Annual Report 2008

The family has been described as the most critical social institution of our civilisation. It is families who raise children and socialise them to take their place in society. We care for those within our family across their life span. And it is within our family that we learn and pass on our social and cultural heritage, and our memories.

The role of the Families Commission is to advocate for the interests of families and our vision is “families are the best that they can be”. Our work is done by listening to families, learning more about their issues through research and analysis and then taking action that will improve outcomes for families.

Strong, resilient families are built on relationships that are loving, respectful and trusting. Our work on positive family functioning has highlighted the importance of relationships to the functioning of the family. In the wider community, relationships are also important. Safe environments depend on individuals having respect for others. Supportive communities depend on individuals who give and take.

Good employer/employee relationships result in higher levels of job satisfaction which in turn leads to improved staff loyalty and productivity.

A consistent theme that has emerged from our work over the past four years is that many people do not know how to form healthy relationships. They have not seen them role modelled and they lack the necessary knowledge, attitude and skills that enable them to forge positive relationships, be it on an intimate or casual level.

An important strategic goal for the Commission is focused on family members being able to access relationship knowledge, skills and support which will enable them to form and maintain strong and mutually supportive relationships. The first four years of the Commission were guided by its Chief Commissioner Rajen Prasad whose term expired in July. Dr Prasad brought to the position a wealth of knowledge and experience in social work practice, academic social policy and race relations. He was always adamant that our advocacy and policy analysis should be based on research that was robust and had integrity. He also constantly asked the question “What will change for New Zealand families because we have done this piece of work”? Dr Prasad’s contribution to the Commission has been enormous.

This year the Commission also farewelled Professor Mason Durie, a widely respected academic in Mäori development and research with a strong background in community and family mental health. Mr Durie’s knowledge of whänau and wider Mäori issues, his gentle, thoughtful and challenging approach, his keen analytical mind and his sense of humour, have been huge assets to the Commission in its formative years.

Over the past year the relationships that the Commission has forged with agencies and individuals in the community, voluntary and government sectors have been maintained and enhanced. The Commission has also actively sought out new relationships, in particular with the business, faith-based and ethnic communities. We have established parents panels so that people can inform us about issues of current interest, alert us to emerging issues of concern to families, and provide suggestions for possible solutions. We thank all those people for their time, support and for sharing their knowledge with us.

The fruit of these extensive relationships together with the work of our knowledgeable and committed staff, all contributes to the design and delivery of policy and services that will indeed help families be the best that they can be.

Sharron Cole
Deputy Chief Commissioner