Media Statement

For Immediate Release

02 February 2007

TANGATA WHENUA, COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS ENCOURAGED BY NATIONAL PARTY’S SUPPORT

The Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector is welcoming National Party leader John Key’s comments that his Party wants to better support the valuable work that the Sector is doing in communities.

Members of COmVOiceS, a coalition of Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector organisations, said Mr Key’s state of the nation speech and his comments to the NBR this week on a proposal to offer bigger tax breaks for companies that give to charities were encouraging.

“The funding and sustainability of the Sector is an issue that affects all New Zealanders – whether they give financial support, are active as volunteers, or are users of the many services of not-for-profit organisations that rely on philanthropy to make ends meet,” says Jo Lake, national executive officer of Presbyterian Support New Zealand.

Community and voluntary groups deliver millions of dollars worth of services on behalf of Government.  In a study of 10 New Zealand non-profit organisations it was shown to be between $3 and $5 worth of services for every $1 they receive in funding.

“We certainly welcome the National Party taking time to explore new ways of supporting the Sector and organisations will be keen to engage in that discussion,” says Gary Williams, chief executive officer of DPA.

“There is a growing community demand for services.  Organisations in the Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector are already being asked to provide more and more services, but for many their resources are already overstretched, leading to problems with the quality of what they are able to do,” Dave Henderson, National Coordinator of ANGOA said.

This year, the Sector will be looking for support from National around moves to change the current tax rebate regime to encourage giving and generosity.

“The Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector relies heavily on multiple funding streams, including donations and philanthropic giving, to maintain the huge range of community services they provide, from care for the elderly, emergency services, environmental and sport and recreation activities,” Tim Burns, executive director of Volunteering New Zealand says.

“Many organisations already find it difficult to fund their full range of services and tax exemption is an important part of ensuring many groups are able to fund their activities in a more sustainable way,” he said.

Tony Spelman, co-chair of the Community Sector Taskforce, said the relationship with Government about funding was important but was not the only issue that could create value for communities, in terms of the services delivered.

“The Sector is autonomous and independent of government so the conversation is equally about the Sector’s relationships with the Government in its role as a policy setter.

“The Community Sector Taskforce is committed to bringing together the whole of the Sector in order to promote new ways of working that make sense to communities and the people in them,” Mr Spelman said.

ENDS