Appendix 1: Initiatives that align with SDG 10

The Government’s preparedness to implement the sustainable development goals.

Below are some examples of initiatives that the Ministry of Social Development is responsible for implementing where the Ministry considers that the intended outcomes align with SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

The Families Package – improving outcomes for people on lower incomes: 2018

The package provided targeted financial assistance to low- and middle-income families through:
  • increasing the Family Tax Credit, the Working for Families payment rates, and its thresholds at which payments reduce;
  • replacing the Parental Tax Credit with the Best Start Tax Credit and increased paid parental leave to 26 weeks;
  • introducing a Winter Energy Payment for superannuitants, veterans, and beneficiaries;
  • increasing financial assistance for carers looking after children; and
  • increasing the Accommodation Supplement and Accommodation Benefit.
The intended outcomes are to:
  • boost low and middle incomes, reduce child poverty, assist with early years and accommodation costs, and help provide warmer homes.
Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019-2034 – improving outcomes for older people: 2019

The Government's strategy helps older New Zealanders live well and ensure that New Zealand is prepared for our aging population and values their potential. The strategy identifies several SDGs it aligns with. The strategy's action plan and outcomes framework will be produced by the end of 2021. There are five key areas for action:
  • achieve financial security and economic participation;
  • promote healthy ageing and improve access to services;
  • create diverse housing choices and options;
  • enhance opportunities for participation and social connection; and
  • make environments accessible.
Intended outcomes are for all older people to:
  • have financial security and participate economically;
  • age healthily with improved access to services;
  • have opportunities to participate and socially connect; and
  • live safely in housing of their choice, where possible independently.
Te Pae Tata – Māori strategy and action plan – improving outcomes for Māori: 2019

Focuses on weaving a Māori world view through MSD and its work and prioritising whānau needs. Areas of focus are that:
  • Māori have a positive experience when they engage with MSD;
  • MSD forms genuine partnerships with Māori for greater impact; and
  • MSD supports Māori long-term social and economic development.
Intended outcomes for Māori are:
  • to have sustainable employment, sustained financial stability, stable housing, and healthy relationships.
Pacific Prosperity – MSD's strategy and action plan for Pacific peoples – improving outcomes for Pacific people: 2019

This is MSD's first strategy for Pacific peoples. Its objectives are that Pacific families:
  • receive dignified and non-judgemental support from MSD;
  • are included in matters that affect them; and
  • are helped to determine their own solutions and destinies.
Intended outcomes for Pacific peoples:
  • that Pacific peoples, their families and communities in New Zealand are safe, and they thrive and flourish.
Working Matters – the Disability Employment Action Plan – improving employment outcomes for disabled people: 2020

The Disability Action Plan 2019-2023 identifies how 25 work programmes across agencies aim to deliver the outcomes in the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026. Working Matters is one of MSD's main contributions and aims to ensure that disabled people and people with health conditions have equal opportunities to access work.

Working Matters contributes to the Disability Strategy 2016-2026's intended outcomes that disabled people:
  • receive an excellent education and achieve their potential throughout their lives;
  • have employment and economic security;
  • have the highest attainable standards of health and well-being;
  • are treated with dignity and respect;
  • have their rights protected and are treated fairly and equitably by the justice system;
  • have choice and control over their lives;
  • can access all places, services, and information with ease and dignity; and
  • have great leadership opportunities.
Mana in Mahi – Strength in Work programme – improving outcomes for people not working: 2018

This programme supports people getting into work and achieving a qualification or apprenticeship. Employers are paid a wage subsidy for two years and assistance with training-related costs. Employees can earn incentive payments during their first two years as they achieve goals set by their employer. Non-financial support is provided to employees and employers where needed during the programme.

Intended outcomes for people not working:
  • young people and others who might need to retrain because of Covid-19 secure meaningful work and receive training that provides valuable skills and life-long employment.

Source: Office of the Auditor-General.