COmVOiceS Media Statement

For immediate release

20 September 2007

FREE RESOURCE TO SUPPORT Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector IN TAKING Local government elections seriously

A free information resource has just been released to help organisations in the Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector get their issues in front of local government election candidates.

Developed by the Sector for the Sector, the free resource provides candidate lists for all New Zealand Mayoral, Council and District Health Board candidates by region. It also includes information and practical advice specific to the Sector.

COmVOiceS, an independent network of organisations in the Tangata Whenua, and the Community and Voluntary Sector, has developed the information, which is available for download from their website at www.nzfvwo.org.nz/comvoices

Dave Henderson, National Coordinator of the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa (ANGOA) says Sector organisations have an expert understanding of their local communities.

“This free resource gives them some tools to better navigate their local government elections and engage with local candidates,” he says.

Jo Lake, National Executive Officer of Presbyterian Support New Zealand says the information includes practical tips to help Sector organisations better position their concerns, including specific local issues, and more general concerns around funding and sustainability.

Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations says the resource is designed to encourage closer partnerships between the Sector and local government for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

“Local Government is a key player in supporting Sector organisations in their local communities,” she says.

Wendi Wicks of DPA, the National Assembly of People with Disabilities, says there are also links so people can become familiar with issues of disability and help identify candidates who are informed and have fair disability policies.

“The disability community should be consulted by councils when decisions affecting them are being made. “The ‘Inclusive Communities’ publication is available through the COmVOiceS website and is an important political tool to aid in this process,” she says.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Dave Henderson National Coordinator Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa (ANGOA) 04 927 7708 (w) 0274 848165 (m)	Wendi Wicks DPA 04 801 9100 (w) 0273632007 (m)	Jo Lake National Executive Officer Presbyterian Support Services NZ 027 457 8663
Tina Reid Executive Director NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations 04 385 0981 (w) 025 6846640 (m)