Media Release
12 February 2008

A great result for families and children

Plunket welcomes the government’s decision to significantly increase funding for community-based social services who play a key role in supporting families and children.

“This is a great result for families and children in New Zealand,” comments Paul Baigent, CEO Plunket. The additional investment and new funding structure is a major step forward and will ensure that these organisations are able to work more collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for families.

“It is clear that the Government recognises the key role that community-based organisations play in providing support to families, children and young people in New Zealand, and also recognises the special relationships those organisations have developed within communities.

“Plunket believes one of the key ways to give children the best start in life is to ensure that families are connected to the services they need. This investment will make it easier for agencies to join forces to deliver better support and services to families and children. It will also enable organisations to take an even more innovative approach to delivering that support.”

Five Years for Under Fives – Plunket’s future focus and call to action to New Zealand for the future of children in New Zealand – includes a call for greater investment in the sector and a focus on providing families with access to an integrated, shared network of support, ensuring that every family is given the opportunity to access the services they need. Today’s announcement is an excellent step towards enabling the sector to support New Zealand families.

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