Community Investment Update
April 15, 2015 at 5:35 PM
A message from Murray Edridge, Deputy Chief Executive, Community Investment
In this issue:
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Tēnā koutou katoa
Welcome to our first Community Investment Update of 2015.
If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering where time has gone. It’s six months since Community Investment came into being, but that has passed in a flash!
I’m pretty sure that you’ll agree with me that the pace of everyday business makes it difficult to step back and look at the bigger picture of what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and why.
That’s a challenge we set ourselves as a new entity, and one we continue to work on. Our focus lies on working in the best way possible with you, the providers of social services, to achieve the best outcomes for vulnerable New Zealanders.
In this issue of Community Investment Update you’ll read about some of the great work being done in communities towards changing attitudes and promoting positive behaviour. The story about the E Tu Whānau Charter of Commitment at Waitangi reinforces for me the findings of a recent survey - that E Tu Whānau resources are a great conversation starter and have wide appeal across a diverse range of people. The E Tu Whānau movement was developed by Māori for Māori, but its messages and values are ones that resonate with all New Zealanders.
You’ll also read about new guidelines for the children’s workforce. These are part of Children’s Action Plan initiatives aimed at fostering a safe and competent children’s workforce to make sure children have their needs met and are safe from abuse and neglect.
I hope you all had the opportunity for some time out at Easter – maybe even an opportunity to look at that bigger picture! Better still, an opportunity to be with friends, family and loved ones, or to enjoy some peaceful solitude.
Ngā mihi nui,
Murray
