At a recent select committee meeting, Minister Chlöe Swarbrick asked Minister Nicola Willis a question that cuts straight to the heart of our country’s challenges - you can watch the video here on Chlöe’s Instagram:

“What specific fiscal policies are you deploying as Minister of Finance to reduce inequality in this country?”

Nicola Willis responded with something that should excite every NGO and community organization in New Zealand:

“… … Social Investment approach. A joined-up approach by government, changing the way that government commissions and funds. Devolution down to the people and communities who best understand our vulnerable citizens. That will be an NGO or an IWI, it won’t be government policy analysts on the 6th floor of The Terrace.”

To this, we say: Yes, Minister, Nicola! Bring it on. We love this.

The NGO sector stands ready and willing to meet this challenge. Every day, across the country, these organizations—both iwi-led and other not-for-profits—are the ones truly on the ground, delivering the care, support, and services that vulnerable citizens need. They don’t just understand the communities they serve; they are those communities. They have the trust, the experience, and the expertise to make a difference.

But, Minister, you need to act fast.

Time Is Running Out

While we applaud the vision for a joined-up, devolved approach, the reality on the ground is stark. NGOs across New Zealand are struggling. Contracts are being cut (by every government agency), funding is drying up, and organisations are downsizing or closing their doors altogether. Yet the demand for services is skyrocketing. Vulnerable citizens are turning to NGOs in increasing numbers—seeking kai, housing, mental health support, internet connections and more.

The sector is doing its best to keep up, often relying on unpaid workers and overstretched staff, but this is not sustainable. If the government doesn’t move quickly to deliver on this promise of devolution, there won’t be much of an NGO sector left to partner with.

What we need now is bold action:

• Set the direction. Define what this social investment approach looks like in practice, and make it clear that the government will prioritise partnerships with the NGO sector.

• Secure the funding. Restore and increase funding for NGOs, ensuring they can meet rising demand without burning out their people or sacrificing quality.

• Remove the barriers. Simplify the contracting and reporting processes that often make it harder for NGOs to focus on what they do best—helping people.

The people working in this sector are trained for this. They excel at this. Every day, they pour their hearts and souls into supporting our most vulnerable citizens. It’s time to give them the tools they need to succeed.

A Call to Action

Nicola Willis’s response is a promising start. A social investment approach is exactly what we need to address inequality in Aotearoa. But words must turn into action, and quickly.

To make this vision a reality, the government should actively engage with social investment networks already embedded in the NGO space—networks like DECA. These intermediaries can play a vital role in facilitating the process, streamlining fund distribution, and ensuring that resources go where they are needed most. We know our communities. We understand their unique challenges, strengths, and opportunities. By working with us, the government can cut through red tape and make sure the right NGOs are funded for the right services.

The NGO world is ready and willing to lead this charge. But to succeed, we need the government to set the direction, unlock funding, and empower those already doing the work. Let’s join forces to create meaningful change and deliver the outcomes that Aotearoa’s most vulnerable citizens deserve.

The time to act is now so Minister Willis, please get in touch ASAP.