July 2025
Tirohanga Whānui | Overview
The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Public Finance Amendment Bill. We recommend retaining references to wellbeing in the Public Finance Act.
Ngā Tūtohunga | Recommendations
We recommend that the Committee reject the removal of the requirement to report against wellbeing objectives and the presentation of a wellbeing report from the Public Finance Act (1989).
Whakaaro | Discussion
Improving wellbeing should underpin public finance spending
As noted in the first wellbeing report produced by The Treasury (2022), Te Tai Waiora,
the Treasury considers wellbeing analysis to be economics done well.
A wellbeing perspective recognises that long-term economic performance is shaped by the health, housing, education, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion of our communities. The legislated requirements in the Public Finance Act (1989) that embed wellbeing help to ensure that investments are evaluated not just on fiscal considerations, but on whether they improve lives.
The removal of the wellbeing requirements reduces the visibility of the impacts of Government spending across different communities – particularly those experiencing inequity, such as Māori, Pasifika, disabled people, and low-income households.
Prioritising wellbeing and putting people at the centre of investment also aligns well with the social investment approach where investment is designed to improve the lives of New Zealanders in need.
Making wellbeing explicit within the Public Finance Act (1989) helps to ensure it remains visible and is considered in decision making.
Ngā Tohutoro | References
The Treasury. (2022). Te Tai Waiora: Wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand 2022. https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/wellbeing-report/te-tai-wairoa-2022
Ko wai tātou | Who we are
NZCCSS has six foundation members; the Anglican Care Network, Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Catholic Social Services, Presbyterian Support and the Methodist and Salvation Army Churches.
Through this membership, NZCCSS represents over 100 organisations providing a range of social support services across Aotearoa. Our mission is to call forth a just and compassionate society for Aotearoa, through our commitment to our faith and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Further details on NZCCSS can be found on our website – www.nzccss.org.nz.
Ingoa whakapā | Contact Name
Alicia Sudden [email protected]
Daniel Campbell
