Ngā Mihi! We celebrate social workers and the incredible mahi you do for whānau and communities. Day in and day out, you show up and make a difference. What you do matters. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to the social work profession.  In recognition of Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workers’ Day and Te… Read more »

The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) consulted on changes to the education fees charged to tertiary education organisations (TEOs) for the regulation of social work programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand. This consultation closed 22 October 2025 The context for this consultation Education fees have remained unchanged since 2019, during which time we have developed new… Read more »

July – August 2025  Why this review matters  Every five years, the Social Workers Registration Board | Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro (SWRB) is required to review the operation of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 (the Act) to ensure it is still fit for purpose. This is the first review since mandatory registration was introduced in… Read more »

Your voice matters in shaping our profession’s future We’re developing Aotearoa New Zealand’s first cross-system Social Worker Workforce Strategy to address the sustainability challenges facing the profession. This isn’t something any one organisation can do alone – it requires all of us working together.  What’s this about? Sustainable Social Work Pathways | Tauwhiro Ararau recognises that… Read more »

From 1 July 2025, the Social Workers Registration Board is responsible for investigating concerns about unregistered people being described as social workers. This registration compliance function was previously the responsibility of Te Kāhui Kāhu, a business unit hosted by the Ministry of Social Development. Files relating to historic and current investigations were handed over to… Read more »

Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi, kei ngā ringa raupā, tēnā koutou katoa  To those of importance, those who work with communities, those with callused hands, greetings and acknowledgements to you.  Nei rā he taonga mou — he whatu raranga nō ngā whakaaro, ngā wheako, me ngā ūpoko pakaru. E kore noa iho tēnei e… Read more »

Log in to your MySWRB portal to renew your PC and make your annual practising declaration before 27 June 2025.If you have any questions, please:a) watch the video tutorial on how to renew your PC – SWRBb) read the frequently asked questions about PC renewals – SWRBc) contact us at applications@swrb.govt.nz Remember to always include… Read more »

Amendments to the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 were passed by the House, 27 March 2025, as the Social Workers Registration Amendment Bill passed its third reading.  The policy and technical amendments to the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 (the Act) will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its operation. The SWRB welcomes these changes, which… Read more »

Today, on World Social Work Day, we are publishing our first Social Worker Employers Report. This report helps build our understanding of the social worker workforce from the employers’ perspective.   Based on survey responses from social worker employers, the report highlights themes impacting employers, including:  The SWRB’s Social Worker Employers Report complements other work we… Read more »

The Minister for Social Development and Employment is seeking to appoint an additional member to the SWRB Board, with the intended start date being early 2025.  This is a position for a lay member, not a registered social worker. Candidates are sought with well-developed and effective financial management skills and experience. It is also expected that candidates… Read more »