Latest news with #BelindaHimiona
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Budget 2025: Invest In Our Children And Whānau – The Foundation Of Our Future
Press Release – Social Service Providers Aotearoa The challenge for the government is to match its investment rhetoric by being brave to invest comprehensively in the services that our sector has consistently shown improves lives. Community must have a revitalised role with services devolved to … There are nice little nuggets scattered throughout the Budget, 'but let's be clear they are small scale and are not going to flip the dial to relieve the suffering faced by children and whānau today. This is not the bold investment required to build the foundation for a thriving future.' Belinda Himiona Chief Executive of Te Pai Ora SSPA says despite soaring demand across the social sector, Budget 2025 fails to address chronic underfunding to support children and whānau. While it is positive to see investment for Oranga Tamariki social service contracting, learning support, strengthening the safety of the care system and redress for survivors, social investment initiatives and an increase for Māori and Pasifika Wardens. 'The challenge for the government is to match its investment rhetoric by being brave to invest comprehensively in the services that our sector has consistently shown improves lives. Community must have a revitalised role with services devolved to community, iwi and hapū.' Belinda cautions, 'There are clear indications that things are not ok in Aotearoa.' Lest we forget – recently: • UNICEF ranked NZ towards the bottom of all of its Child Wellbeing indicators of 36 OECD countries [source: Report Card 19 Fragile Gains – Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World, UNICEF] • Reports of concerns for children to Oranga Tamariki rose 35% in the last year alone with more than 95,000 reports of concern made [source] • Concerningly in the last year most child outcomes have worsened across poverty, violence, education achievement, mental health [source: State of the Nation 2025, Salvation Army] Rather than choosing to respond comprehensively, the decision in this Budget to invest in youth justice and truancy programmes is short-sighted. Investment in early intervention is the most impactful. It is critical to understand that these decisions will disproportionately harm Māori and their whānau. We can't keep waiting for early investment, it is needed now in: • Interventions for children and whānau at risk • Poverty reduction and whānau support • Fair pay that recognises the value the social sector workforce brings 'Governments choose where to invest. There are trade-offs. Once you improve the lives of whānau you set the foundation for all our future.' ABOUT SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TE PAI ORA O AOTEAROA | Te Pai Ora SSPA is a membership-based organisation, representing more than 250 non-profit, community-based social service organisations from around Aotearoa New Zealand. Our member organisations are diverse, including small rural organisations, Iwi and kaupapa Māori service providers, Pacific providers, and large national children's organisations. Our member organisations provide life changing and often life-saving services and support in their communities. Te Pai Ora SSPA's full members are funded by government to deliver social services in our communities every day, with a predominant focus on children, rangatahi, families and whānau. Our affiliate members are organisations that deliver social services for these people, and organisations and individuals working in areas aligned to the interests of children, young people, whānau or communities. Te Pai Ora SSPA's vision is that Aotearoa New Zealand's community-based social services are sustainable, making a positive impact every day in our communities and hapori, supporting children, young people and whānau to thrive now and into the future. Te Pai Ora SSPA works to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand's social sector through advocacy and engagement, learning and development, relationships and sector leadership.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Budget 2025: Invest In Our Children And Whānau - The Foundation Of Our Future
There are nice little nuggets scattered throughout the Budget, 'but let's be clear they are small scale and are not going to flip the dial to relieve the suffering faced by children and whānau today. This is not the bold investment required to build the foundation for a thriving future.' Belinda Himiona Chief Executive of Te Pai Ora SSPA says despite soaring demand across the social sector, Budget 2025 fails to address chronic underfunding to support children and whānau. While it is positive to see investment for Oranga Tamariki social service contracting, learning support, strengthening the safety of the care system and redress for survivors, social investment initiatives and an increase for Māori and Pasifika Wardens. 'The challenge for the government is to match its investment rhetoric by being brave to invest comprehensively in the services that our sector has consistently shown improves lives. Community must have a revitalised role with services devolved to community, iwi and hapū.' Belinda cautions, 'There are clear indications that things are not ok in Aotearoa.' Lest we forget – recently: • UNICEF ranked NZ towards the bottom of all of its Child Wellbeing indicators of 36 OECD countries [source: Report Card 19 Fragile Gains - Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World, UNICEF] • Reports of concerns for children to Oranga Tamariki rose 35% in the last year alone with more than 95,000 reports of concern made [source] • Concerningly in the last year most child outcomes have worsened across poverty, violence, education achievement, mental health [source: State of the Nation 2025, Salvation Army] Rather than choosing to respond comprehensively, the decision in this Budget to invest in youth justice and truancy programmes is short-sighted. Investment in early intervention is the most impactful. It is critical to understand that these decisions will disproportionately harm Māori and their whānau. We can't keep waiting for early investment, it is needed now in: • Interventions for children and whānau at risk • Poverty reduction and whānau support • Fair pay that recognises the value the social sector workforce brings 'Governments choose where to invest. There are trade-offs. Once you improve the lives of whānau you set the foundation for all our future.' ABOUT SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TE PAI ORA O AOTEAROA | Te Pai Ora SSPA is a membership-based organisation, representing more than 250 non-profit, community-based social service organisations from around Aotearoa New Zealand. Our member organisations are diverse, including small rural organisations, Iwi and kaupapa Māori service providers, Pacific providers, and large national children's organisations. Our member organisations provide life changing and often life-saving services and support in their communities. Te Pai Ora SSPA's full members are funded by government to deliver social services in our communities every day, with a predominant focus on children, rangatahi, families and whānau. Our affiliate members are organisations that deliver social services for these people, and organisations and individuals working in areas aligned to the interests of children, young people, whānau or communities. Te Pai Ora SSPA's vision is that Aotearoa New Zealand's community-based social services are sustainable, making a positive impact every day in our communities and hapori, supporting children, young people and whānau to thrive now and into the future. Te Pai Ora SSPA works to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand's social sector through advocacy and engagement, learning and development, relationships and sector leadership.
The Spinoff
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Spinoff
Budget 2025: The great Spinoff hot-take roundtable
Finance minister Nicola Willis says her budget is 'responsible' and 'strikes the right balance'. But what do the experts think? Our Budget 2025 reporting is thanks to The Spinoff Members. The Spinoff is not backed by billion-dollar budgets or billionaires, we're backed by you. To meet our current goal, we need 500 new members by the end of June. Please donate now. Nicola Gaston: Nothing to compensate the science system for drastic funding cuts A couple of years ago I told the Labour government, in an RNZ interview regarding university funding, that we couldn't eat their ghost chips. I stand by that. But it also means that, in the face of a government that is both 'going for growth' and in charge of a once-in-a-lifetime science system reform process, I have no compunction saying in response to a budget that has NOTHING to compensate the science system for drastic cuts to funding both last year and this: Bro. Monique says you're dumb. Nicola Gaston is a professor in the department of physics at the University of Auckland and co-director of the MacDiarmid Institute Belinda Himiona: 'Nuggets' won't relieve the crisis children and whānau are in today There are little nuggets scattered throughout the budget, but let's be clear: they are small scale and will not relieve the crisis children and whānau are in today. Budget 2025 fails to deliver the bold investment required to build the foundation for a thriving future. The real challenge for the government is to match its investment rhetoric with being brave and investing comprehensively in services that we know improve lives. There are clear indications that things are not OK. Lest we forget: recently Aotearoa scored towards the bottom in all child wellbeing rankings according to Unicef, there's been a 35% increase in reports of concern for children in the last year, and there's a worsening picture for children in rates of poverty, violence, education and mental health according to the Salvation Army's State of the Nation Report. We can't keep waiting for investment, it is needed now in interventions for children and whānau at risk, poverty reduction, and fair pay that recognises the value the social sector workforce brings. Community must have a revitalised role with services devolved to community, iwi and hapū. Governments choose where to invest. There are trade-offs. Once you improve the lives of whānau, you set the foundation for all our future. Belinda Himiona is chief executive at Te Pai Ora SSPA (Social Service Providers Aotearoa) Holly Bennett: Plenty of positive initiatives Budget 2025 might have been light on 'record levels of investment' but there is still plenty to explore. One of the flagship announcements – Investment Boost – will see businesses able to make an immediate 20% deduction of the cost of a new asset from taxable income. A welcome signal that government is actively considering how better policy, rather than more money, can make enduring change. On the other side of the coin, the government has declared war on 'tax cheats who deliberately evade their obligations'. With our national tax debt clocking in at $8.5bn, the government has allocated new funding of $35 million a year for IRD to undertake more tax compliance and collection activities. Equivalent to 0.4% of the debt balance, however, will it be enough? One thing I didn't see coming but fully support is the $28 million investment in overhauling how emergency services respond to mental distress. The intention is to move New Zealand's mental distress 111 calls away from a police-led response to a 'mental health response'. Of course the devil will be in the detail: how this vision will be operationalised will be the true marker of success. Finally, I'm particularly enthused by the prime minister's personal commitment to support start-up tech businesses. As a founder who is about to embark on my first capital raise for a SaaS (software as a service) platform, it's a timely reminder that an ambitious, bold and properly funded idea executed in the private sector, rather than by state, is where we most often see the biggest drivers of change. Holly Bennett (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao) is the managing director of lobbying firm Awhi and a former adviser to National ministers. Oliver Hartwich: Budget 2025 raises serious questions about New Zealand's financial future Budget 2025 raises serious questions about New Zealand's financial future. Although the government says it plans to balance the budget, its approach makes this difficult to believe. By leaving out the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) from the main budget figures, the government isn't showing the full financial picture. Even with optimistic forecasts, the government is still expecting to spend more money than it receives right up to 2029. This kind of accounting makes it hard for taxpayers to see clearly how much money the country is really spending. On KiwiSaver, it makes sense to stop government contributions for higher earners. However, increasing the default contribution rate from 3% to 4% means both employees and employers pay more. At a time when the economy is struggling, this extra cost could make it harder for businesses to employ people and reduces individuals' choices on how to spend their money. Another concern is the finance minister's suggestion that more KiwiSaver funds should be invested in New Zealand. Although well-intentioned, it goes against good investment practices. To keep people's savings safe and growing, investing in many different countries is far better than putting most of it into New Zealand's small economy. Budget 2025 needs better financial management and smarter economic decisions to ensure New Zealand's future prosperity. Oliver Hartwich is the executive director of The New Zealand Initiative Jo Monks: Commercial gain prioritised over science motivated by environmental goals The science system funding plan outlined by the government in Budget 2025 sends a clear signal about prioritising investment in science that is likely to result in commercial gain over science motivated by environmental goals. Key initiatives announced include the establishment of a 'bioeconomy' organisation and promoting gene technology. The government's focus has been rapidly shifting away from ecological and social science rooted in environmental health, and towards science that will make more money, over recent months. While all investment in science is positive, the New Zealand Ecological Society is concerned that the commercial focus of today's science funding announcement will result in further erosion of ecological science in Aotearoa. Meanwhile, strong investment in te taiao and applied ecological research has never been more important. Dr Jo Monks is acting president of the New Zealand Ecological Society Gabrielle Baker: Not much to benefit Māori Feels like a great budget if you want to expand your business (Investment Boost), if you have too much money in your take-home pay cheque and need help to save it (KiwiSaver), or if you make your money building and planning hospitals. I have a toxic relationship with budget days. I can't wait to get into the details but, when I attempt it, I'm usually left bewildered. Same again this year. I did note down a couple of things though: • With Vote Health there are proposed savings under 'equity and evidence' and 'performance monitoring', which might give an indication of the perceived value of everyone getting good outcomes. • Vote Disability Support Services requires time and patience to decipher because last year's funding was all included in Vote Social Sector and Community Sector, and not under this new Vote. And, for some unclear reason the government plans to spend about $10m less in community-based supports – though spending increases slightly in the other disability support service categories. Unsurprisingly, given the current climate, there is not much in this budget that will benefit Māori, outside very small investments in Māori wardens. Still, I would have liked to have been pleasantly surprised. Matthew Roskruge: A bland, arguably bleak, budget with little vision in the numbers Budget 2025 was billed as a no-BS budget, and it delivered no-frills austerity. The government framed it as a 'growth' budget, but there's little vision in the numbers. The focus is on fiscal discipline, with new spending tightly contained and balanced by cuts and reprioritisations. Headline winners include small businesses, with modest tax relief for capital investment, and the health sector, which receives a significant boost – especially for infrastructure and access. Defence also fared well, possibly reflecting US-aligned priorities and overdue investment. But savings came at a cost. The cancellation of pay equity was a major loss, and emergency housing was scaled back. Māori were virtually invisible. Vote Māori was cut again, with funds pushed into general pools. There's little here that speaks to Māori priorities or the Māori economy. Education saw multiple tweaks – some welcome, like learning support and literacy – but little new money. A clear trend emerged around 'tough on youth' policies: truancy services, youth justice, bootcamps, and cutting Jobseeker access for most 18 to 19-year-olds. It's a bland, arguably bleak, budget. NZ First and Act were surprisingly muted. The bigger question is whether this signals a longer-term turn to austerity – or just a tactical reset ahead of election year 2026.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Proposed Changes Will Halt The Social Service Workers Pay Equity Claim
Press Release – Te Pai Ora SSPA These proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act add another layer of uncertainty and concern. Our kaimahi work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and whnau, and it is important that their efforts are recognised and fairly compensated. Te Pai Ora SSPA, the national organisation representing community-based social service providers, is raising serious concerns about sweeping changes to the Equal Pay Act announced by the Government today. The amendments threaten to halt progress on the Social Service Workers Pay Equity Claim — one of 33 claims now at risk — and could undermine years of work to achieve fair pay for kaimahi across the sector. The proposed amendments will end the progress of the claim – a long-standing issue for many in the sector. Te Pai Ora SSPA has been acting as sector coordinator and representative. The Social Service Workers Pay Equity claim covers around 1200 workers from eight representative provider organisations, this is estimated to be about 10% of the overall social sector workforce. 70% of the kaimahi who will be impacted by today's decision are female. 'Our sector is already under immense pressure, with many providers facing funding cuts and reductions to critical services to children and whānau,' says Belinda Himiona, Chief Executive of Te Pai Ora SSPA. 'These proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act add another layer of uncertainty and concern. Our kaimahi work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and whānau, and it is important that their efforts are recognised and fairly compensated.' The Social Services Workers Pay Equity Claim covers a range of roles including Youth Workers, Family Support Workers, Financial Mentors, Foodbank Co-ordinators, Therapists, as well as a wide range of roles providing support for front-line services. 'The claim has already faced delays and complications due to policy changes by the government last year. Today's announcement introduces new barriers,' says Himiona. In response, Te Pai Ora SSPA has been forced to pause further work on the claim while seeking clarity of the full implications of the changes. Te Pai Ora SSPA is concerned that the Government intends to amend the Equal Pay Act under urgency, limiting opportunities for submissions and public consultation. The organisation strongly believes that any changes to the Act must be made with the full picture and an understanding of the impacts from the sector and those directly affected. 'The Social Service Workers claim covers a wide range of critical roles that provide essential services to children and families across Aotearoa New Zealand,' says Himiona.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Proposed Changes Will Halt The Social Service Workers Pay Equity Claim
Te Pai Ora SSPA, the national organisation representing community-based social service providers, is raising serious concerns about sweeping changes to the Equal Pay Act announced by the Government today. The amendments threaten to halt progress on the Social Service Workers Pay Equity Claim — one of 33 claims now at risk — and could undermine years of work to achieve fair pay for kaimahi across the sector. The proposed amendments will end the progress of the claim – a long-standing issue for many in the sector. Te Pai Ora SSPA has been acting as sector coordinator and representative. The Social Service Workers Pay Equity claim covers around 1200 workers from eight representative provider organisations, this is estimated to be about 10% of the overall social sector workforce. 70% of the kaimahi who will be impacted by today's decision are female. 'Our sector is already under immense pressure, with many providers facing funding cuts and reductions to critical services to children and whānau,' says Belinda Himiona, Chief Executive of Te Pai Ora SSPA. 'These proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act add another layer of uncertainty and concern. Our kaimahi work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and whānau, and it is important that their efforts are recognised and fairly compensated.' The Social Services Workers Pay Equity Claim covers a range of roles including Youth Workers, Family Support Workers, Financial Mentors, Foodbank Co-ordinators, Therapists, as well as a wide range of roles providing support for front-line services. 'The claim has already faced delays and complications due to policy changes by the government last year. Today's announcement introduces new barriers,' says Himiona. In response, Te Pai Ora SSPA has been forced to pause further work on the claim while seeking clarity of the full implications of the changes. Te Pai Ora SSPA is concerned that the Government intends to amend the Equal Pay Act under urgency, limiting opportunities for submissions and public consultation. The organisation strongly believes that any changes to the Act must be made with the full picture and an understanding of the impacts from the sector and those directly affected. 'The Social Service Workers claim covers a wide range of critical roles that provide essential services to children and families across Aotearoa New Zealand,' says Himiona.
