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Longstanding partnership drives strategic transformation at NZ’s second-oldest charity

Source: Rata Foundation

Home & Family, New Zealand's second-oldest charity, has been using evidence and data to transform how it delivers services to vulnerable children and their whānau across Canterbury.
The organisation, established in 1898 as the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, provides early intervention and wrap-around support to pēpi, tamariki, rangatahi and their parents/caregivers and whānau, and operates across multiple sectors including family violence prevention, parenting support, youth mentoring, therapy services and work with the New Zealand Family Courts.
Chief Executive Val Carter says that taking a deep dive into their data has been pivotal in gaining insights and strengthening the organisation’s impact within the community. “The Good Measure reports allow you to really look at your data and understand where you best add impact. It was a great opportunity for us to evaluate what we did, how we did it and what benefit and impact it made within the community.”
The organisation's initial Good Measure report in 2022 focused on their parenting services at the time. “The social return on investment that came out of our first Good Measure report showed that for every dollar invested in Home & Family's programmes, the community benefited by $2.40. This was a really positive outcome, but it also gave us the opportunity to think about what we were delivering and how we delivered it. This resulted in significant changes to the way that we deliver services, particularly parenting services, to our community.”
In 2023, the organisation implemented SafeCare, a structured early intervention parenting programme originating in the United States. Home & Family is currently the only provider of this programme in New Zealand.
Programme Manager Hamish Mepham says the initiative represents a shift from a generic social work approach to targeted, evidence-based interventions. “The development of SafeCare was informed by how the Good Measure report demonstrated our impact with the community. We wanted something to be effective but have some really good research evidence behind it to say why it was effective.”
SafeCare uses a skill-based curriculum that builds on the knowledge, experience and existing strengths of a parent/caregiver. Through initial baseline assessments, a parent’s initial skill set is identified, with this information used to inform how to deliver the training in remaining sessions. SafeCare participant Josh says: “The SafeCare programme's taught me a lot. I think I've come a long way from what I did know to now. Without Hamish being in the picture when he came in, I don't think I would be where I am now. I don’t think I would probably still have my boys.”
A follow-up Good Measure assessment conducted in 2024 revealed the programme's significant long-term benefits, particularly for children. Ms Carter says: “For us, the most interesting and motivating figure was that the social value for children who participated in our SafeCare programme was over $17,000 over their lifetime. This represents the long-term benefits that targeted, evidence-based early intervention can provide – not just immediate support, but lasting positive outcomes that follow children into adulthood.
“We work with about 900 to 1,000 people impacted by family violence, and when we talk about one person, it's also all of the extended whānau that sit behind that one referral.”
The transformation has been supported through a long-standing partnership with Rātā Foundation, spanning over 20 years, with the Good Measure reports undertaken through the Strengthening the Sector Programme. “Rātā invited us initially to undergo the Good Measure report so we could review what we were doing, if it was working and what could be done to improve our support. Rātā has been a core catalyst into us being able to be more effective with what we do. It is that real trusting relationship that we've been able to build and maintain over the years that has been so vital for our organisation.”
Rātā Foundation Head of Community Investment Kate Sclater says: “At Rātā, we value our relationship with Home & Family who have a solid foundation of social impact in the Canterbury region. This partnership is based on the strong alignment of a shared vision to empower families and whānau to thrive, and a shared commitment to continually strive to learn and evolve, to improve outcomes for future generations. For us success is when organisations take learning and use it to improve programmes and services for the people they support.”
Recently Home & Family moved into a new facility in Opawa, bringing all operations under one roof for the first time, including the team of 20 to 25 permanent staff and volunteers. The building includes Kōmanawa, meaning ‘Oasis’, a dedicated client space designed specifically for children and their whānau. “Kōmanawa is our client space and it's going to be set up really to be child friendly. The majority of the clients who will be using the space will be children and their whānau, so we've wanted to make it as welcoming as possible.
“Next for Home & Family is really settling into our new space and building on the opportunities that we've been able to enjoy through our partnership with Rātā to really strive to provide the best possible service for our community.”
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Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull – PSA

Source: PSA

Statistics New Zealand has proposed today to disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team alongside further reductions to its People and Culture team.
PSA Kaihautū Māori Marcia Puru strongly opposes the move, saying it's a blatant attack on Māori – Māori kaimahi, te Reo Māori, and Tiriti development at Stats NZ, but it also removes sector-leading professional development opportunities for all staff.
“This proposal is yet another example of the austerity-driven, anti-diversity political environment this Government has pushed so hard for. It doesn’t need to give directives – it's very clear to agencies that any public services that focus on Māori are not welcome.”
Puru says that Stats NZ will be failing on its legislative functions such as quarterly reporting on the Te Ture Mo te reo Māori (Māori Language Act).
“My main concern is how Stats NZ will continue to meet its obligations as a Tiriti partner. To keep up with these legislative functions, Stats NZ will need to hire external evaluators – which will no doubt cost them more in the long run. In short, these cuts are regressive and short-sighted.”
The Tangata Tiriti team will lose six roles, with three staff merging with the larger People & Culture team. The People & Culture team itself will be reduced by two roles.
These cuts to the team come despite Stats NZ running a $2M budget surplus last year.
“A recent internal review of the Tangata Tiriti Learning and Capability team said it has delivered outstanding outcomes. Stats NZ says in its own proposal document that the Tangata Tiriti team have delivered important work. There's a lot in there insinuating their work is expensive, but no cost analysis was actually completed for the review, or for the document.
“Why not keep these highly valuable workers right where they are, so that they can continue to help upskill their coworkers in te ao Māori?
“The answer, as usual, is a falsely restrained balance sheet. The Government would have the money to pay public service workers if they hadn’t given their landlord mates billions.”
The Tangata Tiriti team drive internal programmes to improve Stats NZ’s knowledge and capability to work within te ao Māori.
“Instead of having a team of in-house experts who have built up relationships within the organisation, Stats NZ is planning on reducing its focus on te ao Māori within growing the workforce and will be scaling back teaching te reo, using a combination of inhouse and outsourced expertise.
“This is a retrograde step that will hinder Stats NZ’s ability to engage effectively with Māori, the exact opposite of what the agency needs after they failed to engage with tangata whenua for the 2018 Census.”
This restructure is the sixth Stats NZ has undergone since the National-led Government came into power in 2023, cutting staff in December 2023, September 2024, twice in October 2024, December 2024, and now September 2025.
Other PSA statements on Stats NZ:
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Green Light Economy: Chamber Unveils Vision for Wellington’s Future – Chamber of Commerce

Source: Wellington Chamber of Commerce

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has today released its report, Green Light Economy: The Path to a More Resilient Wellington Through Private Sector Growth , setting out a bold vision to address Wellington’s major challenges and supercharge its commercial future.
“We are proud to present this report for Wellington as we head into the mayoralty race for 2025” said Greg Pollock, Chair of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
“Wellington has all the right ingredients to thrive, from world-class science and technology to a vibrant creative sector. But we’re not yet capitalizing on that potential. This blueprint sets out a bold vision to reduce pressure on businesses, align our strengths, and supercharge the capital’s economy.”
The Chamber is calling for a review on commercial rates, regulatory simplification, and targeted investment in innovation and housing. The report also proposes the re-establishment of a revised Business Advisory Council to ensure private sector input into economic development decisions.
The Chamber has been consulting widely with business leaders and members on the recommendations, which are backed by expert research from Infometrics and Allen + Clarke. These are aimed at helping to grow a city where startups, small businesses and communities flourish, supported by strong collaboration between local and central Government and the private sector.
The report identifies four key pillars to drive transformation:
  • Reform for Growth – The business community is ready to collaborate to make Wellington a more business-friendly city.
  • Innovation Capital – Investing in innovation hubs and infrastructure to grow Wellington’s business innovation ecosystem.
  • Creative Launchpad – Supporting Wellington’s world-class creative industries with space, career pathways, and international branding.
  • Liveable City – Wellington is a vibrant, sustainable city, which needs to attract and retain talent.
“This report reflects the voices of over 1,000 members across the Wellington region,” said Amanda Wood, Acting CEO of the Wellington Chamber.
“Despite their resilience, many businesses feel undervalued and underrepresented. We believe a stronger partnership between Council, central Government, and business is essential to unlock Wellington’s full potential.
“The opportunity for growth is enormous, and the next Council term must set a better course for Wellington.
“We hope that with a new term, a revised focus on the future in partnership with the private sector can take hold to truly capitalise on everything Wellington has to offer.”
The Chamber invites stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage with the report and join the conversation about Wellington’s next chapter.
Notes
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce represents 1000 members across the Wellington region providing advice, training, support, and advocates for policies that reflect the interests of the business community.
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Stats NZ information release: International trade: June 2025 quarter


This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


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AFGHANISTAN EARTHQUAKE: Rescue teams racing to the site of a devastating earthquake with hundreds dead and thousands of children potentially impacted

Source: Save the Children

Rescue teams are racing to Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan where a devastating earthquake has killed at least 600 people and injured more than 3,000 including many children with the number of casualties continuing to rise, Save the Children said [1]. 
Save the Children works in the affected provinces and is sending health teams immediately to the most heavily impacted districts in Kunar province as aftershocks continue and rescue operations are hampered by blocked roads.
The extent of the devastation will take time to become clear with areas of the mountainous province cut off and communications challenging – but the de facto authorities say at least 600 people have been killed and more than 3,000 injured in Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit in the middle of the night.
Azam-, 52, is a doctor who lives in Kunar province and was at home when the earthquake hit. He said:
“It was around midnight when we felt the earthquake, and it was extremely intense. The tremors were so strong that we couldn’t even open the door but the shaking broke part of the wall, which allowed me to jump out [of the house].
“Fortunately, the children were not at home. If they had been inside with us, I am not sure we would have been able to save them. All our rooms are damaged – our belongings are under the rubble.
“We are still feeling [shaking from] the earthquake all around us.”
Families in Kunar have also been affected by flash floods triggered by torrential rain in recent days, with homes and roads damaged, according to the UN [2].
Samira Sayed Rahman, Advocacy Director, Save the Children Afghanistan, said:
“The earthquake came without warning in the middle of the night. Children and their families were fast asleep in their homes – homes that are not built to withstand tremors of this magnitude. Aftershocks are continuing, causing terror for children and heightening the risk of further damage and casualties.
“Roads have been blocked by rocks, cutting off villages and hampering rescue operations. Children and their families need urgent support – with the likely destruction of so many homes, they will need food, clean water, shelter and essential household items.
“The true scale of the devastation is still emerging, but we know that children are always the most vulnerable in the aftermath of a disaster.
“We urgently call on the international community to step up with immediate funding and coordinated support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches children and families without delay.”
Save the Children has been supporting communities and protecting children's rights across Afghanistan since 1976, including during periods of conflict and natural disasters. We have programmes in 10 provinces and work with partners in an additional 11 provinces. Since August 2021, we've scaled up our response to support the increasing number of children in need. We deliver services spanning health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and livelihoods.
References:
– Denotes name changed to protect identity
[1] Data from Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority.
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Afghanistan Earthquake – Women and Children in Urgent Need

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Current reports reveal over 2,800 people have been injured, with a further 800 people killed.
“These numbers will probably rise as assessments continue,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund NZ.
“Assessment teams need to walk four hours or more to reach devastated communities, so it may be a while until the full scope of the tragedy is clear.”
Afghanistan was struck by a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake that impacted the southeastern region at 11.47pm last night (local time), affecting the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman.
The quake, with an estimated depth of just 8 to 10 kilometers, was centered near the Pakistan border.
Key roads are blocked, isolating affected communities. In a country where women and girls already face systemic barriers to healthcare, education and safety, there is an urgency to respond and reach these vulnerable communities.
ChildFund New Zealand has local partners responding on the ground, with teams who have been working in country since 2002, so they are well positioned to act as quickly as possible.
“Women and girls in Afghanistan already struggle to reach healthcare and safe shelter, so the response to last night’s earthquake must prioritise those most vulnerable”, says Josie Pagani.
This disaster comes on the heels of dramatic cuts in international aid from the United States in particular. The United Nations recently reported that the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan received $144 million less in 2025 than during the same period in 2024.
ChildFund has an Emergency Response Fund and is urging Kiwis to donate what they can. “Your donation could help provide safety and care to a mother and her children in Afghanistan today,” says Josie Pagani.
ChildFund partner WeWorld has been operating in Afghanistan for 23 years, working particularly with women and children.
Donate to ChildFund’s Humanitarian Crisis Fund here: Emergency Response Fund
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BusinessNZ – Uni strategy: Renewed focus gets an ‘A’

Source: BusinessNZ

Moves announced by the Government today to modernise New Zealand’s universities will ensure graduates leave with the skills to better innovate and boost our economy, BusinessNZ says.
Education, Skills and Immigration Director Rachel Simpson says BusinessNZ supports the introduction of a new tertiary education strategy that places economic growth at the centre of higher education policy.
“For students entering higher education as a step toward a career in their chosen field, the reforms should provide greater confidence in their investment, and that the skills they are developing are relevant for a modern workforce.”
“By prioritising skills, innovation and growth, the Government is signalling that universities are key enablers of New Zealand’s prosperity. Businesses will welcome a sharper focus on how research and teaching can drive productivity, competitiveness, and high-value jobs too.
“The announced tertiary education strategy makes clear that universities must evolve to meet these challenges while working more closely with industry and government to lift our national performance.”
Simpson says there is greater need for coherence across our tertiary and vocational systems.
“We look forward to engaging with government and universities as this strategy is implemented, to make sure business and industry continue to have a strong voice in shaping the future of New Zealand’s tertiary education system.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Climate News – Spring Seasonal Climate Outlook: La Niña on its way

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Highlights:
–  La Niña conditions are favoured during the spring and early summer 2025-26, with a 60% chance of emergence from September – November
– Alternating periods of settled weather and northeasterly flow anomalies will occur in October and November
– Temperatures are equally likely to be near or above average for all New Zealand, except the west of the South Island, where above average temperatures are most likely
– Rainfall will be near or above normal for the north and east of the North Island and the north of the South Island, near normal for the west of the North Island, and near normal or normal for the west and east of the South Island
– Above average sea surface temperatures are expected to continue around New Zealand through spring.
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Local News – Porirua’s ChoctoberFest gets tastebuds tingling

Source: Porirua City Council
Porirua City’s ChoctoberFest is back and this year there’s less time to wait, with 32 local businesses set to serve up delicious treats – all featuring Whittaker’s chocolate – from 20 September.
The festival, now in its fourth year, is all about supporting local business and puts Porirua’s hospitality sector on the map. This year the event is kicking off earlier to align with school holidays, so families from across the region (and further afield) can get out and sample treats in Porirua. The Whittaker’s Bake Off takes place from 20 September to 5 October, while the Top of the Chocs (drinks) runs from 20 September to 19 October.
Whittaker’s CEO James Ardern says ChoctoberFest is a great opportunity to celebrate the Porirua community as the home of Whittaker’s.
“We’re delighted to be a part of it again and seeing the wonderful creations Porirua businesses come up with,” he says.
“The Porirua community is an essential ingredient in Whittaker’s story, so we hope you will join us to celebrate that”.
With hot and cold drinks, imaginative baked creations, vegan options, gluten free choices and even cocktails, there should be something for everyone.
Once you’ve tasted, you can vote for your favourites to help decide who comes out on top.
There’s lots of ways to win this ChoctoberFest. You can be in to win exclusive Whittaker’s chocolate experiences when you purchase a ChoctoberFest bake or drink and rate them at poriruacity.govt.nz/choctoberfest.
Also, be in to win 100 Whittaker’s Peanut Slabs when you post a review into the Facebook group ChoctoberFest Fan Club, and win ChoctoberFest café vouchers by following Discover Porirua on Facebook or Instagram.
To find out what chocolate delights are on offer and where, visit poriruacity.govt.nz/choctoberfest. This is also where you’ll cast your votes and rate what you’ve tasted.
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NZ Initiative’s simplistic approach would weaken public services – PSA

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi has criticised a new report calling for a sweeping reduction in the number of government agencies, saying it takes a simplistic approach.
Responding to the New Zealand Initiative's report “Unscrambling Government”, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the report overlooked the important New Zealand context behind why agencies exist.
“This report essentially argues that cutting the number of agencies will automatically lead to better outcomes for New Zealanders. That's a simplistic view that ignores the complex reasons these agencies were established in the first place,” Fitzsimons said.
“The analysis misses the important reasons for agencies' existence. Take the Cancer Control Agency, for example – it exists because cancer advocates fought for years for independent national leadership on cancer control. It provides crucial oversight and accountability that would be lost if merged back into a larger ministry.”
The report also proposes structural changes such as merging all population-focused agencies – including those serving women, Pacific peoples, ethnic communities and seniors – into a single entity, and combining the Police with the Ministry of Justice.
“These suggestions show how the authors have abstracted away crucial complexities to fit their predetermined conclusions. Merging all demographic agencies would dilute the specific expertise and advocacy these agencies provide for communities that have historically been underserved.
“Similarly, the proposal to merge Police with the Ministry of Justice would undermine police independence – a fundamental principle of our democracy.
“Royal Commissions examining government failures – from Pike River to the Christchurch earthquakes to the March 15 mosque attacks – have consistently recommended more resources and clearer accountability, not fewer agencies.
“Unlike Australia, New Zealand has no upper house and weak local government, meaning the central government has far more concentrated power. You can't simply compare agency numbers across different countries with fundamentally different governmental structures,” Fitzsimons said.
“A radical overhaul would be particularly dangerous when agencies are already under pressure from the thousands of public service jobs that have been cut.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.