Ministerial foreword
 The Government welcomes the publication of The Social Report 2005. The social
report sets out a framework for considering social wellbeing in New Zealand and provides us with important information about what is happening to the quality
of life of New Zealanders. With the addition in the report of new data on wellbeing
at a regional authority level, we can also see how different parts of the country
are faring. This type of information helps to identify, at both a national
and subnational level, areas where progress is being made and areas where further
attention may be needed.
The Social Report 2005 not only confirms the ongoing pattern of improvement
in the health, knowledge and skills and paid work domains illustrated in previous
reports, but it also shows striking improvements in the living standards of
New Zealanders since 2001. Providing better support to low-income families,
through for example the introduction of income-related rents, has been a priority
for this Government since we first came to office in 1999, and it is exciting
to see these policies beginning to pay dividends. The marked reduction in child
poverty rates is something that I am particularly pleased to see. This Government
is confident there will be further improvements in the circumstances of low
and middle income families over the next few years with the progressive roll-out
of our Working for Families programme and the initiatives announced in the
2005 Budget.
The Government is committed to improving the quality of life of New Zealanders
and to creating a more prosperous and inclusive society. The social report
will continue to help monitor progress towards the achievement of this vision.
Steve Maharey
Minister for Social Development and Employment
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