Mega-panel for welfare overhaul

chief executives, the chief District Court judge, New Zealand police commissioner, principal Family Court judge, chief families commissioner, five NGO chief executives, as well as Ma¯ ori and Pacific Island representatives.

Other welfare panel members include paediatrician and professor Innes Asher, beneficiary advocate Kay Brereton, academics Huana Hickey and Tracey McIntosh, economist Ganesh Nana and former Business NZ chief executive Phil O’Reilly, as well as trade unionist Robert Reid.

Representing the Council of Christian Social Services on the group is chief executive Trevor McGlinchy, while second-year university student Latayvia Tualasea Tauta will provide a Pasifika perspective as well as her experiences of growing up in a benefit-dependent household. Family Centre founder Charles Waldegrave rounds out the 11-person group.

‘‘The welfare system touches the lives of New Zealanders from all walks of life,’’ Sepuloni said.

‘‘I am pleased the Welfare Expert Advisory Group members themselves come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience, including but not being limited to Ma¯ori, Pacific, disabled and young people.’’

Parliamentary under-secretary Jan Logie said the Greens welcomed the group’s establishment. ‘‘This Government knows there are immediate changes we need to make to our welfare system, which we are working on. But we also need to take a longterm view and ensure the whole system is working effectively.’’