The Social Worker Workforce Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2036
Purapura Whetū symbolises the stars and the vast multitude of people within a nation, reflecting navigation and the interconnected collection of the data and evidence to illuminate future pathways for the social worker workforce planning and policy development. Purapura symbolises the seeds of policy, while Whetū represents the guiding stars of our workforce. Together, they form a powerful pattern, weaving ideas with the collective potential to shape regulatory and operational policies and system-wide workforce planning strategies.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s first cross-government social worker workforce strategy is now available.
Sustainable Social Work Pathways Tauwhiro Ararau sets a ten-year direction for a sustainable, skilled and valued social worker workforce, one that helps individuals, whānau and communities navigate life’s challenges. It responds to a growing gap between the number of social workers entering the profession and the number needed, alongside rising demand and an ageing workforce.
The Strategy is built around three pillars: Capacity (enough social workers, in the right place, at the right time), Capability (the right skills, knowledge and support throughout a career) and Sustainability (safe, supportive workplaces). Its first stage focuses on two urgent areas: attraction and recruitment, and retention and wellbeing.
The accompanying Action Plan sets out the foundation work SWRB will lead in the first year: building system stewardship, supporting shared workforce data, and strengthening cross-government workforce planning. It also brings together work already under way across government agencies. Progress will be monitored and reported publicly as implementation continues.
The name Tauwhiro Ararau is from He Arapaki, our Māori Development Strategy. It speaks to the many pathways of support social workers provide, and to the care, generosity and kindness at the heart of the profession.
The Cabinet-commissioned Strategy’s success will depend on meaningful engagement with NGOs, iwi and Māori providers, community organisations, professional bodies, educators and employers, whose knowledge and reach must help shape future delivery.
We acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed to Tauwhiro Ararau. As the lead agency, we look forward to continuing and strengthening these relationships as we implement the Strategy and work towards its vision: A sustainable, skilled and valued social worker workforce, helping individuals, whānau and communities navigate life’s challenges.
Download the Strategy and Action Plan
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If you have any pātai, please email us at workforce@swrb.govt.nz
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