Regional Plan for Auckland Central

CONTENTS:

• Message from the Chief Executive
• Regional Commissioner’s report
• Our region
• Our regional strategies
• Objectives and key tasks
• Achieving our key tasks
• Our community commitment
• Consultation

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce this Regional Plan to you. It is a summary of what we ’ve achieved for this region during the year, but it is also a strategy for how we will be doing even better in future.

I am always very proud to be able to tell people about the Department of Work and Income’s successes, and the hugely significant role our staff play in achieving that. I believe this Plan illustrates just how hard they have been working for the people of this region.

While highlighting the positive steps we’ve taken in the local labour market to really make a difference for those living and breathing the special nature of this region, this Plan also looks further ahead, to the goals we ’ve set our sights on for the coming months. We are taking every opportunity we have to meet our commitment to help all New Zealanders achieve independence.

We are engaging with communities more than ever before. A strong foundation for our ability to do this is our regional flexibility strategy –local solutions to local needs.

Already we ’ve seen good indicators that this focus will move us ahead very quickly in meeting the needs of the individuals who make this region the special place it is. As always, we will be closely focused on the local client base. We ’ll be organising our resources to target local needs in the most appropriate way for a particular area, or client group.

‘Closing the Gaps’ is also at the forefront in every case. The Department is in a special position to make a difference here, with our Maori and Pacific clients already a key target area for our specialised programmes to assist people in taking a full part in the economic, community and educational life of their locality.

I know this Plan sets the right challenges to meet the needs of this community, and I believe it demonstrates the special local understanding, knowledge and expertise our staff can offer. Working together, and in local partnership, we can only have success.

CHRISTINE RANKIN

REGIONAL COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

I am pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on the past year ’s achievements for the Auckland Central region and to look ahead at our strategic direction for the next 12 months, which will focus on developing positive options for people.

Our aim is always to ensure our clients’ needs are fully met. The commitment and enthusiasm of staff to secure existing opportunities and create new opportunities for clients are evident. We have encouraged people to build their capacity and take responsibility by participating in community life, training and employment.

Case Managers are appointed to offer an individualised service to each client. They work on a one-to-one basis with each client, assessing income support required, and providing training and employment opportunities where appropriate. Together, Case Managers and clients develop personalised plans for a future pathway.

Work Brokers have had an important role to play in supporting job seekers both into employment and skill development activities. A sound understanding of employers’ needs was gained through the positive relationships and partnerships that have been developed. The gathering and analysis of local labour market information has meant that we have been able to provide targeted skill development to meet industry needs.

More than 5, 000 clients have undertaken skill development activity during the past 12 months. Individualised assistance, development and support provided by Case Managers and Work Brokers resulted in over 5, 200 clients being placed into employment. Of the numbers placed into employment, 45%had been unemployed for longer than six months.

Auckland Central region’s job seeker client base, along with placement into employment are shown below.

UNEMPLOYMENT REGISTER

	Unemployment register	% of total placements
Maori	14%	18%
Pacific Peoples	18%	23%
NZ Pakeha	38%	40%
Other ethnicity	30%	19%

There is a vast cultural diversity in Auckland, which offers challenges. There is also a significant opportunity to share, learn, appreciate and benefit from the experiences of people of all ethnicities.

Maori, Pacific Peoples, NZ Pakeha, migrants and refugees form our client base. A key area of focus over the past 12 months included developing strategies and initiatives to assist in addressing disparity particularly for Maori, Pacific Peoples, migrants and refugees.

Maori and Pacific Peoples will continue to be a focal point for the region over the next year. There will also be a strong focus on assisting other disadvantaged groups, such as migrants, refugees and people with disabilities. We have supported 140 new businesses through the payment of Enterprise Allowance and this scheme will continue to be promoted proactively within the region as a very real opportunity for job creation. Over 75%of new businesses created with the Enterprise Allowance have been established by migrants.

Participating in developing strong communities that can support personal development and positive family development is a key driver for our region. We will continue to work collaboratively with key agencies,community and advocacy support groups to develop integrated initiatives and services, particularly in relation to health,education,housing and employment,while ensuring that people’s financial needs are met.

Strong relationships and partnerships have been established during the past year and will be strengthened in the coming year. By working collectively and collaboratively, focusing on the individual’s needs,we will continue to encourage, assist and upport ocial and economic participation within communities and the employment sector.

OUR REGION

Introduction

The region has service centres situated in Ponsonby, Mt Eden, Queen Street, Mt Albert, Pt Chevalier, Onehunga, Three Kings, Panmure, Glen Innes, Highland Park and on Waiheke Island, ensuring easy access to our services by all people who need assistance. The Auckland Central region has a total of 78,848 people receiving income support, of which 40,148 are NZ Superannuitants.

Two local authorities – Auckland City and Manukau City – cover the region. A third of New Zealand’s total population (1.18 million) live in metropolitan Auckland and 32% of that number (388,448) live within the Auckland Central region.

Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand for tourism, with the country’s largest international airport serving 45 airlines. The Waitemata Harbour is the main access for deep water shipping, with extensive wharf facilities and the largest container port in the country. Auckland also enjoys the reputation of being known as the City of Sails due to the large number of yachts in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes and a myriad of picturesque islands in the Gulf, Auckland is presently home to the America’s Cup yachting trophy.

Population

Projections based on the 1996 census indicate Auckland City ’s population will exceed 400,000 people by 2006.This projection is attributed to Auckland ’s age structure and the popularity of the city as a destination for new migrants and people relocating.The Auckland Central region has retained in excess of a 30%share of Auckland’s total population since 1981.Growth in population and dwellings has increased steadily over the years.

The total population of the Auckland Central region is 388,448, with 262,191 people making up 67.5% of the total working age group (15-65 years). 74% of this working age group are in the labour force.

As a result of high population growth, the city has experienced significant increases in both ethnic diversity and working age groups, especially those aged between 25 and 49 years. The increase in ethnic diversity can reasonably be attributed to high immigration levels and Auckland City’s attraction to new migrants. Factors contributing to its attractiveness include the concentration of other immigrant communities, the high levels of rental accommodation and housing diversity, and the city’s role as an employment and entertainment centre. Furthermore, the international airport in Auckland is often the first place to which new migrants arrive.

Population by ethnicity is made up of NZ Pakeha (64%), Maori (8%), Pacific Peoples (9%), other ethnicity (14%) and ‘not specified’(5%), according to the 1996 census. 22% of the population had recorded ‘no qualifications’ which would indicate there is a high proportion of people who possess a formal qualification. This is attributed in part to the availability of two universities and three technical institutes in Auckland.