Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Peter Hughes today challenged the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services to use its influence constructively rather than destructively.

“Their report released on care and protection does nothing to make a difference to the lives of New Zealand children.  It is highly selective.  It is unbalanced.  It is unfair, “ said Peter Hughes.

“Every day, every week Child, Youth and Family staff do their very best for New Zealand’s most vulnerable families.  Despite the assertions made in their report, the NZCCSS does not have a monopoly on caring.

“It is easy to sit on the sidelines and bag Child, Youth and Family.  We would all get a lot further if the Council were to get behind the staff and back them to win.

“I am staggered that despite the numeruous forums open to them, the Council has at no stage raised with me the concerns outlined in the report.  Raising them in the media leaves me very cynicial about their motivation. 

“I am meeting with the council early next month.  In the meantime I invite them to roll up their sleeves and support the Ministry and Child, Youth and Family in the very difficult work that we do,” said Peter Hughes.