Hon Annette King
Minister of State Services
15 December 2005 Media Statement
Accolades for State Service employers
State Services Minister Annette King has announced that the 2005 Mainstream Employer of the Year is the Ministry of
Social Development, Work and Income, Oamaru.
Mainstream is a supported employment programme provided by the State Services Commission to people significantly
disadvantaged by disability.
Ms King said the Mainstream Programme is a world leader in the development of supported employment programmes.
“Mainstream is currently celebrating 30 years of supported employment provision within New Zealand’s State Services.
“The Mainstream Programme plays a big role in delivering one of Government’s key disability strategies, fostering an
aware and responsive Public Service. The programme is also closely aligned with the recently launched Development Goals
for the State Services.
“ A key role for the State Services is promoting leadership and the development of State servants. The Mainstream
programme helps to promote the State Services as employer of choice for all, through its support of workforce diversity.
I want to acknowledge all Mainstream participants who have seized this employment opportunity, with just a little help
and a lot of determination.”
Mainstream Programme participant Deborah Gracie nominated the 2005 winner, and other Mainstream awards were presented
today at a ceremony in Parliament’s Grand Hall to:
Runner Up for Employer of the Year: Cosgrove School, Papakura, nominated by Virginia Olsson.
Merit winners for Employer of the Year: New Zealand Police, Porirua, nominated by Catherine Morrison, and Accident
Compensation Corporation, Palmerston North, nominated by Philip Spring.
Siona Tulia. of Emerge Trust, Wellington, and Joan Hamilton, of Edge Employment, Auckland, took top honours in the new
category of Mainstream Placement Specialist of the Year for their work with Mainstream Programme participants.
ENDS