The Productivity Commission wants to hear from the public about where it should focus its inquiry about ensuring everyone gets a fair chance at life.
Photo: 123rf
The commission has been tasked by the government with looking at how to break the cycle of persistent disadvantage, and it is seeking feedback on its terms of reference.
Productivity Commission chair Ganesh Nana said many people were working hard on finding solutions to disadvantage - both in government and out in the community - and the commission wanted to make sure its work added value.
The inquiry would look at who gets stuck in persistent disadvantage and why, and what can be done to help break that cycle and lift the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
The commission said people can become stuck in disadvantage at any point, from life events such as job loss or illness, or because they are born into disadvantaged circumstances.
It can be hard to break out of this cycle, which impacts not just those directly affected by it, but the wider community and economy as well, the commission said.
"We look forward to hearing the insights and advice from those who work across the range of social support services and education sectors, as well as iwi, Māori, and Pacific groups, and many others," Nana said.
Submissions on the terms of reference close on 27 August.
The terms of reference will be presented to the government in November.
The commission expected to present its findings and recommendations to the government in November 2022.
