A Families Commission report into social services in Masterton has found a strong preference for community-led programmes, which are rated highly by most people who use them.
But the report also identified some gaps, and says there is a need for more parenting services, more affordable housing and greater access to early childhood education.
The report was released in Masterton by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, who says its findings will benefit the implementation of Whanau Ora programmes.
Four hundred Masterton families were quizzed to make up the report findings, along with the town's 33 current social service providers.
Ms Bennett says that while the report is a small, localised study of how Masterton's social services are used, it is also a snapshot of a typical New Zealand town.
