Media Release: Work & Income, 19 September, 2014
Work and Income’s satellite sites remain closed until further notice while a review into security of the Ministry of Social Development’s public-facing service centres continues, says Work and Income Deputy Chief Executive Debbie Power.
Following the tragic shooting at the Work and Income office in Ashburton on 1 September, MSD initiated an urgent review of security.
This has meant introducing some changes, including having controlled access to Work and Income’s service centres, says Ms Power.
“It also meant that from 3 September Work and Income closed 29 satellite sites nationally and suspended most home visits until further notice. Staff at the satellite sites are working from other Work and Income offices.
“These measures will be in place until we’re sure of the safest way to offer our services. We regret any inconvenience this may cause our clients, but security must take priority for our staff and our clients at this time.’’
Ms Power says the security review will be publicly available when it’s completed.
“We will keep people informed of any changes to our services as soon as plans are in place.’’
The satellite sites are located at the following locations
Northland – The Pulse
Auckland – Great Barrier Island and Wellsford
Waikato – Coromandel, Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Whangamata, Whitianga
Bay of Plenty – Katikati, Putaruru
East Coast – Te Araroa
Taranaki – Ohakune
Central – Featherston
Canterbury – Akaroa, Cheviot, Oxford
Southern – Fairlie, Geraldine, Lumsden, Nightcaps, Ohai, Otautau, Riverton, Te Anau, Tuatapere, Twizel, Waimate, Waimate (St. Johns), Winton.