Winz name change in the wind

WELLINGTON - The Government plans a big public relations exercise to relaunch Work and Income New Zealand (Winz) under the continued leadership of Christine Rankin, Act says.

Act social welfare spokeswoman Muriel Newman said the Government would release a report tomorrow responding to the recent inquiry into Winz.

Dr Newman said Social Services Minister Steve Maharey would try to sell a fresh start by renaming Winz the Department of Work and Income and would announce superficial changes.

The inquiry, by former State Services chief executive Don Hunn, was called after Ms Rankin ran into trouble with her leadership style and a scandal over an expensive training seminar.

Winz also had difficulty managing the student loans and allowance duties it took over from tertiary institutions.

Mr Hunn did not comment directly on Ms Rankin's performance but questioned the culture, structure and processes used by Winz.

Dr Newman predicted there would be new names and titles for "old practices and schemes" and there would be a review of benefit debts.

"Unwilling and unable to remove Ms Rankin, but needing to appear to be acting, Mr Maharey will try to sell a 'fresh start'," she said.

"The public will not be deceived."

- NZPA