Action Plan and Reform
Work is underway across government agencies (jointly led by the Ministry of Social Development and Oranga Tamariki) to improve the commissioning of social services in New Zealand. Keri Huurdeman presented to a crowd of around 40 people at the Kollective on Tuesday 18 July.
Keri said: ‘An effective and sustainable social sector is central to improving wellbeing across New Zealand communities. Government agencies, Non-Government Organisations, philanthropic funders and communities all share the common goal of improving wellbeing and equity of outcomes for individuals, families, whānau and communities.’
She talked about the Action Plan that will outline a clear pathway for us to change, together. It contains nine practical and pragmatic actions and defines interim outcomes. The plan will be implemented in three phases over the next six years.
You can find the Action Plan 2022 – 2028 here .
Government commitment
In November 2021, Government agreed to adopt the relational approach to commissioning, a foundational shift for government departments and Crown entities.
Government has committed to the ongoing development of strong partnerships; this includes funding services in a way that recognizes the ability for communities to successfully design local solutions to local issues.
Government has heard the sector’s perspectives on how to make the system work better to achieve wellbeing and equitable outcomes. This has included feedback around funding, reporting and transparency.
Progress towards a better system has begun. This includes more sustainable funding models, client and whānau-centered design and innovation, supporting community-led initiatives, longer term contracts, simplified contracting and procurement processes and partnering with iwi and Māori communities. However, we know that there is still much more to do.
Working together across the social sector
Our transformation to a relational approach must be sector-wide, intentionally removing barriers and silos. We want a rebalancing between funders and providers.
There were many questions from the floor. And a number of not for profit agencies are in dire trouble with the current situations. Many experiencing extensive delays in passing on promised funding. There was no short term solution to this. Below are the documents from the presentation.
- Presentation from 18 July 2023 – download
- The Action Plan 2022-2028 full version – download
- The Action Plan executive summary – download
Te reo versions these and other useful documents can be found here. Currently the website is being upgraded but in the meantime we will provide publications or updates via the website and quarterly newsletter.
Also, if your membership has any questions or would like to be added to our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter they can email social_sector_enquiries@msd.govt.nz