Sustaining the way we care; the funding future for social services in New Zealand - AKL

The funding models for our traditional range of social services in New Zealand are likely to change. Some will be renegotiated but government has signalled they want to change the fundamental way the arrangements work. These are tricky times for agencies, staff and of course the people who depend on the services. 

It is time for a discussion, so we have put together a panel of experts:

• Mike O'Brien, University of Auckland
• Eileen Brown, Council of Trade Unions, Wellington
• Trevor McClinchey, NZ Council of Christian Social Services
• Christine Olson, Barnados

To focus the debate we invite to hear the panel consider these issues:

• social services / NGOs are a critical part of ‘civic society’ speaking for the wellbeing of the community
• that organisations want to be involved in evaluation, innovation and change, achieving significant outcomes for the communities they work for
• that to do this they need a constructive relationship with collaborators, communities and funders (government and government agencies) alike, and
• that the staff required in contemporary social services can only be effective if they are supported with effective salaries and career pathways. 

Relate matters to consider:

• NZCCSS have released their document called ‘Outcomes Plus’ 
• The Productivity Commission is reviewing “More Effective Social Services”. View submissions here 
• The govt is telling us that social investment bonds may figure in their plans + MSD has an ‘investment strategy’ on the table! 
• There is a review of CYF underway with not a social worker in sight 
• We have seen the closure of a leading NGO over matters raised about its book-keeping.