OVERVIEW - SECRETARY OF LABOUR
The Department of Labour is continuing to evolve and develop. A key focus for the previous twelve months has been how we work to keep up with, and operate effectively in, a rapidly changing national and international environment. We have revisited our purpose and have developed a new operating model – one that is sharply focused on how and where we can add the most value to our partners and stakeholders.
Over the next 12 months, further progress will be made to deliver better, more responsive information and services, and to make better use of the Department’s extensive knowledge of the labour market to encourage economic growth and productivity.
The Department of Labour’s activities are directed towards strengthening New Zealand’s place in the world, our workplaces, our workforce and our people. Delivering targeted solutions, whether at the border, enhancing the skills of our workforce, attracting skilled migrants or encouraging workplaces with healthy cultures and sound practices, is key to achieving the Department’s outcome of productive work and high-quality working lives.
The Department of Labour sees lifting productivity as the central challenge for generating long-term sustainable growth for New Zealand. We can continue to deliver productivity gains for New Zealand by doing what we do best – coming up with good ideas and drawing on our ingenuity, energy and talents to develop innovative products and new and improved ways of working.
To make the most of our opportunities, we urgently need to address the skill and labour shortages that are constraining the expansion of New Zealand companies. The Department is working hard to attract and assist potential migrants to come to New Zealand, as well as encouraging some of the 460,000 New Zealand born ex-pats and their families overseas to consider returning to New Zealand. The New Zealand Now website provides information about the lifestyle and employment opportunities available here and attracted 1.5 million hits in its first two days.
Most importantly, we want our staff,
stakeholders and clients to understand that our work contributes to New
Zealand’s success.
The Statement of Intent is an opportunity for the Department
to demonstrate how it is actively working, through its various portfolios,
to transform core components of our economy for the benefit of all New
Zealanders.
James Bulwalda
Secretary of Labour