Minister: Paula Bennett

Employment opportunities coming up

Admin — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:53:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

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. ...

New National Children’s Director announced

Beehive — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:52:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

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.” ...

Rotorua Children’s Team appointment

Beehive — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:03:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

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. ...

Breakfast programme part of the solution

Beehive — Tue, 28 May 2013 00:16:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

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. ...

Government’s response to the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty

Beehive — Mon, 27 May 2013 08:20:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

Government’s response to the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty The National-led Government has a proud record of putting children and their families first, with targeted support to those who need it most. This track record spans across health, education, housing and social development and is evident in the Government’s consistent approach to the most vulnerable New Zealanders. This commitment continues in Budget 2013 and is set out in detail here, in the Government’s response to the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty. ...

Family Violence coordination gets support

Admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 03:08:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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. ...

Young people leading the way at Lifehack Weekends

Admin — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:05:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

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.” ...

Funding continues to resolve historic abuse claims

Admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:05:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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. ...

Microfinance support for people on low incomes

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Budget 2013

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. ...

Change from state housing to social housing

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Budget 2013

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. ...

More intensive support through welfare reform

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Budget 2013

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. ...

Commitment to Children’s Action Plan continues

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Budget 2013

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

$35m for extended family raising children

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Budget 2013

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. ...

Families Commission Board appointments

Admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:07:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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. ...

Budgeting Services get extra funding

Admin — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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. ...

Growing up in NZ study receives more funding

Beehive — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:31:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | 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. ...

Future Focus continues to make a difference

Beehive — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:58:00 +0000

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. ...

Welfare reforms working for young people

Beehive — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:35:00 +0000

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.” ...

Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project progressing well

Admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:03:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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. ...

Minister welcomes Children’s Health Camps rebrand

Beehive — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | 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.” ...

Confidential Listening Service extended

Beehive — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 04:37:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Internal Affairs

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. ...

Benefit numbers fall

Beehive — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 06:52:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Social Development

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.” ...

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren provide valuable advice

Admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:27:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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.” ...

Welfare reforms pass into law

Beehive — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:55:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | 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.” ...

Funding improvements for out of school care

Admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:26:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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.” ...

Focus on work leads to success in Dunedin

Beehive — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:15:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | 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. ...

Living Alone Payments Bill passes into law

Beehive — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:47:00 +0000

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.’’ ...

Welfare Reforms the right direction

Beehive — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:11:00 +0000

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. ...

Vulnerable children better protected by Social Workers in Hospitals initiative

Beehive — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:15:00 +0000

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. ...

Census provides work experience and jobs

Admin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:57:00 +0000

Paula Bennett | Housing

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. ...