Annual Report 2009

The Families Commission’s unique value is acting as a catalyst for positive change for families. Our role of being an effective change agent rests squarely upon our independence and our knowledge base. These foundations allow the Commission to deliver impartial and well-informed advice. As an independent organisation not involved in the delivery of services, we are able to operate at all levels, providing advice, guidance and support to government, local government, agencies, professionals and whānau. We do so with the backing of extensive research to ensure we have the best possible knowledge about what really works for families and whānau. We create this change most effectively when we have worked in partnership with service delivery agencies, families, researchers and government. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, kā ora te manuwhiri.

With your food basket, and my food basket, the guests will have enough. We each have our role in helping families and whānau thrive. Our ongoing campaign against family violence is the most visible example of the success of working together to achieve change. In partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and non-profit organisations, we have built an effective base to help reduce family violence.

This year has been one of change for the Commission. I stepped in as the Chief Commissioner in August 2008. At this time Kim Workman and Gregory Fortuin were also appointed as Commissioners.We then welcomed two new Commissioners, Christine Rankin and Bruce Pilbrow, in June 2009.

Within these changes have been great opportunities. We are fortunate to have a diverse range of Commissioners with a tremendous amount of knowledge, skill, experience and connections that we can draw on. The credibility of the Commissioners stand the Commission in good stead to work collaboratively with the community, business and government to bring about positive change for families.

This year has also been a time of tremendous upheaval for families. The recession has meant the displacement of workers, and loss of income for many families and whānau. The economic strain on families has heightened the need for our organisation to work on the issues that matter the most to them: their financial circumstances, their relationships and the services that support them. These are the work streams we are delivering on and are reflected in our Statement of Intent 2009–2012.

The first four years of the Commission’s work focused on information and research, which means we have a firmly established bedrock of knowledge. During 2008/09 we have progressively improved our means of communicating this evidence to influence change and raise awareness in policy, practice and public opinion. This has culminated in the Families Commission being the effective catalyst it is today.

One example of the methods we developed to effectively get our message across is a policy impact forum. The first such forum was held in 2009. We successfully brought together government agencies to discuss jobs and supporting families in a turbulent economic environment. We will continue to use this model to interact with policymakers to give life to the information and knowledge our research has created.

We are in this work for the long haul, because we have to be. The issues which the Families Commission is striving to have an impact on have taken a long time to manifest. Family violence, poverty and disconnection are complex, multi-faceted problems. There is no instant cure. Despite this we have helped bring about change, and will continue to do so, hand in hand with families and leaders throughout New Zealand.

This is something to be proud of, celebrate and utilise. Whānau and families are the foundations from which our nation’s economy and civil society operates. To make a bold investment in this fundamental aspect of our country will mean a richer, healthier and more productive nation.

Dr Jan Pryor
Chief Commissioner