About us

The Social Investment Agency (SIA) was established on 1 July 2024 as a central agency to lead, develop and demonstrate a social investment approach in action.

We report to the Minister for Social Investment, Hon Nicola Willis(external link), who leads the social investment work programme along with a group of Social Investment Ministers. 

The Minister for Social Investment also receives independent advice from the Social Investment Board - a ministerial advisory group established in late 2024.

As SIA has progressed its work programme it has become increasingly clear the status quo is not working for our most vulnerable people, whānau and communities.

SIA is leading change across the public sector to improve how it works with and invests in the social sector.

SIA has the following functions:

• Advise Ministers on investments to be delivered through the new commissioning function, using a rolling programme of reviews and expressions of interest from non-government and community organisations to identify funding and current contracts that could be transferred to the Social Investment Fund.
• Provide system leadership and oversight of social investment commissioning, and coordinate advice to Social Investment Ministers on commissioning and other related matters.
• Oversee standards for social investment practice through monitoring and evaluating the performance of social sector investment.

We're changing the way government works, so that: 

• Resources are directed where they can have most impact
• Investments focus on outcomes for people rather than outputs
• Communities have the ability to commission services that meet local needs
• Providers have the stability and flexibility to determine the best approach
• Services prioritise early intervention, prevention and innovation
• People get tailored services and support in a way that works for them, from providers they trust.

Our name Toi Hau Tāngata signifies the valuable aspects of living life – manifesting in the wellbeing of the people. The individual words have many meanings, including: Toi - peak, Hau - vital essence and Tāngata - humankind.

Mohi Apou of Taranaki-Whanganui descent gifted the name to us. Toi Hau Tāngata comes from a karakia unique to Taranaki-Whanganui Iwi, ‘Te Hau Tai Tāngata’ – the principles influencing the creation of mankind. The karakia is not written but passed from one generation to the next as the taonga tuku iho, or oral tradition. Our reo Māori name aligns with our vision that ‘People, whānau and communities live the life to which they aspire’.

Our values guide our work.