the department of internal affairs Annual Report 2008-09
Part one – Overview
In this section:
Chief Executive’s Overview
A Greek philosopher once said that the only constant is change. That was some 2,500 years ago but it is an apt description for the year just gone, as change was certainly constant in 2008/09.
The global economic crisis and local recession, and a change in Government for the first time in nine years, impacted significantly on our operating environment – as did the decision to move the all-of-government information and communications technology operations from the State Services Commission to the Department by the end of the 2008/09 year.
We felt the changes in a number of our areas of work. Our role in supporting Executive Government was put to the test as we managed the transition of more than 300 staff and Ministers in the change of executive, which was formed within 11 days of the election – the fastest formation of Government since MMP was introduced in 1996. Our local government work programme was affected by the economy and our new Ministers’ priorities, which required a review of our activities and reallocation of resources. Requests for advice and information from ethnic communities doubled as the ethnic sector experienced the impact of the economic situation.
This Annual Report outlines how we met these and other challenges faced in 2008/09 as well as progress in achieving our purpose of serving and connecting citizens, communities and government to build a strong, safe nation. The results of our work are described in our outcomes – Strong, sustainable communities/hapū/iwi, Safer communities and New Zealand’s approach to identity is trusted and well led, and in our objective – Executive Government is well supported.
Having taken over responsibility for Government Technology Services from 1 July 2009, the Department now has an additional objective – to ensure common information and communications technology services deliver improved State sector performance and better citizen experience.
We have continued to focus much of our effort on delivering coordinated, accessible and networked State services.
In 2008/09, we focused on providing cost-effective and efficient services, and worked to control costs and make savings while ensuring services to Ministers and the public were not compromised. This will continue to be a focus for the Department.
The theme of constant change experienced in 2008/09 is likely to continue for some years. As outlined in this Annual Report, rather than being thrown by change and uncertainty, the Department was able to deliver to a high level across a range of areas. There is always more to do, and not everything will go right all the time, but I am confident we can attribute our successes so far to good planning and good work rather than good luck.
We are a department capable of leading in areas of great significance and importance to New Zealand. Our work in connecting citizens, communities and government to build a strong, safe nation supports the Government’s goal of growing the economy and creating prosperity, security and opportunities for all New Zealanders.
We will continue to work collaboratively as one organisation, provide leadership in our key areas of responsibility, and work with other government agencies to deliver results.
BRENDAN BOYLE
Chief Executive
Nature and Scope of Functions,
as at 30 June 2009
The purpose of the Department of Internal Affairs is to serve and connect citizens, communities and government to build a strong, safe nation.
The Department of Internal Affairs is responsible to six Ministers administering six Votes. The Department also monitors the performance of three Crown entities. The key activities are summarised in the following table.
Hon Nathan Guy
Minister of Internal Affairs
Responsible Minister
VOTE / CROWN ENTITIES |
OUTPUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT |
|
Vote Internal Affairs Crown entities: New Zealand Fire Service Commission Office of Film and Literature Classification Lottery Grants Board |
|
Hon John Key
Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services
VOTE / CROWN ENTITIES |
OUTPUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT |
|
Vote Ministerial Services |
|
Hon Pansy Wong
Minister for Ethnic Affairs
VOTE / CROWN ENTITIES |
OUTPUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT |
|
Part of Vote Internal Affairs – Services for Ethnic Affairs |
|
Hon John Carter
Minister of Civil Defence
VOTE / CROWN ENTITIES |
OUTPUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT |
|
Vote Emergency Management |
Emergency management services, including:
|
Minister for Racing
Vote Racing |
Policy advice on matters relating to racing |
Hon Tariana Turia
Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
VOTE / CROWN ENTITIES |
OUTPUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT |
|
Vote Community and Voluntary Sector Crown entity: Charities Commission |
Community and voluntary sector services, including:
|
Hon Rodney Hide
Minister of Local Government
VOTE / CROWN ENTITIES |
OUTPUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT |
|
Vote Local Government |
Support services for local government, including:
|
The Department also works with various portfolio-related statutory bodies, trusts and committees (for example, the Lottery Grants Board), providing them with advice, administrative support and management of appointment processes. We also manage appointment processes for the 12 community trusts (Responsible Minister: Minister of Finance), the Peace and Disarmament Education Trust, and the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust (Responsible Minister: Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control).
The Minister of Internal Affairs is the Responsible Minister for the Department. The Responsible Minister oversees the Government’s ownership interest in the Department, which encompasses its strategy, capability, integrity and financial performance.
Part one – Overview