The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) says it is implementing the Government’s policy after defending a decision to connect staff performance measures with reductions in emergency housing numbers. According to reporting that focuses on MSD chief executive Debbie Power, the ministry argues that its approach is not arbitrary but is aimed at delivering on targets set by the Government. The defence comes in response to criticism that staff evaluations should not be tied to housing outcomes, particularly where emergency accommodation is involved. MSD says the linkage reflects the need to execute government policy and meet the relevant expectations around emergency housing provision and performance. The reports describe the issue as a matter of how the ministry manages staff and assesses results while working within the policy framework set by ministers. Both outlets describe MSD’s position as a response to questions about the appropriateness of using staff performance metrics to drive changes to emergency housing availability.