Launch of Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion

In October 2022, the Ministry of Social Development launched Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion at a community-based event at Takapūwāhia Marae in Porirua, supported by Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira of Ngāti Toa.

The launch of Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion is a significant milestone in the Government’s response to the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCOI) into the 15 March Mosque Terror Attacks.

Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion tools and resources

The launch included the release of Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion tools and resources, which are now available on MSD’s website for your use. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect:

• A strategic framework that sets out a vision, outcomes, focus areas, and enablers to help us understand the components of social cohesion. It provides a structure for understanding how we can collectively improve social cohesion and identifies the outcomes that will lead to stronger social cohesion, and focus areas for action that will help us achieve these outcomes.

• A measurement framework to help us assess our progress and identify areas to prioritise for future action. It has indicators that we can measure to give us a sense of change and help us progress in our journey.

• A government work programme identifies new and existing government activities that contribute to strengthening social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Information sheets to support communities, the business sector and government to strengthen social cohesion in their respective areas.

• A “what we’ve heard” document that summarises what we heard from communities about social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

• A baseline report summary that provides a starting point for measuring social cohesion over time.

• Language translations and alternate formats for key products will be available.

Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund

A $2 million community fund was also launched to support local, community-led initiatives that contribute to strengthening social cohesion. MSD is now accepting applications for the fund.

Community initiatives have a big impact on bringing people together and breaking down barriers, whether it be sports days, A&P shows or cultural events. This fund will allow groups to do more of what strengthens our communities.

If you’re aware of any community groups or organisations in your region who could benefit from the fund, please let them know about it.

Information about eligibility criteria and the application process for the community fund can be found online at the MSD website.

Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund on the MSD website