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Category Archives: Social Change

Transition Times Newsletter #2

May 25, 2012 5:44 am ⋅

PLEASE FIND AS FOLLOWS TWO MESSAGES FROM ROS RICE, CEO, NZCOSS regarding Transition Times newsletter #2 and update from Minister Bennett on green paper for vulnerable children submissions.

1. Kia ora Everyone,

Here in Transition times #2 we get a little more into the nitty gritty.  You may have heard of Better Public Services.  Here we try to explain what they are, and who is responsible for implementing them.

Also an update on the legislation currently before Government to change the Crown Entity –  The Charites Commission to enable it to become part of the structure of the Department of Internal Affairs.

TRANSITION TIMES

Tracking changes to the NZ Government’s funding and administration of social services in our communities.

(NZCOSS is not offering opinion or critique on the information that we are providing in this mailout.)

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS TO ALL YOUR MEMBERS

Date: 21.5.2012
BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES, WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
CharitiHow the Public Service could deliver better results and improved services for New Zealanders.

  • government agencies working more closely together and organising themselves around results that make a difference to New Zealand.
  • sharing functions and services, purchasing goods and services and developing systems together.
  • greater use of technology and a shift to digital channels, so New Zealanders can more easily access government services.
  • agencies improving how they measure and report on performance.
  • greater responsiveness within the public sector to the needs and expectations of New Zealanders and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As part of the focus on results, the Government has set ten key priority results. Leadership roles for these
results areas have been assigned to five Chief Executives who are working with Ministers and contributing agencies to drive the delivery of results and give account for cross-agency performance.

Reducing long-term welfare dependency                 Supporting vulnerable children

Boosting skills and employment                                 Reducing crime

Improving interaction with government

“Welfare reform is also a major priority for Government over coming years, and we’ll be introducing legislation to Parliament shortly to enact some of our welfare changes.” John Key 27.01.2012

CHARITIES COMMISSION UPDATE: CROWN ENTITIES REFORM BILL:  Charities Commission Section

The Bill disestablishes the Charities Commission and re-assigns functions and duties under the Charities Act 2005 to a new Board (which will be composed of three persons appointed by the Minister and which will be responsible for deciding matters involving the registration or de-registration of charitable entities) and the Chief Executive of the Department of Internal Affairs (who will be responsible for functions formerly performed by the Charities Commission other than deciding whether an entity should be registered or deregistered).

The Board and Chief Executive are given powers (carried over from Section 10(2) of the Charities Act 2005) to perform certain functions in relation to a charity regardless of whether the charity is registered as a charitable entity. The Charities Act 2005 is also amended to provide that its purpose corresponds to:

the promotion of public trust and confidence in the charitable sector;
the encouragement and promotion of the effective use of charitable resources; the recognition of the role of the Chief Executive of the Department of Internal Affairs.

This bill is before the house 22 May 2012 for its second reading; however, we hear there is a real possibility that the House may go into urgency and try to have the 2nd reading, the debate and the 3rd reading at the one House sitting. 
Ros Rice, Executive Officer NZCOSS

The ten public service results set for the next three to five years

(specific and measurable targets will be agreed in the next few months):

www.national.org.nz

Reducing long-term welfare dependency

1. Reduce the number of people who have been on a working age benefit for more than 12 months.

(Lead Minister: Paula Bennett and Lead CE: Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Brendan Boyle)

Supporting vulnerable children

2. Increase participation in early childhood education.

3. Increase infant immunisation rates and reduce the incidence of rheumatic fever.

4. Reduce the number of serious assaults on children.

(Lead Minister: Tony Ryall and Lead CE: Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Brendan Boyle)

Boosting skills and employment

5. Increase the proportion of 18 year olds with NCEA Level 2 or equivalent qualification.

(Lead Minister: Hekia Parata and Lead CE: Ministry of Education Chief Executive Lesley Longstone)

6. Increase the proportion of 25-34 year olds with advanced trade qualifications, diplomas and degrees.

(Lead Minister: Steven Joyce and Lead CE: Ministry of Education Chief Executive Lesley Longstone)

Reducing crime

7. Reduce the rates of total crime, violent crime and youth crime.

8. Reduce reoffending.

(Lead Minister: Judith Collins and Lead CE: Ministry of Justice Chief Executive Andrew Bridgeman)

Improving interaction with government

9. New Zealand businesses have a one-stop online shop for all government advice and support they need to run and grow their business.

(Lead Minister: Steven Joyce and Lead CE: Ministry of Economic Development Chief Executive David Smol until the formation of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment)

10. New Zealanders can complete their transactions with the Government easily in a digital environment.

(Lead Minister: Amy Adams and Lead CE: Department of Internal Affairs Acting Chief Executive Peter Mersi until new Chief Executive Colin McDonald commences his role on 16 April 2012)

Please note:Public Service Results, taken directly from National Party website and dates maybe different.
2. Subject: Green paper submissions

Dear all,

I have been given permission by Minister Bennett, to give you the reason that she is unable to release the Green Paper submissions publically.  Rather than try to paraphrase her, I have directly copied her words.

“Unfortunately we are unable to release submissions as we do not have express permission and as you can imagine some people have put very personal and private information in them. It is really important to me that I treat people’s submissions with the respect they deserve and with more than 9000 I don’t have the resources to contact everyone to get their permission or to make a judgement on what can and can’t be released.”

With thanks to the Minister.  I appreciate her contacting me to clarify this, and I am glad to forward her response to you.

Best regards

Ros Rice, Executive Officer, New ZealandCouncil of Social Services

Te Kaunihera Ratonga Tauwhiro O Aotearoa

 

“A Collective Voice Supporting Local Communities”

Posted in: Politics and Policy, Social Change ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Media Release: New figures show older people significant portion of society

May 21, 2012 5:49 am ⋅

Age Concern New Zealand: Media Release: 15 May 2012:

New figures show older people significant portion of society

Age Concern New Zealand says new figures show the significant portion of society older people make up.

The figures, released yesterday by Statistics New Zealand, show those over 80 are the fastest growing age-group with the age group growing at about four times the rate of 20 years ago.

There are presently more than 160,000 New Zealanders aged over 80 but Statistics New Zealand estimates this number could reach half a million by 2050.

Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive Ann Martin says this is great news for our country.

“People living longer, healthier lives has to be a positive.

“Older people are some of our most active volunteers, as well as an invaluable source of wisdom.

“It also means more older people will be able to stay in their own homes for longer and to care for those less able.”

However, Age Concern believes planning by all sectors of society will be required to meet a range of service demands.

“For Age Concern, it means we need to plan to be able to respond to the current and future needs and demand for our services.

An older population means more people who are isolated and lonely which will require visiting services such as Age Concern Accredited Visiting Services.

“There are also likely to be more people of this 80 year old age group being abused and requiring our prevention and intervention services,” she says.

Age Concern is calling for more government research, policy and planning on matters concerning older people.

“There doesn’t appear to be a lot of positive focus on seniors right now.

“Many people over 80 have complex needs but want to remain in their own homes with support. Government is aware of this and needs to make home-based care a priority.

“Those who can’t remain at home will need good residential care and for people needing acute treatment they will continue to need access to hospital beds and good primary health.”

Martin says these statistics also mean there is likely to be more older people surviving solely on the NZS only, which is difficult with rising costs.

“It would be wise for all of us who are not yet 80 to give some thought to how we wish to spend the latter year of our lives and to begin planning for this. Develop social networks and find out about local support services.”

ENDS

Media contact: Lucy Johnston, Communications & Marketing Manager, Age Concern New Zealand – ph 04 801 9338

Posted in: News, Older People and Aging, Politics and Policy, Research, Social Change ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

Terms of Reference for the Children’s Commission Experts Advisory Group on Solutions for Child Poverty

May 18, 2012 3:30 am ⋅

FYI: The Children’s Commission Experts Advisory Group on Children’s Poverty has released their terms of reference for their search for proposed solutions to child poverty in New Zealand.

Click here to open a copy of the full report.

Posted in: Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, News, Parents and Parenting, People with Disabilities, Physical Health, Politics and Policy, Research, Social Change ⋅ Tagged: ,

UNCRPD Monitoring Survey 2012

May 18, 2012 1:47 am ⋅

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability is a UN convention that aims to enshrine the rights of people with disabilities in law to ensure all people are afforded the human right to participate in their communities.

The New Zealand government has ratified the UN Convention and thus made a commitment to ensure legislation, policy and procedure to protect the rights of people with disabilities – including disability caused by the effects of a mental-health problem.

In 2011 a report to the UN was written by the government to summarise their progress towards this goal. A shadow report was also written by community groups in consultation with their stake-holders. There were some key differences in the perspectives of these two reports.

A monitoring survey has now been established to gather a wider perspective of how people living with disabilities in the community see things.

Follow the link below to fill out an anonymous survey and help the UN monitor what NZ needs to do better for people living with disability.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9FPMX82

Posted in: Accessibility / Transport, Accommodation / Housing, Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Disability Issues, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Politics and Policy, Refugees / Migrants, Research, Social Change, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: ,

Tree Planting Expeditions with Kaipatiki Bush Project

May 16, 2012 4:26 am ⋅

WHY SIT HOME AND FREEZE? – GET OUT AND PLANT TREES!

Kaipatiki Project Environment Centre warmly invites the community to come and plant native trees in Eskdale Reserve Network this winter.

Members of local churches, schools, community groups and business are welcome to join forces with local people in these family-friendly events – and there is a free barbecue for all planters.

Bring gumboots, a spade if you have one and lots of enthusiasm!

  • Sat 2 June, 9.30am-12.30pm: Frances Kendall Reserve, Kaipatiki Road (near Kaipatiki bridge), Glenfield
  • Sat 7 July, 9.30am-12.30pm: Domain Road, corner Domain & Glenfield Rds, Glenfield
  • Sat 4 August, 9.30am-12.30pm: Eskdale Reserve (Cemetery end), Glenfield Road, Glenfield
  • Sat 1 September, 9.30am-12.30pm: Eskdale Reserve (near Cemetery), Eskdale Road, Glenfield

Enquiries: ph 482 1172

email: coordinator@kaipatiki.org.nz

Website: www.kaipatiki.org.nz/volunteer

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Entertainment and Creativity, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Physical Health, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Kyle MacDonald Comments on New Beneficiary Strategy

May 8, 2012 11:01 am ⋅

The following is an excerpt from Kyle MacDonald’s blog, Off the Couch. Click the link at the bottom of the post to continue reading.

System failure

by Off the Couch: Kyle MacDonald on May 8, 2012

“I was always taught not to raise the topics of politics, sex or money unless you wanted to start an argument.  Todays policy announcement about free long term contraceptives for beneficiaries from National raises all three.

But why are people so concerned?  John Key seems keen to reassure us it is all optional:

“Mr Key said he did not believe Work and Income case managers would put undue pressure on beneficiaries to take up the long-term contraceptive options, saying they would simply be made aware of the options they had.” http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10804304

I think the question we need to ask is what can happen when people who have been disempowered, victimized by trauma, and suffering mental health difficulties engage with these policies in the real world?..” (Click here for the rest of this blog post)

 

Posted in: Disability Issues, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Politics and Policy, Social Change ⋅ Tagged: , ,

What is Recovery Discussion on Radio 1 May 2012

April 30, 2012 5:51 am ⋅

On Tuesday 1 May hear how a positive and constructive consumer hui contributed to research into the issue of What Does Recovery Mean to You. Guest Leigh Fitzjames, who’s been commissioned by Counties Manukau Mental Health and Addictions Partnership to explore the recovery issue, gives hints about what she’s discovered and reveals how the thoughts of a large group of consumers at the hui helped her project. Take It From Us on PlanetFM 104.6FM  @ 12.30pm Tuesday 1 May.

Listen live on 104.6FM at 12.30pm or online www.planetaudio.org.nz

OR if you missed the broadcast, listen for the next seven days @: www.planetaudio.org.nz/takeitfromus

Catch up on the last four shows online: www.likeminds.org.nz

And don’t forget their new Facebook page @ Facebook.com and type take it from us in the search box; or email takeitfromus@mail.com for any feedback and comment/suggestions for shows

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, Refugees / Migrants, Service-User Movement, Social Change, Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

Ask-Share-Give: New Community Website Launched

April 29, 2012 6:46 am ⋅

Five weeks ago a new not-for-profit website was launched where people can share their time, skills, transport or old and unwanted goods with each other.

The idea behind AskShareGive is that people are able to go on the website and create a listing in which they outline what they have to offer.  It could be anything from volunteering an hour a week of dog walking, weeding a garden, helpwith administration, building or anything at all. Just as you can offer your services you can also ask someone for what they are offering or create a listing asking for something you would like or need, be it help in the garden, befriending or budgeting advise to asking for an item that’s needed such as clothes, appliances or toys.

For people recovering from a mental-health problem volunteering time to someone else can be highly validating.  People are only too grateful to receive help with something and sometimes this can lead to friendships, paid employment or just assist someone to feel useful and a part of society. It’s also really nice to be able to get something you need from a giving person out there too.

The website boasts a friendly community coordinator who is the presence behind the site, available to answer questions and to assist in resolving any issues.

Contact Tanya, AskShareGive, Community Coordinator, Phone 0272831929 or email info@asksharegive.org.nz

www.asksharegive.org.nz

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, News, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , ,

Call for Govt Recognition of Past Abuse in Psychiatric Institutions

April 26, 2012 10:30 am ⋅

Sign the on-line petition: An Acknowledgment of historic injustice against former patients of NZ psychiatric hospitals

Between July 2005 and April 2007 a Confidential Forum was held for former In-patients of psychiatric hospitals. Over 400 former patients spoke about their experiences. The final report of the Confidential Forum Te Aiotonga (2007, available from the Department of Internal Affairs) outlines the themes that emerged including occurrences of physical violence and sexual misconduct; and de-humanising environments. The report remains formally unacknowledged by the government.

A United Nations report on New Zealand’s compliance with the UN convention against torture in 2009 recommended that the NZ government should take appropriate measures to ensure that allegations of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in the “historic cases” are investigated promptly and impartially, perpetrators duly prosecuted, and the victims accorded redress, including adequate compensation and rehabilitation.”

Phoenix Group, a Wellington group of people who have experienced mental distress are using the publicity surrounding the release of Jim Marbrook’s Mental Notes to call on the government to make a formal apology.

How can you help? 

Print this postcard and send it to parliament – and give a copy to a friend so they can do the same. Postage is free. 

confidential forum protest postcard for print

And share this notice around!

 

Ma te whakatau, ka mohio

When we are shown, we come to know

Ma te mohio, ka marama

When we know, we come to understand

Ma te marama, ka ora ai tatou

When we understand, we all achieve wellness

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Documentary, Families/Whanau, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Maori Communities, News, Older People and Aging, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Politics and Policy, Refugees / Migrants, Service-User Movement, Social Change, Trauma, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recovery Story on Radio 24 April 2012

April 23, 2012 7:13 am ⋅

On Tuesday 24 April on Take It From Us, hear the inspiring recovery story of mental health client, Kim Knight, who conquered clinical depression, mental breakdown, chronic fatigue and burnout. Kim now uses her experiences to counsel on mental health, emotional wellbeing and how to use our body intelligence for health, harmony and happiness.

Call in with your questions.

104.6FM at 12.30pm every Tuesday

Listen online www.planetaudio.org.nz

OR if you missed the broadcast, listen for the next seven days @: www.planetaudio.org.nz/takeitfromus

Catch up on the last four shows online: www.likeminds.org.nz

And don’t forget their new Facebook page @ Facebook.com and type take it from us in the search box;

Their email is takeitfromus@mail.com for any feedback and comment/suggestions for shows.

Posted in: Families/Whanau, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Service-User Movement, Social Change, Support