TSI hosts Social Investment Pre-Budget Announcements

Last month, we hosted Minister of Finance Hon Nicola Willis for a special pre-Budget announcement focused on social investment.

The Minister announced a package aimed at improving outcomes for New Zealanders through targeted, evidence-based investment in social services. Key announcements included a new Social Investment Fund of $190 million to pilot innovative, outcomes-based initiatives across areas like the first 2000 days, youth employment, and family wellbeing.

The Minister’s speech at Te Puutahitanga in Manukau highlighted the Government’s intention to take a more outcomes-focused, data-informed approach to investing in communities—especially those facing persistent disadvantage. 

We are exploring how social investment might create opportunities for Council to partner and work differently with central government to help shape investment approaches that are flexible, long-term, and grounded in what works on the ground in places like South Auckland.

The Social Investment Agency has now joined The Auckland Co-design Lab as a member. We are looking forward to working with the Social Investment Agency and community partners to ensure this funding supports real, sustained social and economic change for tamariki and whānau.