
few years into a very stream-lined
and user friendly system”.
We want to ensure that children have the best start in life. Family and Community
Services runs programmes such as SKIP (Strategies with Kids: Information for
Parents). SKIP funds community organisations through the Local Initiatives Fund to
promote positive parenting and provide practical knowledge and skills for parents with
children under five. SKIP supports parents to bring up children in a positive way, using love and nurture as well as setting boundaries to guide and teach them. There
are three components:
• making available resources such as pamphlets, videos, tip sheets and research information
• the development of parent support and education training packages
Terry Egerton
Verification of Study Administrator
Southern Institute of Technology
• the Local Initiatives Fund.
Positively Clutha Women and Tu Kaha Whänau Trust in Oamaru are among those who
have received Local Initiatives funding for SKIP programmes.
We know that positive adulthood is built on positive childhood experiences and that
poor childhood experiences can be difficult to overcome as children become adults.
The Family Start programme provides intensive, home-based support services for
families with high needs, to ensure that their children have the best possible start in life. The programme is aimed at those most at risk.
Family Start aims to improve children’s health, education and life experiences;
improve parents’ parenting capability and practice; and improve personal and family
circumstances. The programme is funded and managed by the Ministries of Health,
Education and ourselves, and is delivered by contracted service providers. Designated
community agencies refer families to Family Start, who can be accepted onto the
programme from six months before the birth of a child up to one year after.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
Family and Community Services also provide online access to supporting information,
services and advice.
• The 211 Directory lists family-related services, programmes and resources available throughout the country. For Invercargill for example, 438 services are listed.
• FamilyWeb links people to helpful websites on subjects such as raising children and supporting young people. The information available will be expanded in the coming year 9.
Access to childcare is a big issue for parents who want to work. The Working for
“In the past we had noticed that
Mäori and Pacific students were
reluctant to come to the StudyLink
Office. Having an officer visit their
own site has overcome some of their discomfort”.
Pearl Barron
Mäori Centre Te Huka Matauraka
at the University of Otago
Families package is designed to make it easier to work and raise a family and aims
to ‘make work pay’. For those parents who are working, there is an In Work Payment
available and they can receive subsidies for pre-school and out-of-school care.
Subsidies have increased significantly this year and are available to more parents
earning higher incomes.
Five childcare co-ordinators in the Southern region work closely with early childhood
centres and OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreation) programmes to make sure
parents are getting the subsidies they are entitled to. In many cases these subsidies
make full-time work a viable option for parents.
Jenni Mattingly (left) and Annette Diggle
from Work and Income promoting the
Working for Families package at a Dunedin
women’s lifestyle expo.
9.
Information about these services can be accessed via www.211.govt.nz.
15
16
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
Supporting families
“At first I thought that the
Conservation Corps was just for
people who wanted to keep their
benefits, then I got to know
them and some of them were just
like me, too shy to move forward
in life; we all just needed to
be pushed in the right direction.
For me this made my experience
great”.
Tracey Cleghorn
Conservation Corps participant
YMCA Education Invercargill
We want families to be strong and
groups oversee the process. Nine groups
successful. We aim to reduce the level
operate across the region in Alexandra
of violence in our families and the abuse
(Central Otago), Balclutha (South Otago),
and neglect of children and older people.
Invercargill, Gore, Queenstown Lakes,
We have planned a public education and
Ranfurly, Dunedin, Oamaru (Waitaki) and
awareness campaign with a focus on
Timaru (South Canterbury).
changing attitudes and behaviours. A focus on collaborative service delivery will develop stronger working
relationships between ourselves, other
government agencies and community
family violence prevention agencies.
The Strengthening Families initiative
aims to provide co-ordinated support
for families dealing with more than
two government or non-government
organisations by encouraging the
agencies to work together. Everyone
benefits - agencies are not repeating
each other’s work and families get to see
everyone at once. Family and Community
Services provide support and resources
so communities can own and implement
this initiative and local management
Pictured from left are Tammy Forde, Maria
Dobson and Lisa Tavave, who have completed
a two-year apprenticeship in customer service
as part of their cadetship at Work and Income.
A big focus for us this year is to ensure
families are safe and free from abuse
and violence. We are working with other
government agencies to provide a unified
response and with families to stop cycles
of violence.
The Family Violence Intervention
Programme is designed to strengthen
Work and Income’s response to clients
who are experiencing family violence and
it is being implemented nationally during
2006. Family and Community Services
support Work and Income to provide
specialised advice. Case managers are
trained to identify possible signs of family
violence and to provide the right help
by referring clients to appropriate local
support services.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
We have recently introduced three family violence response co-ordinators to work
throughout the region. Their role is to support case managers to speak with clients
about matters of family violence and liaise with local support services. Our three co-ordinators work out of Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill. Clients wanting help to
stop being violent will also be referred to support services.
Getting young people involved
We want to ensure young people have good mental and physical health. We fund
community, recreation and education projects for young people through the Ministry of
Youth Development including the Conservation Corps, established to give young people
a chance to have a go at the physically hard but rewarding work of conservation. While
gaining valuable personal and work-related skills, they also make a worthwhile and
lasting contribution to conservation in New Zealand.
This year we are co-ordinating joint funding across government agencies for a survey on
the health and wellbeing of 10,000 secondary school students called Youth2007. This
will provide a better picture of young people to further develop policy and practices.
Aotearoa Youth Voices 10 is the overarching banner under which youth-participation
activities are run by the Ministry of Youth Development. Providing an opportunity
for young people to speak and be heard, and increasing the ways young people are
involved in decision-making means they can be part of making a real difference. We
are planning for Youth Parliament 2007 to expand youth-participation activities, to
investigate a new national youth body and to recognise the contribution that young
people make to sports, arts and cultural activities.
PROVOKE is a youth-participation project involving secondary school students and
adult facilitators, providing them with the ideas and tools to get their voices heard.
They may, for instance, take part in developing an improved system for getting their say
taken seriously in school or it may be a one-off project to advocate for the development
of a local youth centre. In 2005, 490 youth voice advocates and around 200 staff
liaisons from around New Zealand were involved in PROVOKE.
The Youth Development Partnership Fund was launched in October 2005. It enables
us to respond to emerging youth needs and create new opportunities by partnering with
local authorities to support projects that benefit young people in their communities.
In partnership with the Dunedin City Council, we have assisted in setting up the
Audacious 2006 Student Business Challenge. The project, with a prize of $50,000,
engages interested young people in designing, planning and implementing a business.
Mentors and business partnerships assist the young people and may also lead to job
opportunities later on.
10. Further information about the Aotearoa Youth Voices programme and contributing projects can be accessed via www.youthvoices.govt.nz.
“I have found that the course
helped me a lot with my personal
development, as before starting
the course I had low self-esteem
and low confidence. Thank you for
creating such an awesome course
for young people to take part in, it
is an awesome experience”.
Sarah Sherlock
YMCA Conservation Corps participant
17
18
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
Supporting young people in transition
A large part of the work we do is aimed at school leavers and young unemployed
Work’n it out together
people. Getting into the workforce can be a difficult task and we want to make the
pathway into work, training and tertiary education as smooth as possible.
With the help of secondary schools, all school leavers in the Southern region are
recorded in a database so that we can follow up and offer them services for things such as their job search, referrals to courses or careers advice. This is part of our youth strategy Work’n it Out, which was implemented in 2005.
Work’n it Out offers a variety of services for young people including courses, an
apprenticeship scheme and a mentoring system for those who have left school. Life
coaches employed by the Transition to Work Trust mentor young people from Timaru to Bluff who are ‘at risk’, helping them plan a path into work or training.
Life coaches also work with schools and local organisations to create one-off projects
so that students have a chance to work on real business challenges while contributing
to their course work. We will continue this year to promote the Work’n it Out
Through Work’n it Out, Work and
Income’s youth strategy for young
people in the Southern region, Logan
Patterson has obtained a spraypainting apprenticeship.
services. We will also set up a number of community stakeholder groups, clustered
Eva Martin mentors Logan in her role
as a Life Coach for the Transition to
Work Trust and Simone Montgomery
facilitates apprenticeships through the
4Trades initiative. Logan says he was
getting into trouble with the law before
Eva and Simone helped him get the
apprenticeship. Eva helped Logan with
his literacy and CV skills and coached
him through a mock interview when
the spray-painting apprenticeship
came up. Simone’s role is to set
up apprenticeships and act as the
employer of the apprentice.
people in Gore to improve their opportunities and pathway from school to employment.
Logan says he is enjoying learning the
spray-painting trade and “it has put
me on the straight and narrow”.
geographically, to inform and provide feedback on the direction of our services.
Feedback already received about Work’n it Out has meant that along with the Gore
District Council and other key organisations, we are working intensively with young
As a result, five young people from Gore interested in the shearing industry have taken
part in a Straight 2 Work 11 shearing course in Taupo. We will also seek to improve the
opportunity for apprenticeships and partnerships with industry and encourage them to
give jobs to young people.
We encourage young people who may be struggling, to attend motivational courses
such as Alive at Borland and the Limited Service Volunteers course and wherever
possible, work brokers arrange job placements for them to return to.
Ten young unemployed people who recently graduated from Limited Service Volunteers,
a six-week residential motivational training programme held at Burnham Military Camp near Christchurch, are now working in the Queenstown hospitality industry. The graduates were supported into work through the successful Bridge to Queenstown
programme, which aims to have young unemployed people filling skill and labour
shortages in Queenstown.
Pictured are Eva Martin (left) and
Simone Montgomery ‘on the job’ with Logan.
11. Straight 2 Work is an Industry Partnerships training and support programme which gives people the basic skill set required to move straignt into employment and help them to stay there.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Helping our Children, Young People and Families Succeed
A new lease on life
Young unemployed Southlanders take part in kayaking, rock climbing
and tramping as part of 12-day motivational programme at Borland
Lodge near Fiordland National Park.
Alive at Borland was set up in 2002 as part of the Mayors Taskforce
for Jobs initiative. The programme, run by Adventure Southland and
funded by Work and Income, occurs five times a year.
Programme Manager, Bill Roxburgh says the Alive at Borland programme offers a range of outdoor activities and helps prepare
participants for work. Highlights of a recent programme included
a three-day tramp, job-skill training on interviewing techniques
and learning concreting from Invercargill Mayor, Tim Shadbolt.
Young people on the course have their future goals mapped out
and on completion are assisted into employment or further training
opportunities.
Pictured are some of the course participants taking part in a kayaking exercise.
More than 100 young people have
programme. This gives Year-12 and 13
education, connecting them to other
been through the Bridge to Queenstown
secondary school students an insight
agencies to help with course choices
programme since it began in 2003.
into the realities of student life and
and providing information about the
Recent changes include providing
stimulates their thinking both about their
implications of borrowing for study. accommodation and supervision within
study choices and who to talk to, and the
This service is offered through both Queenstown and workplace support and
options for funding themselves through
face-to-face and telephone interviews.
career planning for participants. Places
study. We visit every secondary school
are limited, but upcoming changes
in the region. On Course also provides
involve expanding job placements to
information to parents, whänau, teachers
include other industries, with options for
and other key student influencers on how
trainees to take up apprenticeships.
they can help young people with the
Many young people leave school with
the intention of undertaking further
decisions that need to be made about
tertiary education.
We work with students at our Dunedin
StudyLink Office and also meet with
students on campus at the Southland
Institute of Technology in Invercargill
and at Otago University. We also work
closely with Mäori students and have
a staff member based part-time at the
study. We want students to succeed in
Students are of all ages and from all
Mäori Centre at the University of Otago.
their chosen field of study with the least
backgrounds and may not have partici-
We will continue to enhance networking
possible debt. StudyLink offers a range of
pated in our On Course programmes.
opportunities with private training
services aimed at helping students make
Students applying for a loan for the first
organisations and tertiary education
sound financial educational choices.
time will be offered a service which
institutes in the region.
One of these services is the On Course
covers options for funding tertiary
19
20
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving Opportunities for
Working Age People
Employment provides New Zealanders with economic independence and the means to provide for themselves and their families so that they can lead the lives they choose.
It also provides meaningful activity and social contact that contributes to self- and
life-satisfaction.
Employment is a key factor in achieving positive social outcomes for individuals and
families. With a relatively strong economy and a buoyant labour market, we are taking
a more active approach towards helping people into work and working with those who
may need to overcome a number of barriers to get into employment.
The number of working-age people receiving unemployment-related benefits 12 in
our region has reduced to 3,289, from 10,384 as at 31 March 2000 - a reduction
of 68.3% 13. As the number of clients falls, we have an opportunity to work more
intensively with other client groups to help them into employment. However, for some
people, an immediate return to the workforce is not always an option and some may
never be able to return to work. We will assist these people so that they can plan their
future direction, take part in their communities and find work where appropriate.
Our focus for assisting working-age people involves getting them in to work, making
work pay and developing the labour market.
After taking part in a Work and Income
part-time employment trial programme, former
Invalid’s Benefit recipient Malcolm Thomas now
works full time at Yunca Heating in Invercargill.
12. An unemployment-related benefit includes an Unemployment Benefit and an Unemployment Benefit - Hardship.
13. 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.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
Across the Southern region, our Work Track seminars
offer labour market information and assist job seekers to
find employment. During the seminars, staff explain the
importance of keeping the Ministry updated with changes to
their circumstances while receiving a benefit - an important
part in minimising debt for our clients.
Pictured is James Murray from Benefit Integrity Services
talking to clients attending a Work Track seminar.
Getting people into work
Getting people into work involves getting
More intensive programmes are available
are more likely to improve their skills,
them ready for work and supporting them
where case managers feel it will help
career prospects and income if they have
into a job. This may mean assisting a
their clients into jobs. Work Track is a
a job and can plan for their future.
sole parent re-enter the workforce by
three-week programme that includes
undertaking a course and receiving help
goal setting, motivation building, CV
with childcare. We can assist someone
writing and interview and job-searching
receiving a Sickness Benefit to identify
techniques. At Work Track seminars we
a career pathway, complete application
also reinforce the client’s responsibilities
forms for study or employment and
and answer questions about benefit
arrange coaching or mentoring sessions.
abuse and fraud which can lead to debt.
Our proactive approach to getting people
into work has proved effective and will be further enhanced this year.
We have contracted the New Zealand
Federation of Family Budgeting
Services to deliver Financial Planning
For Change, a pilot programme being
offered in our Dunedin Central and South
Dunedin Service Centres. It provides
financial planning and advice to new
We also have resources and programmes
applicants for an unemployment- or a
available such as PACE (Pathways to Arts
domestic purposes-related benefit 14 and
and Cultural Employment), which provide
initial feedback from clients who have
We have some key workshops and
job seekers with skills to build a business
participated in the programme is very
programmes that are designed to
and make a living from the Arts.
positive.
Case management helps job seekers
Gaining tertiary qualifications is usually
prepare for work and an improved
a pathway to employment. Working
job-matching tool called jobz4u (Jobs
closely with Work and Income clients at
for You), enables us to more efficiently
points of transition is an area of focus
match clients with jobs appropriate to
for StudyLink. We want to ensure clients
their skills and needs.
choose appropriate courses and that their
get people ready for work. People
applying for a benefit can be referred
to our WRK4U (Work for You) seminars,
which highlight available jobs, provide
information on the state of the labour
market and inform people of their jobseeking responsibilities when receiving
a benefit. The seminars in many cases
Clients are also encouraged to take a
help people into work before they need to
longer-term view of work. They may not
apply for a benefit.
get the perfect job immediately, but they
14. A domestic purposes-related benefit comprises DPB Sole Parent, DPB Caring for the Sick or Infirm, DPB Woman Alone and Emergency Maintenance Allowance.
Student Loan debt levels are minimised.
21
22
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
Kim Murtagh (right), who receives a Domestic Purposes Benefit, is becoming
self-sufficient by taking visitors on historical tours of gold-mining areas near
Lawrence. Kim is being supported to achieve her goals by Case Manager,
Karen Bird (left), who has referred Kim to Clutha Enterprise, where she can
further develop a business plan.
Many people are telling us they want to work and participate in their communities,
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.
The New Service Approach was trialled in 12 service centres around the country, including
the Dunedin South Service Centre, before being made available nationally in May 2006.
This means that when employment is a realistic option, domestic purpose-related,
Sickness and Invalid’s Benefit applicants will be able to access a range of employment
programmes traditionally only available to those receiving an unemployment-related
benefit. Clients who identify work as a future goal will be offered the opportunity to attend Work and Income seminars such as WRK4U (Work for You).
For some clients, the focus is not on employment-related outcomes. We will take on a brokering role to ensure that they are linked to other social services they may need such as health and housing services.
Our Contact Centre, which undertakes a number of calling campaigns to keep in contact
with clients, is supporting the New Service Approach. These campaigns involve promoting
new initiatives such as Working for Families and checking with, for example, domestic
purposes-related benefit clients about their current circumstances.
A strong focus will also remain on those who have been unemployed for lengthy periods
of time 15. Although fewer people fall into this category than ever before, those who have
15. Long-term unemployed are clients who have received an unemployment-related benefit for 26 weeks or more.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
been unemployed for 26 weeks or more
For some, employment may not be
Communities Grants in the areas of
need intensive assistance to get into
a realistic option right now due to
heritage tourism, youth development,
work. We will also focus on rural long-
ill-health. But joining a community
environmental education, living history,
term unemployed and mature 16 workers.
organisation, volunteering or intermittent
cultural art and caregivers. We have
Last year, mobile work brokers based
work is also a means to improving health
supported projects by funding key
in Invercargill and Timaru met clients
and greater fulfilment. In Oamaru we
workers for the development of the
regularly outside Work and Income offices
run Café Focus, a fortnightly meeting for
Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin, a
and were successful in getting people
clients receiving a Sickness or Invalid’s
Lawrence tourism venture around its gold
who had been unemployed from 26
Benefit, so they can network and discuss
mining history and the establishment of
weeks to more than 10 years into jobs.
getting into training, community activities
the Ngai Tahu Rock Art Centre in Timaru.
or work.
Our aim is to help these and other groups
We offer enhanced case management
to those who are receiving a Sickness
Our Offender Re-integration Programme:
or Invalid’s Benefit, including health
Improving Employment Outcomes offers
assessments to help them get back
services to prisoners due for release.
to develop initiatives that will lead to
sustainable opportunities for employment
and financial independence.
on their feet as well as to look at their
Staff, based part-time at the Dunedin
As well as working with communities
future. For many, working is a realistic
and Invercargill prisons, have already
on job development, we also utilise
aim and should be pursued. In the South
been successful in helping prisoners
other opportunities. Project Crioch, the
Dunedin Service Centre, an employment
secure jobs on their release.
building of a prison near Milton, has
co-ordinator works intensively with
disabled clients to assist them into
employment.
We are also active in supporting
communities to create jobs. In our
region, we have invested Enterprising
resulted in 30 job seekers gaining fulltime employment on the construction
site. Our Mosgiel work broker has built
strong relationships with contractors,
helped job seekers gain their ‘Site Safe
Certificate’ and arranged work experience
for a number of clients. A positive spinoff from this has been the creation of
a roofing course run by the Salvation
Army, with support from Calder Stewart
Roofing. Longer term, we are also working
with the Department of Corrections on
their requirements for staff including
prison officers, to work in the prison once
it is completed.
Roofing assistants Chris Murphy and Tim Coory (foreground) are hard at work building the new prison near
Milton - Project Crioch. Work and Income has helped them
and many others to secure jobs.
16. Mature clients are those aged between 45 and 59 years of age.
23
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LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
Making work pay
Once people are in jobs we want to make sure that they can stay there. We are
assisting people moving into work to stay employed through In Work Support
programmes. We contract career support for each participant once placed into
employment for a minimum of six months. The support includes, but is not limited
to, understanding employer demands, childcare assistance, overcoming travel issues,
budgeting and entitlements to family assistance. This helps participants with the
transition from unemployment to work, by ensuring that they get help to adjust to
working life while managing family and social demands.
We visit workplaces as part of a prevention and education programme to minimise
people becoming caught up in debt and benefit fraud. We know that people’s
circumstances change, either because they move into part- or full-time work or
because of changes in their relationships or family circumstances. Often they do not
consider the impact on their benefit or the assistance they may receive and act
promptly to let us know of the changes.
Toby Holm (left) and Martyn Sadler have
completed a new Straight 2 Work roofing
programme run by The Salvation Army.
Another key ingredient in assisting our clients to achieve sustainable employment is
to ensure that they receive their full benefit entitlements. The Working for Families
package can make it more viable for clients to remain in work, to enter or re-enter
employment, or for those in part-time work to increase their hours to full time and
leave the benefit system entirely.
The package does this through improvements to Family Income Assistance (especially
for those who are working), the introduction of an In Work Payment for families, letting
clients who are receiving an Accommodation Supplement keep more of their earnings
and improving Childcare Assistance payments. There are also greater incentives for
domestic purposes-related benefit clients to enter work by providing more help with
childcare costs.
Work and Income and Inland Revenue work closely to administer the Working for
Families package and Inland Revenue staff are now co-located with Work and Income
in some offices, making access to both services convenient for our mutual clients.
We respond rapidly to changing circumstances such as large businesses facing closure.
Alliance’s meat processing plant at Pukeuri, near Oamaru, was badly damaged by fire
on 8 January 2006, affecting 800 staff with early season lay-offs. Work and Income
has been commended for its fast and efficient response and for the close working
relationship in place between our Oamaru Service Centre and Alliance Pukeuri
management. Our response involved the Oamaru Service Centre hosting an Alliancestaffed employment information centre, extra staff from Dunedin and Timaru service
centres helping with the additional workload and interviewing, and providing Labour
Market Rapid Response assistance with transport costs for relocating workers to other
meat-processing plants around the country.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
Developing the labour market
Because the region is large and diverse,
Seasonal Solutions Central Otago Ltd.
there are often mismatches between
was the first co-ordinated regional
the locations of work opportunities
response to tackling the traditional
and the people looking for work. Our
labour shortages in the horticultural and
Labour Market Development team
viticultural industries. We initiated and
has taken a lead role in responding to
financially supported the project and
these challenges and the needs of the
have provided seconded staff from Work
regional labour market since it was set
and Income’s Alexandra Service Centre
up last year. They provide a locally-based
over the last two picking seasons. Also
advisory service that includes financial
involved is The Central Employment
assistance and helping disadvantaged
Trust, the New Zealand Immigration
communities. The team responds to local
Service and Inland Revenue. Intensive
labour market needs, provides grants
marketing is used to find workers from
to support communities taking action
around New Zealand and backpackers
in their local labour market and builds
from overseas. A database then matches
partnerships with local industry and
workers with growers. More than 2,000
employers to respond to labour market
workers were placed in Central Otago
and skills shortages.
orchards and vineyards in the last fruit
The Southern region has a variety of
seasonal industries including horticulture, viticulture, meat processing,
wool harvesting, market gardening,
season. Plans are underway to transfer
Seasonal Solutions Central Otago Ltd. to collective ownership by the growers in Central Otago.
fishing, agriculture, vegetable processing,
We know that the proportion of Mäori
hospitality and tourism, complementing
and Pacific peoples receiving benefits
the natural resources of the region. is higher than that of our general
These industries present unique
population. We want to enhance our
challenges to the labour market due to
relationships with key Mäori and Pacific
fluctuations in labour demand and
Island communities to develop and
supply. To address this, a seasonal
implement initiatives that will help to
strategy has been developed, providing find employment for them and their
a proactive and consistent approach families. We will continue consultation
to labour issues within the region.
with community groups to identify and
This builds on the success of Seasonal
address these issues and our Labour
Solutions Central Otago Ltd.
Market Development team is working
with communities throughout the region
to develop employment opportunities.
Sharing a positive experience
A joint initiative between Work and
Income and Tapestry Clubhouse (an
organisation that helps people recovering
from mental illnesses), has enabled
workers such as Ngaire Penny and Jude
Miller to re-enter the workforce. Working
with Trudy Hutchison, the Tapestry
Clubhouse Team Leader, Ngaire and Jude
job-shared for six months, working at
Work and Income’s Southern Regional
Office and the Dunedin Central Service
Centre cafeteria.
Ngaire says the work helped to rebuild
her confidence and gain skills. It has
also contributed to her improved state
of health. “It was good for me to slowly
take on responsibility and the experience
was really positive”. Two others are now
enjoying working in the same role.
Pictured are Ngaire Penny (front)
and Jude Miller (centre) with Trudy
Hutchison, Tapestry Clubhouse Team Leader.
25
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LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving Opportunities for Working Age People
The Labour Market Development team is
Seasonal work resulting in up to five
industry. This year the programme will be
also responsible for creating partnerships
months without employment affects expanded to Gore, Balclutha and Oamaru
with industry and finding solutions to fill
a large number of our workers. Our
with the aim of placing 120 people into
skill shortages. Training and employment
Labour Market Development team has
jobs in dairying and farming.
services are now better linked to current
set up a programme in conjunction with
labour market opportunities. In Timaru,
Agriculture New Zealand, Federated
our industry partnership advisor has
Farmers and the meat industry called
worked with the roading industry and
Seasonal Careers Your Choice. The
employers to create a tailored course programme was piloted in Invercargill
for job seekers, so they have the right
in 2005, with meat processing workers
skills and can move straight into work.
attending a short intensive farming
Industry partnerships have been very
important to us in working to create
lasting jobs and to find labour for
course during their off-season, enabling
them to work on farms for several
months before returning to the meat
We will continue to build partnerships
with industries and industry training
organisations. Training and apprenticeship positions will be developed to
fill skill shortages including building
and construction, trades, retail and
hospitality. Partnerships will also be
sought with Ngai Tahu to respond to the disproportionate number of Mäori
who are receiving benefits.
seasonal industries.
From meat processing to farming
Established in 2005, Seasonal Careers Your Choice aimed to get meat
processing workers into farming jobs during the meat industry off-season.
Work and Income’s Labour Market Development team, in partnership with
Agriculture New Zealand, set up Seasonal Careers Your Choice, consisting of a short farm-skills course and placement into seasonal farming work. It is also supported by the Alliance Group, Federated Farmers, PPCS and the Otago Southland Meat Workers Union.
After working on a farm for several months, trainees return to their jobs in
meat processing. This year, it is anticipated that through the programme,
up to 120 workers will be placed into farming jobs in Invercargill, Gore,
Balclutha and Oamaru. Plans are also underway to roll the programme out
through all Alliance Group meat-processing plants in New Zealand.
Pictured are course tutor Alan Dickson (right) showing trainee Timothy
Brown how to operate a farm bike.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Enhancing the Wellbeing of Older
People – Today and Tomorrow
With an ageing population and declining numbers of young people in the region,
older people’s contributions will become more and more significant in the life of
the community and in the regional economy. It is vital that older people are able to
participate as fully as they can to keep our communities healthy and functioning.
In our region, there are 48,791 people receiving New Zealand Superannuation. There
is an increasing need for us to ensure the services and information we provide cater for
this significant client group. In order to meet their needs, there will be an increasing
need for both outreach services and home visits.
There are two main areas of focus for our work with older people. These relate to
encouraging participation, whether in the workforce or in the community and voluntary
sector and the provision and availability of services for older people.
Encouraging participation
We are working with individuals and other organisations to provide opportunities and
choices that encourage older people’s independence and participation in the life of
their communities. Additionally, we will hold seminars targeted at older job seekers to
help them back into employment if they choose.
The Timaru Service Centre is leading the way in getting older people into work and
participating in their community. All clients aged between 60 to 64 years have
individual interviews discussing their situation and work options. Several seminars have
been run for these clients and as a result a number have found work.
As part of promoting and developing the
New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy, staff
from the Office of Senior Citizens came to
the Southern region and met with Work and
Income New Zealand Superannuation case
managers.
27
28
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Enhancing the Wellbeing of Older People – Today and Tomorrow
Lending a helping hand
We will continue contributing to the goals of the New Zealand Positive Ageing
Strategy 17 by encouraging older people to take part in their communities. For example, the Family and Community Services’ SAGES programme seeks to make
the most of the knowledge and experience of our older people by encouraging them to provide life and home skills to young families in need.
Supergrans in Dunedin runs SAGES and this year aims to work with up to 40 families.
The SAGES programme is proving successful in the region and we will look for further
opportunities to expand it.
We will continue to assist older people by providing long-term funding to community
and voluntary organisations that offer them services. Family and Community Services
fund service providers to undertake a specific project or activity for older people in
their region aimed at preventing elder abuse and neglect, and part-fund the Elder
Abuse and Neglect Prevention services. Service co-ordinators investigate complaints of
elder abuse or neglect, co-ordinate intervention with health, police and legal services,
undertake monitoring and follow-up and raise public awareness.
Young mums are getting a helping
hand in Otago, thanks to the
Supergrans scheme funded by Family
and Community Services.
Budgeting, cooking, menu planning,
clothing repairs, gardening, literacy
and sewing crafts are just some of
the skills that the ‘grans’ - a group of
mature volunteers - are able to pass on
to families in need. The volunteers also
provide an advocacy and supporting
role when needed.
Families are referred to the scheme
through other services including Family
Start, Plunket, district mental health
teams and midwives.
Pictured are Kirsty Yujevic with
daughter Paige and her Supergran
Averil Andrews, discussing what is
needed for making a chocolate cake for Paige’s birthday.
Photo courtesy of the Otago Daily Times.
The Government has designated 2006 as the Year of the Veteran so our communities
can commemorate and honour the sacrifice and service of our servicemen and women.
A Year of the Veteran Community Grants Fund 18 has been set up to assist local
communities provide ways of recognising their ex-servicemen and women.
Providing targeted services
We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of older New Zealanders by providing
secure and adequate incomes and timely access to information regarding choices on
ageing well.
This year, Senior Services along with Work and Income will play an important role in a
review of our delivery of services to older people. This is an ideal opportunity to prepare
for the challenge of New Zealand’s ageing population and to provide a more fully
integrated service for older people.
With high numbers of retired people in areas such as Alexandra and Mosgiel, services
catering to older people are increasingly important. An ageing population will lead to
greater demands on government expenditure, but it will also offer new opportunities
for older people to play a critical role in families and communities and in paid
employment.
17. The New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy: Towards a Society for all Ages, Ministry of Social Policy, April 2001.
18. Further information on what funding is available and how to apply is located on the Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand website, www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
Enhancing the Wellbeing of Older People – Today and Tomorrow
“Networking with others in the
community has been imperative
to try and reach a solution for the
older person. Key people/agencies
in this network are Community
Police, a Health and Disability
Commissioner’s Advocate, a Senior
Citizens representative, trustee
companies, Needs Assessment
Service Co-ordination and Age
Concern. One positive highlight has
been reaching out into the rural
community to small friendship
groups who have good networks and
can provide ongoing support where
elder abuse is evident”.
Sue Thompson
Manager of South Canterbury
Presbyterian Support Services
In much of the region, services for
Zealand Superannuation case managers
older people are not easily accessible,
will continue to meet regularly with Age
particularly in rural areas and small
Concern, Grey Power, Probus and other
towns. As people age, mobility can
organisations that support older people.
become more of a challenge and in
rural areas particularly, transport can
be a considerable barrier. To make
services more available and therefore
more convenient and timely, we aim
to continue introducing the Heartland
Services approach, providing a one-stopshop for government services. We also
provide a rural superannuation service
which includes home visits to rural
clients, rest homes and marae.
Over the next year, as part of our work
to reduce family violence, we will be
focusing on the issues of elder abuse.
The importance of recognising and
responding to elder abuse will be
highlighted to all Work and Income staff
during their Family Violence Intervention
Programme training. In addition, because
of the regular contact our New Zealand
Superannuation team and Residential
Subsidy Unit staff have with older
We aim to make healthcare more
people, they have received specialised
accessible through the provision of the
training on elder abuse.
Community Service Card, allowing people
on low- to middle-incomes access to
cheaper health services and doctor’s fees.
This year we will increase our promotion
of the Community Service Card and
people’s awareness of what they are
entitled to.
We will continue ensuring older people
have access to information to help them
make choices about services, continued
independence and taking part in their
communities. In Southland we have
visited every rural medical centre to
establish better relationships with GPs
and to share information about our
products and services. Specialist New
Meanwhile, we are focusing on improving
and increasing other information access
points. Information through websites,
fact sheets, printed forms and face-toface contact will increase. We will also
continue to promote our services for older
people at community events and expos.
Older people are a valuable part of our
society and make vital contributions
which cannot be underestimated. We
believe that with your support, together
we can deliver on our commitment to
enhance the wellbeing of older people in
our region, both now and in the future.
29
30
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Partnering with our Communities
“He Oranga Pounamu’s relationship
with Family and Community
Services has enabled our
organisation to work strategically
towards addressing some of the
wider health determinants that
impact on positive outcomes for
whänau. Local Services Mapping in
the Southern region is an example
of shared consultation and action
planning with iwi”.
Gilbert Taurua
Business Manager
He Oranga Pounamu
Communities in the Southern region
We assist many communities through
are geographically dispersed, with many
Taskforce Green wage subsidies, which
being relatively isolated. Their identity
aim to assist disadvantaged clients
is often defined by economic activities
to gain work-related skills through
that are quite different from each other,
community projects. We work in
for example Dunedin is known as a
partnership with the Community Trust of
‘university’ city, Queenstown for ‘tourism’
Otago to offer Taskforce Green funding
and Bluff for ‘fishing’. There are also
assistance to a wide variety of community
strong provincial histories, cultures and
groups. In Southland, Taskforce Green
rivalries which contribute to the character
funding has enabled Sports Southland to
of our people and are often reflected on
promote healthy ways of living and eating
our sports fields. Ngai Tahu is the main
to young children, particularly Mäori and
iwi in the region and there are a number
Pacific peoples.
of runanga active in the provision of
social services. Diversity means that no
one answer or approach is suited to the
whole region. Our role is about valuing
and supporting these communities.
Collaborating with others is an important
way in which we do this.
Our work with communities happens at
all levels and includes consultation and
support for larger scale projects such as
producing SKIP (Strategies with Kids:
Information for Parents) resources for
positive parenting, distributed within
community groups and involvement
with councils over Long Term Council
Community Plans. It means engaging
with secondary schools to support
students into tertiary education or on
another level, it can be one-off projects
We can also provide funding assistance to communities in many other ways. In Dunedin we have helped fund a co-ordinator for the Walking School Bus
programme which involves about 300
children walking to 10 Dunedin schools
escorted by an adult ‘bus driver’.
Supporting organisations with good
guidance and information is important
for their success. In 2005, Family and
Community Services worked with the
Office for the Community and Voluntary
Sector and representatives from
community and government agencies to
identify the information, resources and
services needed by people wanting to
build up their community and voluntary
organisations.
in towns or suburbs such as funding a
key worker for the community museum in Port Chalmers.
Dunedin Artist Advocate, Antony Deaker is pictured with Rachel
Stephenson at her gallery space. Rachel was a participant in the
PACE (Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment) programme,
and completed a Be Your Own Boss course run by Antony.
A PLAN FOR SOUTHERN 2006 / 2007
31
Partnering with our Communities
As a result of this work we published Managing Well, which lists over 120 written
resources, websites, newsletters, manuals and information sheets and other
documents that provide information related to running an organisation. It also
Keeping Mäori students in touch
includes a directory of organisations that support the community and voluntary
sector. In 2006 we will further develop training resources, advisory information (such as good practice guides, manuals and case studies) and practical help.
Work that councils are doing on their Long Term Council Community Plans was
preceded by consultation to identify Community Outcomes as the focus of their
plans. These are already proving a useful focus for our work with communities. In Southland, the councils worked together on the process and one identified
outcome is “Safe places in a caring society that is free from crime”. A response to this is to “Provide those recently released from prison with services that support
their rehabilitation and a smooth transition back into society”19 .
Prisoners who leave prison and find employment have a better chance of remaining
offence free than those who are unemployed. Our Prisoner Re-integration teams work
part-time within the Invercargill and Dunedin Prisons to help prisoners move towards
paid employment as they are preparing for release. Being able to work with them
before release means that there is a seamless transition from prison to either work or a benefit.
We want to ensure that organisations work together and that communities have
access to necessary services. Last year, Local Services Mapping was conducted in
Queenstown, Dunedin and Gore and Community Reports are due for release as this
plan goes to press. Local Services Mapping brought together government agencies,
local authorities, Ngai Tahu and community organisations to help these communities
identify the services they have and what services they need. This year we will develop and then implement action plans on each Report, setting out what everyone
will do to find practical solutions to meet these needs.
In Queenstown, Local Services Mapping identified needs in the areas of housing,
sustainable growth, access to mental health services, childcare and early childhood
education. A draft 2006 Social Wellbeing policy for the Queenstown Lakes District
Council also identifies similar issues. As a result, Family and Community Services
will partner with the Council to develop policies and initiatives such as the expansion
of Heartland Services in the district.
19. Our Way Southland, Southland Community Outcomes Report.
Mäori students at Otago University are finding
StudyLink’s service more accessible, with Mäori
Liaison Officer, Frank Edwards based at the
University’s Mäori Centre, Te Huka Matauraka,
one day a week. Frank began working at the
Mäori Centre more than two years ago and he is
now a familiar face to students.
The Centre assists students by providing
academic, cultural and social support systems
from pre-enrolment through to graduation.
Frank says an important part of the relationship
is the Mäori concept of whakawhanaungatanga,
which is about creating a supportive family
environment for students. “We are making
them feel welcome, at home and helping them
understand the processes involved in getting
financial support”, he says.
Pictured from left are Pearl Barron, Mäori
Centre Manager; Ron Marsh, student (rear); Tui
Kent, Centre Administrator; and Frank Edwards,
StudyLink Mäori Liaison Officer.
32
LEADING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Partnering with our Communities
The Dunedin mapping services review
District Council is a key strategic partner
integrated contract which has simplified
found the public, community and
in community development and in
funding and reporting requirements,
voluntary sectors to be robust and
creating a climate within which social
making it easier for them to get on with
increasingly collaborative. Issues such as
issues are addressed, in conjunction with
helping disadvantaged young people.
access to youth services and the need for
the Hokonui Runanga and community
more parental support were identified for
groups. All of our service delivery
improvement. In partnership with other
arms will be involved in this work due
government agencies, the Dunedin City
to the complex relationship between
Council and community organisations,
families, youth, training, work and social
we will work alongside neighbourhood
responsibility.
leaders in identified suburbs to address
these issues.
We believe partnering with our
communities and delivering increasingly
co-ordinated and accessible services
will support them to be stronger. We
participate in many community-based
events and activities throughout the
To improve services, we look at how we
region to raise awareness about can build community organisations and
our services and promote information.
In Gore, issues were identified around
also support them. We are taking a lead
Our staff interact on a daily basis parent education and support, improving
role in introducing integrated funding
with a range of communities and we Mäori income levels, a lack of sustainable
contacts for organisations that hold a
will continue to strengthen these
health programmes and boosting youth
number of contracts with government
relationships and assist communities opportunities and outlooks. The Gore
agencies. For example, the Otago Youth
to develop socially and economically.
Wellness Trust in Dunedin has an
A glowing success
Daniel Clark works at Firewood2glow in Dunedin, a work
and training business that employs people with intellectual
disabilities. Many employed at the company are in work for the
first time and were previously receiving an Invalid’s Benefit.
Work and Income funds the management of the programme as
part of a focus on increasing the participation in work of people
with disabilities.
The business scheme, which supplies wholesale firewood, was
set up by Dunedin’s Community Care Trust, initially employing
three workers and since expanding to 13 workers. Team Leader,
Lionel Gavin says the success of the venture is such that
seven of the workers have gained their NZQA unit standards in
chainsaw operation, five now have drivers’ licences and two are
studying for their heavy-traffic licences.
Pictured is Daniel Clark demonstrating how to use a chainsaw.
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
Corner Castle and St Andrew Street
Dunedin
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