20 September 2023

Celebrating social workers in Aotearoa: champions of change in our communities

Today, Barnardos joins the nation in honouring Aotearoa Social Workers' Day, a day dedicated to recognising the unsung heroes of our communities.

“Barnardos would like to acknowledge the immense contribution our social workers make every day to the lives of tamariki and their whānau, and ultimately to communities across Aotearoa,” says Barnardos’ General Manager Child and Family Services.

Barnardos has a workforce of around 200 practitioners across our Child and Family Services from Invercargill to Whangarei, among which 124 are registered social workers supporting more than 25,000 tamariki, rangatahi and caregivers.

“We are incredibly proud of the work our social workers do every day, their commitment and dedication. It’s not an easy job, but they do it with passion, day in, and day out. Today is about making sure all those champions and their contributions are noticed.”

In late 2022, Barnardos was among the five NGOs taking part in the historic pay equity settlement for all NGO social workers. The settlement addressed the longstanding sex-based undervaluation of social workers, and ensured that they now receive remuneration that accurately reflects their skills, responsibilities and effort. It is the first year that this was in place for Barnardos’ social workers and we are immensely proud of this achievement for all social workers.

Every day Barnardos’ social workers demonstrate genuine care for whānau and tamariki they work with. They understand that behind every “case” is a whānau or tamaiti with unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations. By focusing on the people rather than just the job, our social workers create meaningful connections, build trust, and provide personalised support necessary for whānau and tamariki to thrive.

“On this Aotearoa Social Workers' Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all social workers across the motu. Your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others is a constant inspiration to us all.”

ENDS

Editors Notes

About Barnardos

Barnardos is New Zealand’s national children’s charity. For more than 60 years, we’ve been a part of communities throughout the motu. Today, our mahi across social services, early learning services, and advocacy for children’s rights and wellbeing, contributes to Barnardos’ vision of ‘an Aotearoa where every child shines bright’.

We tackle the hard stuff – family poverty and income inequality, family violence and abuse, mental health and wellbeing, equal access to early childhood education, and lack of the basics such as safe and healthy housing.

For media enquiries, email mediaenquiries@barnardos.org.nz or call 027 544 7608.