Whakamana Tangata: Restoring Dignity to Social Security in New Zealand

Abstract

In May 2018, the Minister for Social Development announced the establishment of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group to undertake a broad-ranging review of the welfare system and advise the Government on the future of New Zealand’s welfare system. We have now considered how the welfare system could be changed to better meet the needs of New Zealanders now and in the future. We took a participatory and independent approach and prioritised the experience of people who interact with the welfare system. Our advice takes the form of 42 key recommendations that enable the social security system to serve its most fundamental functions but to move beyond a ‘safety net’ to ‘whakamana tāngata’ – restoring dignity to people so they can participate meaningfully with their families and communities.