Statement of Intent 2009-13

The global economic downturn presents serious challenges for New Zealand and the Department has an important role in ensuring that the economy continues to perform as strongly as possible. Our work programme seeks to protect jobs for New Zealanders and limit recessionary impacts on the labour market while continuing to build the skills and workplace conditions that will improve productivity in the longer term.

This programme is critical to delivering a flexible and resilient labour market that will keep New Zealanders in work and businesses operating during the current downturn. It will also ensure that New Zealand businesses are well positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities for growth that will occur when the global economy begins to recover.

This is an undertaking that requires the concerted efforts of both business and Government and it is important that our partners are familiar with the ways in which we plan to meet the challenges facing the labour market. The Statement of Intent sets out how the Department expects to conduct its operations and achieve its outcomes in the period 2009-13.