Government announces future of social sector trials

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley has announced future plans for the 16 social sector trials.

The first trials were started in 2011 to explore a "community-based approach aimed at improving the way government plans, funds, and delivers social services. They involve transferring the control of resources including funding, decision-making authority, and accountability for results from government agencies to a Trial lead in the local community."

Minister Tolley said "Eleven out of the sixteen trial areas will now be supported to transition to new community-led models with a less narrow focus for the delivery of services by the end of the year, using evidence of what has worked in each location and with less central government involvement."

The sites being supported to transition to a locally-led model by 31 December 2016 include: South Waikato, Gisborne, Kaikohe, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Kawerau, Horowhenua, Porirua, South Dunedin, and Gore.

According to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), "The remaining SST locations will cease to be funded on 1 July 2016 because they are ready to be managed locally, or performance to date means exit is appropriate."

Media

Social Sector Trials move to local-led models, Press release: NZ Government, 05.05.2016

5 'social sector trials' to be abandoned, NZ Herald, 05.05.2016