the department of internal affairs Statement Of Intent 2010–13

FOREWORD: MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

This Government is focused on growing the New Zealand economy. Our goal is to lift the long-term performance of the economy to make New Zealand a more prosperous country capable of providing well-paid jobs and a better standard of living for us all, and to provide the world-class public services needed to give opportunity and security to everyone who makes New Zealand their home.

As the Government continues to drive better performance across the public sector, and continues to move resources from the back office to improve front-line services, the Department of Internal Affairs will have a key role to play.

The Department has always made a direct contribution to improving the quality of life in New Zealand by supporting engagement between people, communities and government. With the transfer of Government Technology Services to the Department in 2009, and an increased mandate to provide shared services and leadership to the wider State sector, the Department can also make a significant indirect contribution by working with other State sector agencies to support them to provide better public services.

On that basis, I have asked the Department to build its capability to allow it to be the preferred home for selected government functions that require high quality service delivery to people, communities and government. The first step in this process will be managing the integration of the National Library of New Zealand and Archives New Zealand into Internal Affairs.

This is no small task given the current operating environment and significant fiscal constraints, but I have every confidence the Department will meet my expectations, and those of its other Ministers. It is a department with significant breadth and depth of experience and skills that come from a long history of managing diverse functions within one organisation. This experience has also given it an ability to respond constructively to change.

Never has there been a better environment in which the Department can realise its vision – to be a recognised leader in public service, known for innovation, essential to New Zealand, and trusted to deliver.

I am satisfied that the information on future operating intentions provided by my department in this Statement of Intent and the Information Supporting the Estimates is in accordance with sections 38, 40 and 41 of the Public Finance Act 1989 and is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.

Hon Nathan Guy

Responsible Minister for the Department of Internal Affairs

22 April 2010

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