NZFVWO media release	EMBARGO: Mon 16 April 2006, Midday
Size is important
The Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO) welcomes today’s release of Statistics New Zealand’s report Counting Non-profit Institutions in New Zealand. [1] Up until now, the true number of not-for-profit  organisations could only be ‘guesstimated’ – a figure that varied from anywhere between 40,000 to 100,000.  This ambiguity has been a serious concern in building confidence in public policy, planning and advocacy for a sector that plays such a crucial role in New Zealand society. This report provides an unprecedented snapshot of the breadth and depth of the community and voluntary sector in New Zealand. As well as providing an accurate picture of the sector, it also describes the huge diversity of activities and sizes of organisations. Tina Reid, Executive Director at NZFVWO said: “This report is a long overdue step towards compiling comprehensive data on our sector.  The sector is incredibly diverse and touches virtually all aspects of Kiwi life, from supporting the arts and sports through to the provision of crucial social services, protecting human rights and working towards social justice. “This report will assist in making visible the crucial role the sector plays in our society. Such recognition is important for planning effective public policy and building public confidence.” This report is the first step in a continuing work-stream that will culminate in providing insight into the sectors’ economic significance, employment, volunteer involvement and much more. [2]  Tina Reid: “Compiling an accurate picture of the New Zealand voluntary sector provides interesting comparisons against other countries such as the UK, Canada; and strengthens our understanding of the worth and scope of our sector in New Zealand.”
Media contact: Tina Reid, Executive Director, NZFVWO Tel: 04 385 0981 Mobile: 027 684 6640
Notes and Links
[1] www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/info-releases/default.htm [2] Statistics New Zealand will release its initial Satellite Account of Non-profit Institutions in New Zealand in August 2007