Building A Truly Safe And Capable Workforce: What The $71.5 Million Investment Must Deliver
Today Minister Erica Stanford announced as part of the $774 million investment to improve the current redress system for survivors of abuse in state care, changes would be made that will endeavour to "prevent, identify, and respond to abuse in the future".
Within this package, $71.5 million has been earmarked specifically for "building a capable and safe care workforce for children and vulnerable adults."
Safeguarding Children Chief Executive Willow Duffy says this funding represents an opportunity – but only if it is deployed it to address the fundamental systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable New Zealanders at risk.
'As we consider this $71.5 million investment in building a safe and capable workforce there are some key questions we must ask. Who is included in this workforce? Does it include teachers, doctors, nurses? These occupations all have a role to play in keeping our children safe.
Duffy says that every New Zealander deserves to know exactly how this funding will create care environments where abuse becomes truly exceptional rather than predictable.
'Until we build a workforce where safeguarding isn't just a compliance exercise but a fundamental professional value, we'll continue seeing preventable harm to those most dependent on our protection.
'The $71.5 million must deliver transformational change in how we select, train, support, and hold accountable those entrusted with our most vulnerable citizens. We need more than just incremental improvements.'
Duffy says the $71.5 million allocation could be transformative if it delivers:
A nationwide credentialing system similar to Australia's Blue Card—providing consistent vetting standards across all care settings
Specific codes of conduct that prioritise the prevention of abuse
Mandatory, comprehensive safeguarding training for all care providers and their leadership
Clear consequences for organisations that fail to maintain safeguarding standards
Structural supports that elevate care work as a valued, professional career path.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- RNZ News
Potential insurance costs cast shadow over parent visa
Christchurch resident Xiuyun Liu (top left) with her parents, husband and children. Photo: Supplied Insurance experts have raised concerns about potential costs for the long-awaited Parent Boost Visa that was announced by the government last weekend. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said Sunday the visa would allow parents of citizens and residents to stay in New Zealand for up to five years, with an opportunity for the visa to be extended another five years. Included in the health and income conditions of the visa was a requirement for the parents to obtain sufficient health insurance to cover the first 12 months of their stay. Anyone staying longer than a year would need to renew their health insurance policies for the duration of their stay. Christchurch resident Xiuyun Liu questioned whether the insurance conditions could make it harder for her parents to take advantage of the new visa. Her parents, 70 and 73, had been on visitor and study visas to stay in New Zealand, helping her to look after her young children. "I think it's good that the policy is out now. At least we have hope for the next five years," Liu said. "But what if I can't get insurance for my parents? Even if they can get insurance [now], there will be a day they won't be able to. "For example, my father has high blood pressure and some other issues. ... I think getting insurance will be a problem." The government requires applicants to hold at least one year of health insurance that covers emergency healthcare (minimum $250,000 a year), medical repatriation, return of remains and cancer treatment (minimum $100,000). Paula Lorgelly says many existing health insurance policies have upper age limits. Photo: Supplied Paula Lorgelly, a professor of health economics at the University of Auckland, said she was unaware of any matching insurance products currently on the market, but she expected providers to start work on delivering them. "Currently a number of insurers have a visiting New Zealand policy to provide cover for a range of travel and medical related claims," Lorgelly said. "These do have considerable exclusions with respect to pre-existing conditions, which means they are somewhat affordable, about $2200 a year [for a couple who are both 60 years old]." Lorgelly said many existing policies had upper age limits of 65 or 75, and they would also include exclusions for pre-existing conditions. "If you have such conditions, which often come with age, then the policy holder will need to pay more to cover them," she said. The $2200 figure was likely to be on the low side of what a new policy would offer, if cancer treatment was included, Lorgelly said. Insurance consultant Amy Tao believed any new insurance products would effectively be like existing travel insurance policies. "It will just be upgraded to include the $100,000 cancer treatment cover, for example," Tao said. She said insurance companies might cover some low-risk pre-existing conditions with extra premiums. "But underwriting is definitely required," she said. "If they think the risk is too high, they may not be able to provide insurance even if you pay more." Her estimation of existing travel insurance policies for an elderly couple was similar to the figure Lorgelly shared, citing $1840 for a couple of 65-year-olds and $2514 for two 70-year-olds, with both policies carrying an excess of $100. Tao said any new product would be more expensive, adding extra cover for cancer and pre-existing conditions. "Insurance is for sure going to cost a bit," she said. "Currently, some insurance companies only allow travel insurance to be purchased for a maximum of one year or two years," she said. "It can be renewed after the expiration date but cannot be purchased directly for five years." Speaking to Morning Report on Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said people needed to hold health insurance for the duration of their stay. "We're striking the balance of making sure that ... these folks who are not taxpayers, haven't contributed to our publicly funded healthcare system, won't be eligible for those services." Immigration minister Erica Stanford Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Rob Hennin, New Zealand chief executive of health insurance provider NIB, said the company had begun work in line with the government's announcement. "We are already working on a product that aligns with the requirements for this visa, and aim to launch it in September," Hennin said. "While all of the details are yet to be determined, the product would be available to purchase for at least one year to align with government requirements, and cover clients for the entirety of their stay while residing in New Zealand." When asked about the costing, Hennin said it was too soon to say. "We will be working through the product design and details and aim to have this ready by the deadline," he said. Financial Services Council chief executive Kirk Hope said the government had consulted with the industry before the decision was made, and the requirements were reasonable. "I think it's reasonable given what the costs of the taxpayer would be if someone didn't have insurance and had to rely on the taxpayers," Hope said. "So, it's important that people are insured when they're here on visitor visits." Hope said it was important for the types of insurance to be provided by the visitors' home market. Despite the visa's hefty application fee and additional insurance requirements, immigration lawyer Sonny Lam believed the visa would still be popular at face value. "It is not excessively high - flying every six months back and forth is going to cost more than $3000," Lam said. "But the insurance requirement may be harder than it looks," he said. "I had a look at Southern Cross and travel insurance for people over 75 is not so easy." Immigration lawyer Arran Hunt also said the cost of insurance would be "the biggest factor for many". "We expect we'll see more competition in the market, with insurance policies being created to solely meet the criteria of this visa," Hunt said. "The requirements for the visa, as in the pay levels required for sponsors, should mean it is open to almost all couples where both are working," he said. "However, some may struggle to cover the insurance costs, especially for older applicants."
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
Women's Maternal Health Service Faces Closure: Urgent Help Needed To Save Lifeline For Local Mothers
Press Release – Well Women Trust A critical maternal health service that has supported thousands of mothers across Auckland and North Waikato is on the brink of shutting down. Well Women Trust is a charity that has been providing free, life-saving peer support to women experiencing antenatal and postnatal distress since 2009, may be forced to significantly reduce or even suspend services during July and August unless urgent financial support is secured. 'This is a crisis,' says Karen Bowden, Operations Lead at Well Women Trust. 'Our services are a lifeline for many women who are struggling with the transition to motherhood, postnatal anxiety or depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed. We walk alongside women in their toughest moments and without our support, many would simply go without any help at all.' After 15 years of helping women through one of life's most vulnerable stages, the Trust can no longer rely on grant funding to sustain its vital work. While short-term funding is expected to arrive in late August or early September, the gap in July and August puts essential services including peer support groups, home visits, and 24/7 crisis response in immediate jeopardy. With demand for services soaring, the charity is calling on funders, businesses, and everyday New Zealanders to step up before it's too late. The Reality on the Ground In 2024 alone: 1,754 mothers attended peer support workshops 627 children were cared for during daytime sessions 263 home visits were made to mothers including those experiencing trauma, PTSD, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts A 42% spike in referrals was recorded Hundreds of calls and texts were handled through the 24/7 support line including many for women in crisis In just Term 1 of 2025, demand surged 117 women accessed our services, with referrals continuing to rise. 'We are being overwhelmed by need and underfunded to meet it,' says Bowden. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, as many as one in five mothers will experience postnatal depression a statistic that underscores the demand for specialist, community-based support services. Well Women Trust fills a vital gap in the health system, providing community-based care often to women unable to access mainstream services. Well Women continues to support other social services working with vulnerable children. However recent Ministry of Social Development (MSD) funding cuts to a range of community services, combined with the government's shift toward a social investment model, are placing increasing strain on charities. These cuts have reduced the capacity of frontline services, leaving organisations like Well Women to shoulder greater responsibility with fewer resources, all while demand for support continues to grow. How You Can Help – Right Now Well Women Trust needs to raise $100,000 within 100 days to keep services running. We are calling on anyone who cares about women, mental health, babies, families, and our collective future to stand with us. Watch this powerful video testimonial from a participant: 'This is not just about funding a service, it's about saving lives, families, and futures.'
Scoop
11 hours ago
- Scoop
Women's Maternal Health Service Faces Closure: Urgent Help Needed To Save Lifeline For Local Mothers
Press Release – Well Women Trust Well Women Trust is a charity that has been providing free, life-saving peer support to women experiencing antenatal and postnatal distress since 2009, may be forced to significantly reduce or even suspend services during July and August unless urgent … A critical maternal health service that has supported thousands of mothers across Auckland and North Waikato is on the brink of shutting down. Well Women Trust is a charity that has been providing free, life-saving peer support to women experiencing antenatal and postnatal distress since 2009, may be forced to significantly reduce or even suspend services during July and August unless urgent financial support is secured. 'This is a crisis,' says Karen Bowden, Operations Lead at Well Women Trust. 'Our services are a lifeline for many women who are struggling with the transition to motherhood, postnatal anxiety or depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed. We walk alongside women in their toughest moments and without our support, many would simply go without any help at all.' After 15 years of helping women through one of life's most vulnerable stages, the Trust can no longer rely on grant funding to sustain its vital work. While short-term funding is expected to arrive in late August or early September, the gap in July and August puts essential services including peer support groups, home visits, and 24/7 crisis response in immediate jeopardy. With demand for services soaring, the charity is calling on funders, businesses, and everyday New Zealanders to step up before it's too late. The Reality on the Ground In 2024 alone: 1,754 mothers attended peer support workshops 627 children were cared for during daytime sessions 263 home visits were made to mothers including those experiencing trauma, PTSD, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts A 42% spike in referrals was recorded Hundreds of calls and texts were handled through the 24/7 support line including many for women in crisis In just Term 1 of 2025, demand surged 117 women accessed our services, with referrals continuing to rise. 'We are being overwhelmed by need and underfunded to meet it,' says Bowden. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, as many as one in five mothers will experience postnatal depression a statistic that underscores the demand for specialist, community-based support services. Well Women Trust fills a vital gap in the health system, providing community-based care often to women unable to access mainstream services. Well Women continues to support other social services working with vulnerable children. However recent Ministry of Social Development (MSD) funding cuts to a range of community services, combined with the government's shift toward a social investment model, are placing increasing strain on charities. These cuts have reduced the capacity of frontline services, leaving organisations like Well Women to shoulder greater responsibility with fewer resources, all while demand for support continues to grow. How You Can Help – Right Now Well Women Trust needs to raise $100,000 within 100 days to keep services running. We are calling on anyone who cares about women, mental health, babies, families, and our collective future to stand with us. Watch this powerful video testimonial from a participant: 'This is not just about funding a service, it's about saving lives, families, and futures.'
