Bachelor of Social Work Closure A Backward Step

Friday, 24 August 2007, 4:02 pm
Press Release: Aotearoa NZ Association of Social Workers

Closure of Massey University Bachelor of Social Work programme at Wellington a backward step

The Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) – New Zealand's professional association for social workers – is questioning Massey University's proposed closure of the Bachelor of Social Work programme at its Wellington campus and is calling for the Government to do more to support social work education.

Plans to close the School are at odds with factors such as a documented shortage of social workers in New Zealand in areas such as child care and protection, mental health and work with New Zealand's ageing population. It is also at odds with the increased demand for quality social work in meeting pressing social needs.

Through its liaison with Social Work educators in New Zealand, ANZASW is aware that there has been an ongoing, unresolved issue around the category of funding for social workers that sees social work education under-funded in comparison to other professions such as midwifery. This should not however be a factor in closing down Social Work programmes.

The funding issue has been drawn to the attention of organisations such as the Social Workers Registration Board which since 2006 has required new social workers seeking registration to hold a Bachelors degree. *The Board has a role in advising the Government on how best to support the social work profession.*

The ANZASW is concerned that the Government's commitment to supporting high standards of social work practice and raising the status of the profession, including the establishment of the Registration Board, are not translating into actions that protect fundamentals such as social work education.

ANZASW is particularly concerned for the current social work students at Massey University in Wellington. We believe that it is essential that careful consideration is given to supporting these students to enable them to complete their training without any loss of quality in the delivery of their degree programme. Individuals who will be affected by the proposed closure, some who may have relocated to Wellington specifically to study, must receive support.

ENDS

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