Just released – 2025 Annual Social Worker Workforce Report
This report provides unique insights into the social worker workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are fortunate to have such rich information shared by practicing social workers who completed the voluntary annual workforce survey as they renewed their practising certificates between May and July 2025. A huge thank you to all participants. Your responses provide invaluable insights into the composition of our social worker workforce, current issues for social work practice and the workplace, and overall challenges for workforce sustainability.
Annual Social Worker Workforce Report 2025
You can view all previous years on the workforce reports page on our website.
Summary of feedback received on the draft social worker workforce Strategy and Action Plan
The feedback that we have received on the development of the draft social worker workforce strategy and action plan reveals bother encouragement and clear areas requiring attention.
Read the summary of feedback
Developing the Social Worker Workforce Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030
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 »
Social worker workforce report published to acknowledge “Matariki mā Puanga”
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 »
Social Worker Employers Report highlights challenges and opportunities
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 »
Challenges in the sustainability of the social worker workforce
The SWRB’s Annual Social Worker Workforce Report 2024 and Annual Social Work Education Report 2023 have been published today. They provide unique insights into social work education and the social worker workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Annual Social Worker Workforce Report 2024 is based on information from the annual social worker workforce survey which… Read more »
