Hon Carmel Sepuloni
Minister of Social Development
20 September 2018PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Welfare Expert Advisory Group consultation announced
The Welfare Expert Advisory Group will be undertaking a six week consultation on the future of the welfare system from
September 27th.
“It is important that the Advisory Group hears New Zealanders’ views on our welfare system, what is working well and
what isn’t, what level of support should be available and what values should underpin New Zealand’s welfare system,”
Carmel Sepuloni said.
Advisory Group members will be visiting 16 locations throughout the country, holding community forums and focus group
meetings with those who work within or experience the welfare system. They will also be conducting a survey to ensure
that those who can’t attend a Forum can share their views.
“The Advisory Group’s work to review the welfare system to ensure it is accessible and fair to all New Zealanders is
part of this Government’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of New Zealanders and their families.
“For the Advisory Group to deliver recommendations that are robust and rigorous enough to last the next 20 years, they
must be based on real experiences of those interacting with the welfare system every day and that’s why consultation is
so important,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
For information about the consultation sessions with the Welfare Expert Advisory Group, please visit their website at: www.weag.govt.nz
NB to reporters
The Welfare Expert Advisory Group was established on 28 May 2018 to undertake a broad ranging review of New Zealand’s
welfare system. It will report back on its findings in February 2019.