Remember Coster ? Ardern’s woke choice for Police Commissioner ?

I wondered what he is doing now.

He is now the Chief Executive  of the country’s Social Investment Agency !

You may well say “what the hell is that” because that is what I thought.

Two explanations;  to improve outcomes for people through the systematic, consistent and rigorous use of data and evidence  to invest earlier and more effectively”. 

Alternatively, “to make targeted investments to help improve the lives of vulnerable people”.

Not quite the same are they ?

Apparently, this Agency was set-up in time to receive $190m from the 2025 budget.

“Building a fence at the top of the cliff”

“Children the priority for the Social Investment Fund”

“Children of families with complex needs are the priority groups for the first round of the Social Investment Fund,”

“We deliver actionable insights to key social sector decision-makers, making evidence informed decision-making easier.”

“We work closely with social sector decision-makers including Ministers and social sector chief executives — to whom we provide advice. Our role is to make it easier for the social system to understand, decide on and do more of what really works, for better lives.”

Don’t we already have government departments fully staffed for these issues!

Leadership Team comprises –

Te Tumu Whakarae, Chief Executive and Secretary for Social Investment

Director, Office of the Secretary

Deputy Chief Executive System Performance and Investment Advice

Deputy Chief Executive Transformation, Technology and Enabling Services

Deputy Chief Executive Investment and Commissioning

Total travel expenses$12,705.42

November ’24 – June ‘25

  • External meeting – Te Whatu Ora, and sector organisations
  • Hui with Ngāti Hine and networking event, hui with Ngāpuhi, Iwi National Chairs Hui
  • Meeting with Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu
  • Meeting with Iwi Chairs
  • Meeting with Manaaki Tairāwhiti
  • Reflections Hui
  • Travelling to Auckland for Minister Willis’s pre-budget speech
  • Meeting external – Sir Peter Gluckman, Kingi Ihaka Research Centre, Stuart McNaughton, Housing First Chief Executives
  • Meeting with Te Kahu o Taonui Chairs & Social Providers

Social Investment Agency? Looks more like another Maori support agency to me! 

What was that bit about “wasteful spending” Minister Willis ?