Friday, 23 November 2007

The government’s latest Social Report is a powerful public policy tool for all those interested in Māori development says Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development) Chief Executive Leith Comer.

The Social Report is published annually by the Ministry of Social Development and uses a set of indicators to monitor trends across a number of areas of people’s lives. The latest Social Report released today shows that of the 15 outcomes available for Māori, 13 have improved since the mid-1990s.

“The Social Report confirms that over recent year there have been considerable improvements in outcomes for Māori across a number of domains, in many cases at a faster rate than for Europeans,” says Mr Comer.

According to the Social Report, among the improving outcomes for Māori have been increasing life expectancy, greater participation and attainment in education, declining unemployment and rising incomes.

“As part of Te Puni Kōkiri’s Māori Potential Approach is a commitment to focusing on more than just Māori deficit,” says Mr Comer. “This latest report shows that the average outcomes for Māori in many indicators still tend to be poorer than for Europeans but this is only part of the story.

“Māori public policy makers will be noting the strongly positive trends that show the gaps between Māori and the rest of the population closing across a range of indicators – in some cases very rapidly indeed.

“For those involved in Māori Development, like Te Puni Kōkiri, it sparks further inquiry into understanding the drivers of these changes, so that we might replicate this success in other areas.

“Te Puni Kōkiri strives to be a catalyst for positive Māori social and economic development. This report offers fresh insights into what is working and what is not working so well. We will be using these results to inform our thinking.”

Last modified: 29/08/2008