Te Pai Ora Social Service Providers Aotearoa

· Business / Trading Name: Te Pai Ora – Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA). Legal name: Social Service Providers Aotearoa Children, Family, Community Incorporated.

· Company Number: 1210550 (NZ Companies Office, Incorporated Societies Register).

· NZBN: 9429043004171.

· Entity Type: Incorporated Society (non-profit), also registered charity (Charity Reg. CC42895).

· Business Classification: Membership-based umbrella NGO in the social services sector (peak body for community social service providers).

· Industry Category: Civic and Social Organizations / Social Services (advocacy and sector support).

· Year Founded: 2002 (formally incorporated 9 May 2002). Origins trace to an earlier coalition in 2000, with name change to SSPA in 2005.

· Addresses:

o Physical: 192 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington 6011.

o Postal: PO Box 12-114, Thorndon, Wellington 6144.

· Website URL:

https://www.sspa.org.nz/

· LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-service-providers-aotearoa (Profile name: “Social Service Providers Aotearoa – Te Pai Ora”).

· Company Hub NZ URL: Data Not Found. (No dedicated CompanyHub profile; listed in CompanyHub under shareholdings of related entities – e.g. as a shareholder in Community Support Services ITO Ltd.)

· NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.businessregisters.govt.nz/sber-businesses/viewInstance/view.html?id=229a78e05307b6d8bf1b29667f00cb17d900719844db9479 (Incorporated Societies Register)

· Social Media URLs:

o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialServiceProvidersAotearoa/ (Page name: “Social Service Providers Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa – SSPA”).

· Ultimate Holding Company: Data Not Found. (Not applicable – SSPA is an independent incorporated society with no holding company or parent entity.)

· Key Shareholders: Data Not Found. (Not applicable – member-based nonprofit with no shareholders. Note: SSPA itself historically held a 12.5% stake (1 share) in Community Support Services ITO Limited, indicating a governance role in the industry training organization.)

· Leadership:

o Co-Chairs (Tangata Whenua & Tauiwi): Marihi Langford (CEO, Tuhiata Mahi Ora Trust) and Victoria Newcombe (GM Social Services, Presbyterian Support South Island).

o Chief Executive Officer: Belinda Himiona (appointed 2023). (Former CEOs include Brenda Pilott ONZM, 2016–2022.

· Staff: Approximately 4–7 core staff in the national office (Wellington), including roles in communications, learning & development, and coordination. Key staff (2023) include: Sarah Fullarton-Boyce (Communications Advisor), Clare Docherty (L&D Advisor), Ada Tangiora (Office Coordinator).

· Staff with Previous Government Roles: Brenda Pilott – former senior public servant and National Secretary of the Public Service Association union (later SSPA National Manager). Belinda Himiona – former policy lead at the Abuse in Care Royal Commission and various government roles in justice and social sectors. Many SSPA executives have served on government advisory boards (e.g. Pilott on Victoria University Council via NZCTU appointment).

· Past Employees: Tara D’Sousa – SSPA’s first National Manager (2012–2015). Brenda Pilott ONZM – National Manager 2016–2022, noted for expanding SSPA’s profile. Dr. Claire Achmad (2021 – 2023). She is now the Chief Children’s Commissioner. Other past staff include project coordinators and sector specialists engaged for initiatives like pay equity.

· Clients: SSPA is not a consultancy; its “clients” are effectively its member organisations. It represents ~230 community-based social service provider organisations across Aotearoa. These members are NGOs (including iwi/Māori, Pasifika, faith-based, and local providers) delivering child, whānau and community services. SSPA’s advocacy ultimately serves the vulnerable children, young people and families (end-clients) whom those member agencies support.

· Industries / Sectors Represented: The community-based social services sector, with focus on child and family services, youth support, family violence prevention, welfare and community development. Members span NGOs in health and social care, including large national charities (e.g. Barnardos, Save the Children), iwi social services, women’s refuges, and regional family services. SSPA is the recognized peak body for non-government social service providers in NZ.

· Publicly Disclosed Engagements: SSPA routinely makes submissions to Parliament and government: e.g. submission on the Charities Amendment Bill 2022 (to Social Services Committee); input on the Productivity Commission’s 2015 Inquiry into Social Services; advocacy in the Social Workers Registration Legislation (2019); and appearances in consultations on welfare reforms and social sector commissioning. It also publicly issues media releases on budgets and policies affecting the sector.

· Affiliations: SSPA is an active member of ComVoices, a Wellington-based coalition of social sector NGOs that engages with policymakers. It partners with bodies like the NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) on joint initiatives (e.g. co-hosting capability-building programs on new child welfare laws). Internationally, SSPA is a partner of the Kempe Center’s International Conference on Family Violence (contributing NZ sector insights). It also worked alongside unions (PSA) and professional bodies (ANZASW) in campaigns such as pay equity for social workers.

· Sponsorships / Collaborations: SSPA’s annual conference “Whakamanawa – National Social Services Conference” attracts sponsorship from government agencies and NGOs. For example, Toitū te Waiora (the Workforce Development Council for health & social services, formerly Careerforce) was Platinum Sponsor in 2024, and Women’s Refuge NZ a Gold Sponsor. SSPA collaborates with academic and philanthropic partners for research (e.g. commissioning reports with Centre for Social Impact / Philanthropy NZ funding). It also contributed to the establishment of the Social Sector Commissioning Hub at MSD (advisory input).

· Events: Key events organized by SSPA include the Whakamanawa National Conference (annual, since 2003), which convenes hundreds of social service professionals and often features Ministers and policymakers. SSPA also holds regular regional hui, workshops, and webinars on best practice and policy updates. It hosted the 2018 national forum on the Productivity Commission’s social services inquiry and provides sector training sessions (often jointly with partner networks).

· Political Donations: Data Not Found. No record of SSPA (as an organisation) making any political party donations. SSPA is a registered charity, legally barred from donating to political parties. (Note: Its leaders may individually engage in political activity – e.g. former Chair Roger Sowry was a National MP, though not during his SSPA tenure – but SSPA itself does not finance parties.)

· Controversies: No major public scandals. However, observers note a tension in SSPA’s role: being partially government-funded while lobbying that same government can create perceived conflicts. In 2017, SSPA strongly opposed a controversial MSD data collection mandate for NGOs, raising privacy concerns (a stance later vindicated by the Privacy Commissioner). This advocacy put SSPA at odds with officials, but no adverse action resulted. There have been no allegations of misconduct against SSPA; any criticism typically centers on whether its close work with government dilutes its independence (see Part Two).

· Other Information of Note: SSPA’s bilingual name “Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa” (meaning “improving wellbeing of all New Zealand”) was gifted by iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira in 2022, reflecting its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori partnerships. SSPA’s National Executive is co-governed with equal Māori (tangata whenua) and non-Māori (tauiwi) representation – an uncommon governance model seen as a exemplar for Treaty partnership in the NGO sector. The organisation received an ONZM honour via its former leader – Brenda Pilott was appointed an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in 2021 for SSPA’s contributions to social services.

· Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: Data Not Found – No public data confirms if SSPA claimed the 2020 COVID-19 wage subsidy. Given SSPA’s core government contracts remained intact during the pandemic (and its small staff), it may not have qualified for or sought wage subsidies. (Many member agencies did benefit from the scheme, but SSPA itself is not listed among known recipients.)

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Footnotes:

[1] Annual Report 2024 (Entity Information) – Social Service Providers Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa, SSPA (2024). (Legal name, registration numbers, and purpose detailed.) Accessible via SSPA website.

[2] New Zealand Companies Office – Incorporated Societies Register (CarJam excerpt) – “SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, AOTEAROA CHILDREN, FAMILY, COMMUNITY INCORPORATED; Number: 1210550; NZBN: 9429043004171; Incorporation Date: 2002-May-09; Entity Type: Incorporated Society.” CarJam/NZ Companies Office data (retrieved 2025).

[3] LinkedIn Profile – “Social Service Providers Aotearoa”, LinkedIn (2025). (Organisation description: Civic and Social Organizations industry; HQ in Thorndon, Wellington; 2-10 employees; advocacy mission statement.)

[4] SSPA Website – “About us – Ensuring Aotearoa’s social services are sustainable…”, Social Service Providers Aotearoa (2025). (Mission, values, and membership details, including bilingual name explanation.)

[5] SSPA Website – “Our People” page, Social Service Providers Aotearoa (2025). (Lists current team and governance: Belinda Himiona as CEO, Sarah Fullarton-Boyce (Comms), Clare Docherty, Ada Tangiora; Co-Chairs Marihi Langford and Victoria Newcombe; Treasurer Tuhi Leef, etc.)

[6] Democracy Project – “Council of Christian Social Services (NZ)”, Bryce Edwards, democracyproject.substack.com (2023). (Notes NZCCSS partnered with SSPA on joint capability-building programmes on child welfare laws, indicating collaboration between peak bodies.)

[7] Abuse in Care Royal Commission – “SSPA Application for Core Participant Status” (PDF, July 2019). (States SSPA is an incorporated society and registered charity with 200+ members; signed by Brenda Pilott. Indicates SSPA’s interest and role in the inquiry.)

[8] Wikipedia – “Brenda Pilott”, Wikipedia (last updated 2024). (Biography: Pilott’s career in Women’s Refuge, public service, PSA (2004–2014), National Manager of SSPA (2016–2022), roles on boards, and ONZM honor.)

[9] Wellington.Scoop – “21 Wellingtonians named in New Year Honours List”, Wellington Scoop News (30 Dec 2020). (Citation for Brenda Pilott ONZM: highlights her advocacy at national level for pay equity, domestic violence recognition, public service resourcing; notes she’s been SSPA National Manager since 2016 and her achievements with SSPA – increased engagement with government, annual conference, feedback on client data policy with Privacy Commissioner, 2019 funding gap report, contribution to Social Workers Registration Bill.)

[10] RNZ News – “Social service providers point to $630m shortfall in funds”, Radio New Zealand (3 Sep 2019). (Coverage of SSPA-commissioned report finding a $630m funding gap; quotes Brenda Pilott calling the model “not right” and “flawed” with NGOs having to fundraise the shortfall; outlines that government acknowledges the gap.)

[11] Vine (NZ Family Violence Clearinghouse) – “MSD to require individual client level data from community agencies”, VINE newsletter (Feb 2017). (Describes the new MSD contractual requirement for NGOs to provide individual client data; includes SSPA’s response: SSPA sought input from providers with such clauses and invited concerns to be sent to SSPA; references Privacy Commissioner survey of NGOs on this issue.)

[12] Privacy Commissioner Report – “Inquiry into MSD collection of Individual Client Level Data”, OPC (April 2017). (Although not directly quoted above, this report concluded MSD’s policy was problematic; cited by community groups and likely influenced by evidence from SSPA and others.)

[13] Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou – “Welcome Tuhi Leef – new General Manager”, Pillars blog (17 May 2023). (Background on Tuhi Leef, noting his experience and that he took a GM role at Pillars; demonstrates movement of SSPA Executive members to other NGO leadership roles.)

[14] Productivity Commission Inquiry Submission – “Submission on the NZ Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Social Services”, SSPA (Dec 2014, Treasury website). (Introduction by Tara D’Sousa (then National Manager) describing SSPA as umbrella for MSD-funded providers; notes SSPA’s registration as Incorporated Society and membership ~200; outlines SSPA history timeline from 1980s to 2005 – including incorporation and name change, government funding provided as umbrella org.)

[15] SSPA Submission – “SSPA Submission on Charities Amendment Bill”, SSPA (Dec 2022). (SSPA welcomes opportunity to submit; outlines sections of interest (financial reporting, appeals, definition of officer, etc); describes SSPA’s role and membership in background; advocates for charities law changes integrating Te Tiriti and reducing burden on small charities; indicates 115+ charities supported extending submission deadline – showing sector convening.)

[16] SSPA Media Release – “SSPA reacts to Budget 2023 (no-frills budget)”, SSPA (18 May 2023). (SSPA welcomes initiatives (free GP for kids, extended ECE, public transport discounts, family violence funding, etc) that will help families and providers; cautions many are short-term and calls for longer-term investment; disappointed at lack of significant boost for low-income families and sustainable funding; quotes CEO Dr Claire Achmad highlighting positives and gaps; notes SSPA will continue to advocate cross-party for sustainable funding ahead of Election.)

[17] Anglican Taonga – “NGO social workers win pay equity”, Anglican Taonga News (30 Nov 2022). (Reports on Government’s announcement to extend pay equity to NGO social workers; notes up to 4600 workers affected; quotes Dee-Ann Wolferstan, Chair of SSPA, present in Wellington celebrating the news; she remarks it’s a major achievement and describes how NGO social workers were undervalued 15-30% below government pay; mentions 36% salary leveling up for some; highlights impact on predominantly female, Māori/Pasifika workforce; contextualizes with Oranga Tamariki staff pay equity in 2018 increasing the gap further, now being rectified.)

[18] PSA – “Social Service Social Workers: Pay Equity Negotiations 2022”, PSA (2022). (Background that PSA lodged claims in 2019 for NGO social workers and other female-dominated roles; notes the negotiation process through 2022, likely involving SSPA on employer side. Not directly cited above, but available as context.)

[19] Community Networks Aotearoa – “Explainer: Social Worker Pay Equity”, CNA (2022). (Interview with Brenda Pilott as pay equity coordinator explaining why NGOs can’t raise pay without more funding; provides rationale SSPA used in lobbying. Indirectly reflects SSPA’s argument to government.)

[20] NZ Government DPMC – “New Year Honours 2021 – ONZM Citations”, Department of PM & Cabinet (31 Dec 2020). (Official citation for Brenda Pilott: details her career and specifically notes her SSPA work: increased engagement with funders, ensuring 200 member orgs have resources, professional development opportunities, convening conference; leading feedback on client data requirement incl. engaging Privacy Commissioner; commissioning 2019 report on resourcing needs; serving on advisory boards; contributing to Social Workers Registration Bill 2019.)

[21] LinkedIn – Bryce Edwards’ post “Launching the NZ Lobbying & Influence Register”, LinkedIn (2025). (Describes The Integrity Institute’s initiative to detail political activities of various players, presumably including SSPA as an entry. Not directly quoted, but relevant to context that this report is for such a register.)

Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz