Partnering for Value

An ecological perspective on the ecosystem, as opposed to an engineered one, resonated with the groups as a nurturing framework for individual and collective system components. In the context of government deregulation and the strategic refocusing of WorkSafe, an overarching governance group responsible for the entire system was missing, which limited the potential for strategic influence to improve how the ecosystem functioned. However, a collaboration among health, safety, and wellbeing sector groups, as well as other closely aligned organisations, was helping to fill this gap. This coalition harnessed collective efforts to boost performance, reduce redundancy, and served as a catalyst for change. While self-mandated and able to assert a systemic role, the group’s mandate also received recognition and support from others in the ecosystem.

A focus on clarity and efficiency remained central to this collaboration, potentially through a light-handed PMO that channeled work and coordinated a "coalition of the willing." Collectively, these groups exerted influence and stewardship throughout the system and across the ecosystem framework outlined in the Project FutureSafe Aotearoa draft report. Despite widespread interest in shared assets and aspirations, limited awareness existed regarding ongoing work and collaboration opportunities. Participants showed significant enthusiasm in discussing potential collaborations during their sessions. However, while there was considerable capability to act, insufficient resources were allocated to enhance coordination and foster collaborative actions.

A small backbone entity facilitated this effort, but there was little appetite for an additional agency structure to overlay existing groups, which already represented various constituents. To ensure equity and value in Kaupapa Māori and mātauranga Māori, an arrangement like He Awa Whiria was adopted from the outset. Sustained collaboration required a refreshed approach to funding arrangements, viewing funders as investors and supporting systemic investment. Current funding models did not consistently back collaborative efforts or recognise their return on investment from that perspective.