Displaying 145 - 168 of 263 results.

Budget 2013 makes fundamental changes to the way the Government delivers housing assistance to those most in need, Housing Minister Nick Smith and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett say.

This includes extending income-related rent subsidies to community housing providers and integrating housing assessment with the Government’s wider social support services.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Nick Smith
  • Budget 2013
  • Housing

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.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development
  • Budget 2013

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.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

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.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

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.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

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.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

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.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is pleased with progress on MSD-led initiatives within the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project.

The Project aims to significantly improve the way the Government supports young people with mild to moderate mental health problems.

“MSD has contributed $12.2 million in funding over four years towards eight specific initiatives, all of which are progressing on-track or ahead of schedule,” Mrs Bennett said.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has hosted an event at Parliament to celebrate the rebranding of Children’s Health Camps.

“From today Children’s Health Camps will be known as Stand Children’s Services – Tu Maia Whanau,” says Mrs Bennett.

“The rebranding represents the start of an exciting new era for the iconic organisation, which has provided care and services for vulnerable children since 1919.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain has announced the extension of the Confidential Listening and Assistance Service until 30 June 2015.

The Service has been operating since mid-2009 to provide a confidential environment in which people in state care before 1992 can voice their concerns about abuse, neglect, or the way in which they were treated.

This includes people who spent time in psychiatric hospital, health camps, child welfare homes, foster care, and special education homes.

  • Chris Tremain
  • Paula Bennett
  • Internal Affairs

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says there are 29,000 fewer New Zealanders receiving benefits since the last quarter.

This is the lowest benefit numbers have been at this time of year since 2009.

“I’m really pleased to see this significant reduction in benefits and I take my hat off to the more than 17,600 people who went off the Unemployment, DPB and Sickness Benefits and into work in the last quarter.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is working with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) to discuss support for their members.

Minister Bennett has confirmed an extra $10 million will go to grandparents raising grandchildren and other carers in similar circumstances, as part of the White Paper for Vulnerable Children.

“I was delighted to invite the organisation to work with us providing advice on how best to allocate the extra funds through a Ministerial Reference Group.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett welcomes the passing of the Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill into law.

“The changes we’re introducing will modernise and simplify the welfare system,” Mrs Bennett said.

“They will also ensure work expectations and social obligations are balanced with the right incentives and support.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has announced changes to the funding system for Out of School Care (OSCAR) programmes.

“After consultation with and advice from the sector, we’re improving funding so it’s fair and equitable and targeting priority communities for more services.”

The current ‘deficit-based’ funding system has created a perverse incentive as providers get more funding when operating at a loss which can encourage inefficient practise.

“It just didn’t make sense to continue that.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today congratulated local success in Dunedin through work and training programmes.

“Going from being on benefit to being in work isn’t always easy and takes real effort and determination, but I’m backing people to do this with the right support.”

Around the country, the Government has been working with employers, local councils and community groups to get people off welfare into work, this support is paying off.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

E nga mana, e nga reo, e te iwi o te motu, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

There are things non-government organisations can do that government just can’t.

NGOs move faster and get alongside families and communities in a way Government can’t.

They often know their communities best.

The Government still has a role to play, by providing a framework, direction and support

Sometimes though, the best thing the Government can do is get out of the way

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett welcomes the passing of the Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Bill into law.

“The changes passed today will make it easier for single superannuitants and single veteran’s pensioners living alone who need financial support.”

“We’ve simplified the application system and removed unnecessary barriers for older New Zealanders to ensure they get their full entitlement.’’

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett welcomes the next stage of debate on welfare reform amidst continued public support for it.

“But what astounds me is the emotive rhetoric, misinformation and scaremongering from those who fail to see beyond benefit dependency.”

The Council of Trade Unions today argues we’re in a time of “unprecedented high unemployment” so shouldn’t attempt to improve the welfare system.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

The National Government’s decision to introduce Social Workers in Hospitals is making a difference by better protecting children says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

When hospitals admit children or young people they’re concerned about, or have previously been involved with Child, Youth and Family, a social worker engages with the family and hospital staff.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has welcomed a deal which has provided two weeks paid full-time work experience in the Census call centre.

“Work and Income and Telnet agreed on a deal to recruit 222 beneficiaries for the Census call centre, providing valuable on-the-job experience.”

“Sixteen people have already been given fulltime positions as a result,” says Mrs Bennett.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

The $43.7 million initiative to provide Gateway Assessments for children in care is making a difference says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

This life-changing government initiative to address health, mental health and educational needs in children in care is picking up serious health issues.

“Children are in State care because they’ve suffered serious abuse or neglect which can have a devastating effect on their health and development.”

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

There have been no cuts to government funding to the Benefit Advocacy Information Service and the Ministry of Social Development continues to fund this advocacy service in line with other similar organisations.

“Baseline funding for BAIS has increased under National, and is above funding levels it received under Labour,” say Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Housing
  • Social Development

The number of people on the Domestics Purposes Benefit, Invalids Benefit and Unemployment Benefit all decreased in 2012.

"It will be a surprise to no one that during tough economic times the number of people on benefits increased. The welfare system should be there to support those who need it, and Work and Income were very responsive to those who lost their jobs and needed help," says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development
  • Housing

Children’s Day is officially marked on Sunday 3 March, but the entire weekend will see communities get together across the country to celebrate children and positive parenting.

“Hundreds of events are happening around the country this weekend to mark this special day,” Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said.

Events include enjoy bouncy castles, music, face painting, treasure hunts, and fun activities for children and families.

  • Paula Bennett
  • Social Development