The outcome for New Zealand the Department is working to achieve is:

Productive Work and high-quality Working Lives

Our new outcome statement emphasises lifting labour productivity within a context of highquality working lives for all. While lifting labour productivity is central to achieving the Government’s economic goals, pursuit of increased productivity will be balanced with efforts to provide all New Zealanders with the opportunity to participate in well-paid and meaningful employment.

LONG-TERM GOALS AND MEDIUM-TERM GOALS

Our long-term goals are aspirational, expressing the Department’s vision. Medium-term goals reflect the changes and benefits expected from our current work that will contribute to meeting our long-term goals. All the Department’s goals require significant contributions from other labour market participants and government agencies.

While our current work takes the Department closer to achieving the outcome, it may need to be reviewed and refined to respond to the changing labour market environment. Attention will also be given to delivering existing outputs more effectively. To achieve the Department’s long-term goals, new work streams may be developed over time.

Outcome: PRODUCTIVE WORK AND HIGH QUALITY WORKING LIVES

Long-term goals

• Improved labour market outcomes for sectors, regions and firms through effective partnerships and strategies.
• All people have opportunities to participate in well paid and meaningful employment.
• People’s skills match the current, and respond to the future needs of the labour market.
• New Zealand’s workplaces are attractive, innovative and productive.
• New Zealand’s voice on Labour market, migration and humanitarian issues is effectively heard abroad and our security and prosperity interests are advanced and protected

Medium-term goals

• Labour market participants use their knowledge and understanding of labour market dynamics and drivers.
• Sectors and regions engage in identifying labour market constraints and opportunities.
• Occupational injuries and diseases are reduced.
• Our values and labour market and migration interests are promoted and supported through participation in a rules-based international system.

• Global skills and talent are attracted and retained.
• Migrants and refugees settle well and contribute to the economy and social cohesion.
• Increased awareness and uptake of excellent workplace practices.
• Our international connections ensure that trade, foreign investment, and skills and knowledge transfer improve the wellbeing of our people.
• Education and workplace learning support positive employment outcomes, and appropriate skill development and utilisation.

• Reduced barriers to labour force participation.
• New Zealand workplaces effectively balance employers’ and employees’ needs and interests.
• People move easily in and out of New Zealand while the integrity of our borders is maintained.
• Responsive labour market regulation supports economic and social development.

The Department has reviewed our strategic leadership, structures and systems to help achieve these outcomes by providing better-connected service to customers and whole-of-Department policy advice.