REPORT BACK MP MEETINGS

Key points with discussion with Denise Roche : Green Spokesperson for The Community and Voluntary Sector 29.02.2010

On the issue of the Charities Commission, Denise acknowledged ComVoices concerns about the proposal to merge the Commission with the Department of Internal Affairs. ComVoices welcomed her focus on the important right for advocacy. 
Denise acknowledged Comvoices concern around growing levels of inequality in New Zealand and about the impact of the tough economic environment on our Sector.
  • In relation to services that community organisations provide on behalf of the Government, Comvoices discussed with Denise and Jan Logie, the different ways that community organisations are funded, and the challenging balance between compliance and monitoring.
  • Some of our members have signed the Government’s Kia Tutahi agreement. However, Comvoices are keen to see the Government take further action to implement the agreement to ensure it is meaningful to the Community Sector.
  • Comvoices discussed gambling and the dependence of many community organisations on the funds that come from gambling. We also spoke of the potential for a transition fund to help community organisations break that dependency .

Key Points with discussion with Louisa Wall : Labour spokesperson for The Community and Voluntary Sector 07.03.2012

·   ComVoices discussed the depth and breadth of the Sector and its reach well beyond the 25,000 registered charities to include the estimated 97,000 community organisations and associations throughout New Zealand. We also spoke about the importance of umbrella groups in sharing information and networking

·         ComVoices discussed some of the whole of sector issues, which includes not only the Charities Commission but issues around funding and sustainability, accounting processes and the need for strong representation within Parliament (preferably through representation at Cabinet level)

·         Louisa discussed plans for Ruth Dyson to enter a Minority Report on the Crown Entities Reform Bill in relation to the Charities Commission

·      Louisa wanted to continue dialogue about the make-up of the Sector and how she can better support it in the future. Louisa signalled that she would like to develop a discussion document in consultation with the Sector that would guide Labour policy in this area. ComVoices members would welcome a consultative document of this nature and would be very keen to support her in whatever way possible 

Key Points with discussion with Peter Dunne: United Future 13.03.2012

  • In relation to Sector funding, we discussed with Peter the benefits of the Community Response Fund but also the uncertainty it has created in terms of ongoing funding. Good aspects of the model could be replicated in other Departments and Ministries. 
  •  Peter expressed an interest in seeing improved use of Sector capacity, with Government departments shifting their focus to approaching NGOs and non-profits in the first instance rather than later.
  • We discussed payroll giving. ComVoices raised the issue of Telecom moving away from sponsorship of community organisations, claiming Payroll Giving as a replacement, but the organisations losing funds are not those likely to appeal to payroll givers.
  • We discussed the Charities Commission and the Crown Entities Reform Bill and the effects if the Select Committee makes a split report back. From our perspective the review of the Charities Act should proceed before a decision is made.
  • We discussed a possible review of IRD’s Schedule of donee organisations which should involve an automatic process to ensure, every 5-10 years, each registered organisation is still active. Investigation of this possibility could be linked to the Review of the Charities Act.
  • We raised our concerns about the relationship accord Kia Tutahi and the need bring about a real change in the way that the Government and the Sector work together.
  • Peter gave us an overview of Flexi-Super, of the proposal for premiums for community organisations to employ more workers and family services as an extension of Whanau Ora. Each of these we support further investigation of the possible benefits and risks.


Key Points of discussion with Jo Goodhew: National Party: 23 04 2012


  • ComVoices discussed the scale and scope of the Community Sector and Minister Goodhew outlined her background within the Sector which has led to a strong awareness of the reach of such organisations into all parts of the community
  •  On discussing the statistics available to represent the scale and scope of the Sector,ComVoices emphasised the importance of having reliable and up-to-date quantitative data. Jo asked us whether we would like to see such statistics prioritised - to which we said yes. -On the issue of better engagement, we discussed how ComVoices could support the Government’s initiative to build Better Public Services. In particular, we discussed how we can engage in the process, which we believe is likely to have a major impact on the way community services are funded. JO offered to send us her thoughts about Better Public Services in relation to the community sector in the form of a letter. 
  • We briefly discussed with Jo the latest updates on the Charities Commission and the Select Committee’s report that had been tabled.
  • we are eager to work collaboratively with you and would be very willing to offer you and your staff support, acting as a sounding board, or in helping you to reach key areas of the community sector.