11. LYNNE PILLAY (Labour—Waitakere) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What reports has she received on trends in social outcomes in New Zealand?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
The Social Report 2008 released today shows that the gap between rich and poor has narrowed for the first time in two decades, poverty has fallen, life expectancy has increased, school leavers have higher qualifications, and workplaces are safer. Those are just some of the positive changes delivered by the Labour-led Government.
The S ocial Report provides a transparent report card on how New Zealand is doing. That concept would be alien to the National Party, which will not commit to such open reporting. National members know that such indicators would only get worse as a result of their policies, and they certainly would not want to let facts get in the way of their agenda.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Tēnā koe, Madam Speaker. Is the Minister concerned that in 2007 only 49 percent of school leavers from decile 1 to 3 schools—the most disadvantaged communities—obtained National Certificate in Educational Achievement at level 2 or above, compared with 79 percent of those leaving decile 8 to 10 schools; and how does she explain the 30 percent difference in outcomes?
The member is correct in identifying areas where there is still improvement to be made. That is one of the many purposes of the Social Report.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
How can the Minister explain the fact that the ratio of Māori to European median hourly earnings was over 85 percent between 1998 and 2006 but fell to 81 percent in 2007; is this an indication that the Labour Government’s decision to pull the closing the gaps strategy was a little bit premature?
In answer to the latter part of the question, absolutely not. The fact that there are significantly more Māori in employment now is something that the whole House should celebrate and it actually contributes to the figures outlined by the member. Other areas where Māori well-being has improved include greater participation in early childhood education—and I know that member would be a very strong supporter of that—the percentage of Māori with tertiary qualifications, which has more than tripled since the mid-1990s, and the increase in earnings of Māori workers by 15 percent over the last decade.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Could the Minister please provide some reasons why employed Māori have the lowest rate of satisfaction with work-life balance—namely at 71 percent in 2006?
Again the member has identified a critical area where there is significant improvement yet to be made. I am sure that the recently introduced legislative change to the ability for workers to ask for flexible work hours will assist the issue the member has identified.
Anne Tolley