The newly established Ministerial Advisory Board on Social Services in New Zealand is a multidisciplinary team of esteemed professionals, each bringing unique expertise and experiences to address the nation’s pressing social issues. The Board aims to provide strategic advice on policy making, with an emphasis on enhancing the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

The Composition of the Ministerial Advisory Board on Social Services

1. Katie Murray (Chair) – Chair of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa and CEO of Waitomo Papakainga Development Incorporated society
2. Julie Nelson – Chair of the Wise Trust Board and former joint CEO of the Wise Group
3. Debbie Sorensen – Chief Executive of the Pasifika Medical Association Group
4. Mike Williams – Former CEO of the New Zealand Howard League and executive director of the charity
5. David Woods – Deputy chairman of New Zealand Green Investment Finance
6. Katie Murray (Member) – Chair of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa and CEO of Waitomo Papakainga Development Incorporated society
7. Julie Nelson (Member) – An experienced director, including the Wise Trust Board chair since 2022
8. Debbie Sorensen (Member) – Significant leader in Pacific Health
9. Mike Williams (Member) – Former CEO of the New Zealand Howard League and current executive director of the charity
10. David Woods (Member) – Deputy chairman of New Zealand Green Investment Finance
11. Katie Murray (Inaugural Chair, Social Sector Commission Board Member) – Inaugural chair of the Ministerial Board for Sexual & Family Violence
12. Julie Nelson (Chair, Wise Trust Board) – Current member on the Understanding Policing Delivery independent panel
13. Debbie Sorensen (Inaugural Chair, Make a Wish Pacific) – Inaugural Chair of Make a Wish Pacific
14. Mike Williams (President, New Zealand Labour Party) – President of the New Zealand Labour Party from 2000 to 2009
15. David Woods (Chair, New Zealand National Advisory Board for Impact Investing) – Inaugural chair of the New Zealand National Advisory Board for Impact Investing

Roles and Aims of the Ministerial Advisory Board on Social Services

The Advisory Board’s primary roles include:

1. Providing strategic advice to the Minister of Social Development, Children, and Employment on policy making related to social services in New Zealand.
2. Enhancing the wellbeing of all New Zealanders by proposing effective solutions to address pressing social issues.
3. Facilitating collaboration between government agencies, non-government organizations, and community groups working towards common goals.
4. Monitoring the progress and impact of implemented policies, offering recommendations for improvements where necessary.
5. Identifying best practices and innovative ideas from within New Zealand and abroad to improve social service delivery in the country.
6. Advocating for increased investment in social services and raising public awareness about their importance.
7. Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the social service sector in New Zealand.

In conclusion, the Ministerial Advisory Board on Social Services is a valuable asset to New Zealand’s government, bringing together diverse expertise and experiences to tackle pressing social issues and improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. Through its roles and aims, the Board will work towards enhancing collaboration, advocating for investment, and fostering continuous learning in the social service sector.