There is movement on the Social Bonds front. The Ministry of Health website advises the Wise Group, NGO provider, ANZ Bank of New Zealand (financial linker to sources of funding), are in negotiations. Discussions are subject to confidentiality at this stage, and Cabinet is yet to agree on the detail on how Bonds will be rolled out.

Meanwhile, the Community Investment Strategy signals substantive change to how and what social services are funded. Throwing away the baby with the bath water is the risk here. The faith-based social services sector has a long-standing history of serving Christ through their service to communities. NZCCSS collaborative report with Victoria University “Outcomes Plus: The added value provided by community social services, highlights the enormous contribution of community social services over an above government contracted arrangements. Read the report and be informed!

Links to previous post on Social Bond