Case Study- Ministry of Social Development (MSD) New Zealand

Client-Centered System Helps Transform Social Services Delivery in New Zealand

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD),provides strategic social policy advice to the New Zealand Government and social services to more than 1.2 million citizens. It also works in partnership with communities to maximize regional development and employment opportunities. MSD services include income support, employment services, child protection, student allowances and loans, as well as programs that support families. It also is responsible for the Ministry of Youth Development, Office for Disability Issues, Office of Senior Citizens and Office of Community and Voluntary Sector.

Since its inception, MSD has moved to transform New Zealand’s social services delivery from a transaction-based approach to one that is focused on sustainable outcomes for its clients — children and young people, working age people, older people, families and communities — including their ability to achieve their own objectives.