Commissioning for Outcomes – An Indigenous Model in New Zealand

Abstract

As the world continues to grapple with new and existing challenges every passing day, the need to identify new approaches to maximise impact with given limited resources has become a pressing issue. To this end, overhauling the purchase and delivery of public services by introducing new funding models like commissioning has gained significant attention within the public and policy sector in recent years. Commissioning does not mean merely procurement and purchasing but securing the most appropriate services to address the needs of the population through due diligence and planning to maximise value. Although Commissioning has been practised internationally for many years, it has emerged at scale in New Zealand through the establishment of the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. This chapter discusses the Whānau Ora Commissioning model and its development as an indigenous model to commissioning for impact. It highlights the unique characteristics embedded in and exhibited by the model, which enable it to function in an indigenous context and facilitate positive well-being for its population. It also describes the challenges faced to perform and drive momentum forward. Commissioning may not be the only solution to resolving societal challenges. However, it can be instrumental in generating and amplifying value tailored to the context and used in conjunction with other innovative practices.

Citation

Lakhotia, S. (2021), "Commissioning for Outcomes – An Indigenous Model in New Zealand", Richards, A. and Nicholls, J. (Ed.) Generation Impact, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-929-920200016