MSD Policy

As part of the public service, MSD works to make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders now and in the future. At MSD policy we provide advice on a wide range of issues and topic areas that contribute to MSD’s core role – helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent, and in turn building resilient, healthy families and communities.

We have an important role in supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi.  We support democratic government and are unified by a spirit of service to our communities and guided by the core principles and values of the public service in our work.

MSD policy values unique perspectives by bringing together extraordinary people to be part of our whānau, a dynamic community of problem solvers who thrive on embracing differences and influencing initiatives that impact the lives of people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

The skills that make our policy analysts successful are critical thinking, the ability to write clearly and concisely for different audiences, the ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of different stakeholders.

At MSD, we show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity.

The four groups within the Policy branch make up an integrated, professional and thought-leading provider of advice to the Government.

Welfare System and Income Support

Welfare System and Income Support provides policy advice to ensure New Zealand provides effective income support and has appropriate system-level settings to enhance wellbeing for New Zealanders. The group also has an important role in leading strategic work relating to welfare system settings and the overall policy stewardship of the income support system.

Housing, Employment and Climate Change

Housing, Employment and Climate Change provide policy advice on improving housing outcomes for New Zealand’s most vulnerable people, MSD employment programmes for groups of New Zealanders who are disadvantaged in the labour market, coordination and alignment of the employment, education and training system, and how we can support New Zealanders in the face of climate change.

Regional, Social and Inquiries

Regional, Social and Inquiries provide policy advice on MSD’s participation in regional and community development and wider social sector initiatives, as well as providing business and strategic advisory support to Regional Public Service leadership and the Policy Branch.

International, Disability and Generational

International, Disability and Generational provide policy advice on international policy agreements and obligations, and issues faced by people with a disability, children and young people, and older people.

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