Aotearoa’s first social worker workforce strategy is here Aotearoa New Zealand now has a shared, long-term pathway to ensure social workers are supported to thrive and continue their important mahi with individuals, whānau and communities. Released on 12 October 2026, Sustainable Social Work Pathways Tauwhiro Ararau – Social Worker Workforce Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2036… Read more »

New Tribunal website brings key information together for social workers The Social Workers Tribunal, Rōpū Whakawawao Tautohe Tauwhiro, website went live last week, making it easier for social workers, employers, educators and the public to find information about the Tribunal’s role, decisions and hearings. For social workers, the Tribunal is an important part of the… Read more »

Minister Upston meets with our Governance Group Last week, members of our Governance Group were hosted by Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Social Development and Employment, to discuss priorities for New Zealand’s social worker workforce. Governance Group members Mike Munnelly, Lo’i Lilah Volē (RSW) and John Willis attended alongside Chief Executive Sarah Clark, Registrar Scott… Read more »

He panui anō – Annual practising certificate renewal Tēnā koe to the more than 6,000 social workers who’ve already renewed their 2026/27 practising certificate, submitted their declaration, and completed the workforce survey. Mahi tika ana, great work.If you haven’t renewed yet, or need to make a non-practising declaration, now’s the time to do it by… Read more »

Featuring 2026/27 PC renewal information, the workforce survey, Social Workers Disciplinary Tribunal case summaries and learnings, Whakamanawa 2026 registrations, and more.

Featured topics include World Social Work Day, the Annual Social Work Education Report, practice resources, job openings and a message from the chief executive.

Section 13 closes on 27 February 2026. New Employers’ Guide. New Guide to Registration for NZ Graduates, Introducing new deputy registrar registration, Gina Giannios.

We have listened to your feedback. Welcome Lo’i Lilah Volē, new board member. Release of Annual Social Work Workforce Report. Update of Public Trust Survey. Feedback on workforce strategy and action plan available. Review of the Act feedback available. Change in education fees has been deferred. Section 13 pathway closes in February.

BTI introduce a 3-year BSW degree. Advice for new graduates on their job hunt. Applications open for education panellists.

Congratulations to all ākonga as their studies come to an end. New guides are available for social workers – if a complaint is made to SWRB, if there is a criminal charge or a conviction. Winners of the CPD koha prize draw. Vacancy for Deputy Registrar role.