Chief Executive's preface
The Social Report is an important source of information for
social development. Each year, in this publication, we bring together
information from across the social sector to chart New Zealand's
progress across a range of important indicators of wellbeing. This
allows us to monitor social changes and trends over time. The social
report shows us where we are doing well and alerts us to areas where we
need to take action. We review our indicators each year to ensure we
present the best available information on social conditions in New
Zealand.
The information provided here enables many groups to access
data that is vital to their own planning. This year we are proud to
include, in the people section, New Zealand Sign Language as one
of New Zealand's official languages.
Since 2005, we have also published information on social
wellbeing at both the regional and territorial authority level. This
information allows councils and others working locally to monitor
progress over time and compare their progress with other regions. It
also helps us, at the Ministry of Social Development, to customise our
services to the needs of specific areas and communities. This year, new
census data has allowed us to update the majority of regional and
territorial authority indicators. Information is available on the
website www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz and we are publishing it in
companion books to The Social Report 2007.
The high quality of The Social Report 2007 is due to the hard
work of many Ministry of Social Development staff, and the support and
advice we get from across the government and community sectors. Since
the first Social Report was published in 2001, it has made a valuable
contribution to informed discussion about national and regional social
policy and social development. I am sure that, as with previous
editions, The Social Report 2007 will be of great use to all
those who are interested in social wellbeing.
Peter Hughes
Chief Executive
Ministry of Social Development
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