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Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today announced Croatians will no longer need a visa to travel to New Zealand for a short visit.

Mrs Bennett made the announcement while in Croatia advancing discussions on a Social Security Agreement between New Zealand and Croatia.

“The visa waiver will make it easier for business visitors to come to New Zealand which will help further develop trade ties,” says Mrs Bennett.

“It will also mean a lot to Croatians visiting their Kiwi-Croatian relatives.”

People who fail to clear outstanding arrest warrants could see their benefits stopped as the next stage of welfare reforms comes into effect this month.

“Taxpayers overwhelmingly say they don’t want to fund people to actively avoid the Police and this Government agrees,” says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

From July 15, beneficiaries with outstanding warrants will have their benefits stopped if they fail to come forward and clear their warrant within 38 days.

Those with children will have their benefit reduced by no more than half.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett leaves tonight for Ireland and Europe to meet Ministerial counterparts, visit community organisations and advance Social Security Agreements.

In Europe we have an opportunity to advance and conclude bilateral Social Security Agreements with Croatia and Malta.

In Croatia, Minister Bennett intends to advance discussions on the signing of a Social Security Agreement which would allow pension portability for nationals of both Croatia and New Zealand.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is pleased to see a number of good work opportunities around New Zealand as businesses expand.

“We’re seeing some positive economic indicators, with business confidence growing and it’s translating to jobs which those on benefits can take up,” says Mrs Bennett.

NZ Bus Limited is recruiting up to 120 new staff in the next six months.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today welcomed the appointment of Sue Mackwell as the new National Children’s Director.

“Ms Mackwell has been a key figure in social policy development for many years, and a highly respected leader at the Ministry of Social Development,” Mrs Bennett said.

“In her role as Deputy Chief Executive for Social Policy and Knowledge she has been instrumental in driving the extensive policy work behind the White Paper for Vulnerable Children.”

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today announced the appointment of the Rotorua Children's Director to lead implementation of the local Children’s Team.

Toni Hocquard, the Rotorua Regional manager of Stand Children's Services, has been seconded to take up the role after Kirsten Rei reached the end of her appointment.

“I’m delighted Toni has taken on this leadership role, she has the skills and experience necessary to keep the momentum going around this vitally important work in Rotorua,” says Mrs Bennett.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett believes the Government has struck the right balance by supporting the KickStart Breakfast expansion.

“This is a genuine partnership between the Government, the community and New Zealand business which will benefit children,” says Mrs Bennett.

The KickStart Breakfast programme will increase from two to five mornings a week in decile one to four schools. Higher decile schools that want and need it, can opt in during 2014.

The Government is extending the funding for Family Violence Response Coordination (FVRC) says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

“We’ve decided to extend the funding for a further two years from 2013/14 to 2014/15 as existing funding of $2.8m per year was time-limited and due to end at the end of 2012/13,” says Mrs Bennett.

FVRC funds more than 30 local family violence networks, working with more than 1,000 local agencies to undertake family violence prevention activities.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is impressed with projects developed by young New Zealanders during a series of Lifehack weekends held around the country in April.

“Around 100 young people took part in the sessions, working in teams alongside mentors from technology companies, universities and the social sector,” Mrs Bennett said.

“A range of innovative projects were pitched, with ten chosen to progress to the development phase, with teams receiving funding and support to progress their ideas.”

E ngā mātāwaka e tau mai nei ki raro i te mana o Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru o Te Arawa, tēnā koutou katoa.

I am pleased to be here amongst you all today. I would especially like to congratulate the recipients of last night’s E Tū Whānau awards for being courageous, for standing up and for making a difference in our communities. To speak out against violence is not easy – but this brave stance that you are all taking will ensure that the future for our tamariki and mokopuna will be a safer one.

Associate Minister for Social Development, Tariana Turia announced today an additional $8m over four years for the E Tū Whānau programme to help address family violence within Māori whānau, Pasifika, migrant and refugee

The Government has committed $16 million over the next four years to continue the Ministry’s successful Historic Claims Resolution Process for those abused in care.

“It’s important we listen to those who experienced past abuse as children in state care, that we apologise and do what we can to put things right,” says Mrs Bennett.

To date more than 400 historic claims have been resolved.

The Government is supporting New Zealanders on low incomes with a suite of measures designed to help them become more independent.

“We’re increasing funding for Budgeting Services, procuring whiteware to bring down costs for beneficiaries, and exploring options for low- and no-interest loans through microfinancing,” Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

To help Budgeting Services provide advice for people to manage on low incomes, the Government has already announced an extra $1.5 million for 2013/14.

The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable children through the Children’s Action Plan, Chair of the Ministerial Oversight Group Paula Bennett says.

Funding of $35 million over four years has been set aside in contingency for extended family members caring for children, recognising the difficult job they do.

More than 12,000 New Zealand children are being cared for by wider family members because of the death of a parent or family breakdown, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

“We know they are doing a tough job, often on limited incomes with children who need extra attention and help, and we’re determined to support that.

A further investment of $188.6 million for the next stage of welfare reform will ensure beneficiaries get more intensive support to move from welfare to work, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows today congratulated Student Job Search on 30 years of helping students find work.

He will tonight host university leaders, student union representatives, Student Job Search staff and employers at a Beehive function celebrating the milestone.

“Student Job Search provides an important service connecting students to part-time and holiday work during their studies,” says Mr Borrows.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announces new Families Commission Board appointments and acknowledges an outgoing member.

Sir Wira Gardiner and Dr Parmjeet Parmar have been appointed to two vacant positions on the Board of the Families Commission, while Christine Rankin ends her term as Board member at the end of this month.

“I welcome Sir Wira and Dr Parmar to the Board with full confidence they will make a valuable contribution to the Families Commission,” says Mrs Bennett.

The Government is supporting people on low incomes by investing more money into organisations providing budgeting advice and support.

“In recognition of the good work Budgeting Services do to help people manage their income, an extra $1.5 million has been allocated for 2013/14.”

It is essential that people on low incomes have the skills and knowledge to manage their budget without getting into debt or financial crisis.

This is where budgeting advice is vital.

The Government has set aside $1.2 million in Budget 2013 for the development of Community Hubs and Marae CBD that will deliver social services to communities, Associate Social Development Minister Tariana Turia says.

“Marae are at the centre of much of our activity as Māori and have the capacity to support our cultural activities and ensure our tikanga is upheld.

The Government has committed $5.6 million over two years from Vote Social Development to the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study, led by the University of Auckland.

“The study could provide real value in the future and the Government has continued to support it,” Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

The same group of children are followed as they grow up and influences on their development are included in the study.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says Future Focus changes are reducing reliance on welfare and saving taxpayer dollars.

“The changes we made in 2010 are having a significant impact by introducing an active approach to welfare,” says Mrs Bennett.

Future Focus changes mean people have to reapply for the Unemployment Benefit after one year and sole parents on the DPB are required to look for part time work when their youngest is six years old.

More young people are going off benefit into work and education, with better support to be independent thanks to the Government’s welfare reforms.

“There are 8,367 fewer young people on Unemployment Benefits since 2010 when it peaked at 23,545,” says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

“In the last quarter alone just under 6,000 young people went off benefits and into work, and many more went into full time study. We can’t underestimate the significance of that for individuals.”