16 May 2007

For Immediate Release

NATIONAL’S COMMITMENTS TO COMMUNITY AND

VOLUNTARY SECTOR POLICY  ENCOURAGING

The National Party’s release of its Community and Voluntary Sector Policy today is an encouraging step in recognising key issues, according to members of COmVOiceS, an independent network of Tangata Whenua, and Community and Voluntary Sector organisations.

Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO) says the National Party policy addressed some of the key issues facing the Sector.

“We are keen to see all political parties with strong policies relating to the Sector. This is an encouraging step for National.  At the last election they did not even have a policy,” says Ms Reid.

Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering New Zealand says the subject of reimbursement for volunteers is a huge issue for the many non-profit organisations that are heavily reliant on a volunteer workforce to provide their services.

“There are over a million volunteers in New Zealand who regularly donate their time, energy and expertise to non-profit organisations while personally incurring financial expense. They shouldn’t have to spend their own money, and any policy that assists their reimbursement is to be welcomed,” he says.

Dave Henderson, National Coordinator of ANGOA says the National Party’s commitment to covering the full cost that community organisations incur when delivering services on behalf of Government is a positive step.

“For too long community and voluntary organisations have had to subsidise services that they are delivering for Government and it is encouraging to see that National’s policy includes recognition of overhead costs.”

Ric Odom, National Executive Officer of YMCA says it would be good to see the detail of the proposals, particularly around reducing the administrative load that many organisations face.

“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 non-profit organisations that rely on philanthropy to make ends meet,” he says.

Kevin Haunui, General Manager of Funding Information Services says the venture capital fund for the Sector was also of interest.

“The Sector often operates on the edge and this doesn’t always fit well with the risk averse nature of the Government who have to carefully manage taxpayer money. We are keen to see how the National Party would balance these tensions.”

“In saying that, the community and voluntary groups are a sure bet.  Organisations deliver millions of dollars worth of services to our communities,” says Mr Haunui.  

In a study of 10 New Zealand non-profit organisations it was shown that they delivered between $3 and $5 worth of services for every $1 they received in funding.

“Community and voluntary organisations have shown that they make extremely cost effective use of resources. The next step is to foster relationships that enable the Sector to continue to do what they do best,” says Jo Lake, National Executive Officer of Presbyterian Support New Zealand.

ENDS