Resource material › Corporate Publications › Statement of Intent 2014-18Tauāki Whakamaunga Atu
Foreword: Minister of Internal Affairs
I last wrote an introduction for the Department of Internal Affairs for its 1996/97 Corporate Plan. In that introduction, I spoke at length of the Department’s vital role in the areas of national identity and building strong communities, coupled with the drive for improved service delivery.
It is heartening to note that these issues of significant interest to New Zealanders remain key priorities for the Department in 2014 and beyond. However, there has been one major change since the mid-nineties, and that is in the area of government ICT for the delivery of public services. This is a brave and exciting new world, and the Department is at the forefront of this transformation.
Back in 1996 I also spoke of the need for agencies to work more closely together. It is therefore pleasing for me to be a part of the Department’s ICT and identity management roles, working to bring agencies together and improve the way New Zealanders interact with public services.
There is a close connection between the Government’s Better Public Services (BPS) programme and the Department’s role in leading all-of-government ICT initiatives. The Government is very focused on the BPS outcomes and is expecting significant results from agencies, which will require strong collaboration and joined up planning and delivery.
The Department’s specific responsibility for BPS Result 10 brings together its various roles in ICT and services to individuals and communities. The delivery of Passports, Citizenship, and Births, Deaths, Marriage and Civil Union services also informs the Department’s leadership role in providing more citizen-centric online services.
Local government also needs to be efficient and responsive to the needs of its communities, and the Department will play a key role, working with local government, on the current and future challenges. This involves looking at the relationships between central and local government, and how we can all work effectively together to better serve New Zealanders.
I look forward to working closely with the Department as it plays its important role in meeting the needs of New Zealand’s Government and citizens.
Hon Peter Dunne
Minister of Internal Affairs