Family Services National Advisory Council
The Family Services National Advisory Council (FSNAC) is a forum of senior representatives from government agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs) and people who provide an iwi/Māori and Pacific people's perspective.
It was established in March 2004 to work with Family and Community Services to develop and promote shared views about the needs and place of families, and the policies and services to support them.
Council's vision
Family is the Heart of Our Society
We recognise the rich diversity of all family types in New Zealand. We value the family as the heart of our society.
Families:
- look after the wellbeing of their members
- love, nurture and protect their children
- care for their members who need it because of disabilities or age
- provide material and emotional support; and
- pass on laughter, stories, culture, knowledge, values, attitudes, property rights and obligations from one generation to the next
Families need to be resilient to fulfil these roles successfully. The resilience of families in contemporary New Zealand is under strain because of changes in their social and economic circumstances.
Most families cope with these changes. For some, the stress contributes to such things as family violence, abuse and neglect of children, and relationship break-ups. Families need to be aware of and have access to support which is effective in helping them deal with these challenges.
Council's role
The council’s role is to develop and promote shared views about the needs and place of families, and policies and services to support them. Its functions are to:
- Develop and review the outcomes for families to which both government and non-government should contribute
- Oversee the development of strategies to achieve these outcomes
- Provide a point of contact between government, non-government organisations and community representatives to
- influence policy and service delivery
- influence and advise on new initiatives that support families
- Optimise opportunities to work together collaboratively and share information
Council's work
Since 2004, the Council has met on a regular basis to provide advice and guidance to government about a range of issues pertaining to children and families.
These include:
- building awareness, dialogue and action on issues central to strong families
- identifying and supporting families with needs
- investing in family strengths and community capacity
- strengthening the support services environment to deliver a more effective response to family needs.
To bring life to its objectives and goals the Council developed Te Moemoeā: a Dream For Families.
Council members
Central government
- Paul Curry – Families Commission
- Tui Tāraro/Greg Motu – Housing New Zealand Corporation
- Sarah Hill – Department of Internal Affairs
- Bill Harrison – NZ Police
- Pat Tuohy – Ministry of Health
- Kathy Phillips – Ministry of Education
- Susan Howan – Ministry of Justice
- Te Ātārangi Whiu – Te Puni Kōkiri
- Richard Wood – MSD Family and Community Services
- Ruth Palmer – MSD Social Services Policy
- Heker Robertson – Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Non-government organisations
- To be appointed – Plunket Society
- Murray Edridge – Barnardos
- Viv Gurrey – Parent Centres NZ
- Heather Henare – National Collective of Independent Women's Refugees
- Lesley Max – Great Potentials
- Jeff Sanders – Relationship Services
- Anthea Simcock – CPS Training
- Vaughan Milner – Presbyterian Support
- Viv Maidaborn – CCS
Pacific
- Alfred Ngaro – Tamaki Family Centre
- Gerardine Clifford – Taeaomanino Trust, Porirua
Māori/iwi
- Druis Barrett – Ngati Whātua/Ngāpuhi, Board Member Northland DHB, Plunket, Family Planning, Te Kōhanga Reo Trust, past President Māori Women's Welfare League
- Ngaire Te Hira – Waiparera Pasifika Family Start, Secretary Auckland District Māori Council
- Roku Mihinui – Te Arawa Trust Board
