THE WAY FORWARD

IT IS IN ALL OUR INTERESTS TO BUILD A BETTER, FAIRER and more productive society with opportunity for all.

A system that provides security, encourages people to realise their potential and assists them to make the difficult transition to work is a cornerstone of social development.

A great number of New Zealanders need short-term support at some point in their lives. It is therefore important that our social security system is simple, fair and can respond to the needs of ordinary people.

This publication has outlined our vision for a more effective system attuned to the needs of all New Zealanders and their communities.

Some parts of our programme will be challenging to implement. They will require difficult choices between equally worthy goals. Other parts are more straightforward and are already well underway.

We seek the whole-hearted support of community organisations, local government, the business sector, employers, and of course beneficiaries themselves, all of whom have a major stake in social development.

The Government is determined to usher in a new era of social development which will set more New Zealanders on the path to independence. Along the way, it will not be afraid to take some risks and to try some new ways of doing things.

This Government will provide a springboard of opportunity and endeavour, and provide security for people when they need it most.

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