Foreword: Minister of Finance
The Government works closely with the Treasury in striving to improve the living standards of all New Zealanders.
Our long-term vision for New Zealand is to build a fair society and a strong and prosperous economy.
This vision is underpinned by creating a solid foundation for economic growth through continued prudent management of public services, and by constantly seeking to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of government. Pivotal to the success of this vision are our efforts to increase savings, improve export performance and invest in the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
The Treasury has a critical role to play in ensuring all elements of this vision are achieved.
As the Government's lead economic and fiscal advisor, the Treasury contributes work critical to achieving better economic performance for New Zealand, as well as toward improved State sector performance and responsible macroeconomic objectives.
Already the positive impacts of the Treasury's refreshed strategic direction – “Stepping Up” – are making in-roads, with more effective engagement and response around economic challenges and a greater consideration of the needs and views of external stakeholders. The Treasury's new direction sees it focusing on four key areas where the impact it can have on the lives of New Zealanders is greatest. This lies around improving our skill base, fostering international connections, sustainable use of natural resources, and long term fiscal management.
This Statement of Intent sets out the way the Treasury will continue to contribute to the Government's goals over the coming year and into the medium term. It identifies key areas of work as underpinned by the solid foundations of economic growth, macro economic stability and State sector performance.
As the responsible Minister, I am satisfied that the Statement of Intent 2008 - 2013 is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of the Government.
I look forward to the Treasury's continued high-quality advice, which is increasingly focused on the areas in which we can have the most impact on the living standards of New Zealanders.
Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Minister of Finance
Introduction from the Chief Executive
Chief Executive's Foreword
This Statement of Intent allows the Treasury to articulate its key achievements over the past year and our vision and goals moving forward.
Over the last year, we have improved the ways in which we have an impact on issues important to New Zealanders. In the context of the positive impact of "Stepping Up" – our strategic and organisational internal review, we have made significant inroads into being a more highly engaged and responsive Treasury.
Building upon this in 2008 we will be focusing our energies and experience on those areas we believe will have the greatest impact on the living standards of New Zealanders – namely around: improving skills; international connections; sustainable natural resource management; and ensuring long-term fiscal planning. The Treasury is taking a leadership role in these areas, anticipating the needs of Government and the people of New Zealand.
These areas of focus have been prioritised across the Treasury's three outcomes – improved economic performance, a stable and sustainable macroeconomic environment, and improved State sector performance. They are driven by our roles not only as the government's lead economic and financial advisor, but also in recognition of the importance of our role as one of three central public sector agencies.
A key and ongoing focus of the Treasury's work is around improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the government sector around exploring ways to deliver better State sector performance in order to achieve a more sustainable and stable economy. Our focus on the key areas of skills, international connections, natural resources, and long term fiscal management, means we will be able to offer more effective and productive policy advice.
Now more than ever the public service needs to be more responsive and innovative, and deliver better services. I am confident that with the changes the Treasury has made in moving toward being a more engaged, relevant and respected advisor to government, we will continue to improve the ways in which we make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders.
With this goal in mind, during 2008/09, and over the next three to five years, I – with my team at the Treasury – will embrace with enthusiasm meeting the priorities outlined in this Statement of Intent.
John Whitehead
Secretary to the Treasury
