Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit - Superu

The Families Commission is an advocate for New Zealand families. It promotes better understanding of family issues and needs amongst government agencies and in the wider community, and encourages and informs public debate about families. It is an independent agency established by the Families Commission Act 2003, and began operations on 1 July 2004.

The Commission also promotes, funds and disseminates research into family issues, and contributes to Government policy development as a key stakeholder on family-related issues.

Under its legislation, the Commission takes an inclusive approach to families and concerns itself with the issues faced by all New Zealand families. It does not advocate on behalf of individual families. The Commission is not prescriptive about what a family is, or what form it should take. Rather, it is interested in how the government and community can be more aware and supportive.

An important part of the Commission's brief is to seek the views of interested parties, and to positively engage with communities, organisations and families.