Briefings to incoming ministers: 170 documents show issues facing country

Hundreds of documents briefing new Government ministers on key policies are about to be released.

State Services Minister Chris Hipkins said 170 Briefings to Incoming Ministers (Bims) will be published at midday on the Beehive website.

They include Bims for public sector agencies and Crown entities, as well as supporting documents.

Bims are released after a general election or a change in minister.

They provide an introduction to each portfolio and summarise key areas of policy and policy issues.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her new government on October 25.

Herald journalists will be trawling through and analysing the information.

"The comprehensive release of Bims in one go and in one place provides the public with a full picture of the issues the new government faces," Hipkins said.

"While the documents contain a huge amount of information, we considered this to be a better approach than releasing Bims one by one over time, which has happened in the past. It gets everything out in the open at the same time.

"The documents reveal significant challenges, particularly in health, housing and social development. We will meet these challenges head on.

"They reinforce the need for urgent action in some areas. In our first 100 days, we're already delivering meaningful change."

The documents will be at: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/features