What we do
Family and Community Services works at a both a national and regional level and covers all geographical areas in New Zealand.
Our roles
We have two main roles within the family and community sector:
- a provider and funder of services that includes information and advice for families and to communities
- a leader and co-ordinator of services for families at a general as well as a case work level.
How we work
- We work collaboratively and in partnership.
- We focus on the strengths, knowledge and energy of families and communities.
- We are honest and transparent in our dealings.
- We help families and communities find their own answers.
- We are proactive, focusing on prevention by getting involved early.
We do this through:
- Facilitating – working collaboratively with sector partners toward shared goals.
- Leading – developing and driving with our partners the direction and values on which we all can focus.
- Influencing – seeking out innovation and keeping everyone’s eyes on the future.
- Co-ordinating – supporting our sector partners to be self-organising and self-sustaining while making sure we all work together efficiently and effectively.
Our relationships
We can’t do our work without our social sector partners or the many organisations active in New Zealand communities.
The government social sector spans a range of agencies involved with families and communities, including education, health, justice, police, housing and social assistance, as well as ACC, Inland Revenue, the Families Commission, the Children’s Commissioner and Te Puni Kōkiri.
Our community partners, including local government, voluntary and Māori and iwi organisations, operate at the flax roots of New Zealand communities. They are often better placed to respond quickly to families and communities in crisis. By working together, we help ensure families and communities benefit from the strengths of local service providers backed by our knowledge and resources.
The Ministry of Social Development is supported in its objectives by the Family Services National Advisory Council which was set up in 2004. Council representatives include government and non-government agencies and those who provide an iwi/Māori and Pacific peoples perspective.
