I.D.E.A.’s Welfare to Work Policy Roadshow
Community Waitākere was proud to host a West Auckland stop of the Institute for Democratic and Economic Analysis (I.D.E.A.) roadshow on Tuesday 3rd June, welcoming invited guests to Te Au o Te Koopua for an early look at findings from I.D.E.A.’s first research report: Welfare to Work – What New Zealand Can Do to Improve Lives and Productivity.
The event was an opportunity for West Auckland community leaders alongside local government politicians to hear from I.D.E.A. Research Director, Max Rashbrooke, who presented global insights and practical policy options for supporting people into meaningful work. His research draws on international best practice and lived experience across Aotearoa to reimagine how welfare-to-work policy can deliver better outcomes for individuals, communities and the wider economy.
“We could do so much more to support people in the transition from welfare to work. That investment, at a crucial moment in people's lives, would both uplift individuals and reap wider benefits in the form of higher employment, healthier communities and a stronger economy.”
-Max Rashbrooke, Research Director for I.D.E.A.
As the host organisation for this regional conversation, Community Waitākere was thrilled to support dialogue on issues that matter deeply to our communities. Our role in convening this kōrero aligns with our ongoing commitment to inclusive local development and social equity across West Auckland.
“I was pleased to learn that Max had met with a group of job seekers at a charity in Glen Eden. And that attendees raised areas which the research might need to encompass, proving the breadth of groups represented”
- Stephen Parker, Community Waitākere Trustee & Acting Chair
Held at our very own Te Au o Te Koopua, the evening also served as a chance to strengthen relationships between local stakeholders, explore collaborative opportunities and place regional West Auckland voices front and centre in a national-level policy conversation.
We’re grateful to I.D.E.A. for bringing their kaupapa to our rohe, and to all those who joined us to reflect, connect and imagine a more empowering welfare system.
To learn more about I.D.E.A. and their work, visit www.ideainstitute.nz.
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