What we do
Download our corporate profile [PDF, 1.1MB]
As a centre of excellence, the Commission provides evidence that informs government policy, funding decisions and service provision. We focus on solutions that improve the strength, resilience and wellbeing of New Zealand’s families and whānau. Our activities include:
- research into the factors affecting family and whanau wellbeing
- knowledge resources for social policy and practice sectors
- Status of New Zealand Families and Whānau report
- New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse
- White Ribbon campaign
Why our work matters
The evidence that the Commission creates and collates informs and influences the work of policy, funding and service delivery agencies. These agencies in turn develop the policies, fund the programmes and provide services for New Zealand families and whānau.
The purpose of our work, and why it matters, is because families and whānau embody New Zealand. We are all born into and raised by families and, as we mature, we all form new families, biological or otherwise. It is our families and whānau who we turn to first for help. Well-functioning families are equipped to provide material sustenance and emotional support, in good times and bad.
Ill-equipped families may not have the resilience to provide a stable emotional environment, a healthy home or educational support for their children. Too frequently, family members themselves cause harm to their kin through child maltreatment, domestic violence, addiction and neglect. Where families fail, the cost to individuals, communities and to the nation, is high.
The Families Commission exists to improve the strength and resilience of New Zealand’s families and whānau, so that they in turn can be strong and resilient within themselves, and instill those qualities in their children who are the future of New Zealand.
