Media Release

16 July 2003

CYF Job Too Important For Part-Time Effort: Stewart

New Zealand First says the decision of chief social worker Shannon Pakura to take on a part-time job in the office of Tariana Turia provides mixed messages to the public regarding her commitment to her primary occupation at Child Youth and Family.

“Social Services spokesperson Barbara Stewart says the chief social worker position is far too important to be diluted by employment commitments elsewhere, especially within the Government.

“Child Youth and Family are supposed to be an apolitical and impartial public service yet these points are open to challenge when senior staff decide to work for the Government on the side.

“With the ongoing problems CYF faces in the recruitment and retention of staff it would seem that Ms Pakura should already have her hands full. It will certainly be hard to convince the public that her additional employment will not diminish the quality of the service provided by Child Youth and Family,” concluded Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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