At this week's national Community Sector-Government Forum Prime Minister John Key said, "Government cannot do everything, nor should it want to."

The Community Sector-Government Forum saw some 200 plus representatives of a broad spectrum of Tangata Whenua and Community and Voluntary Organisations meet with a large number of Government Ministers and state servants for a day to focus on planning a way forward for a new relationship agreement between the Government and the Community Sector.

"It is very encouraging for the sector that the Prime Minister recognised our essential knowledge and skills," said Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO) and a member of the forum's Steering Committee.

"We were also encouraged that we are able to take action in our communities, in a way the Government cannot, but in line with their programme," Tina said.

Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering New Zealand said, "The overwhelming desire of the Sector is that our relationship with Government should be based on mutual respect and trust and that we have a multi-party accord on this agreement to ensure it is enduring".

Hon Turiana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and host of the event, spoke of the fact that the relationship agreement will require many people in the State Sector to develop a new mindset.

She referred to the recent 'From Talk to Action' paper developed by the ANGOA (the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa) as the basis for moving forward.

Dave Henderson, Coordinator of ANGOA said, "Our discussions today have increased our understanding of each other's role."

"However, we have a very extensive job from here on in to communicate with this vast sector and develop something that is meaningful for both parties."

There was a strong desire by all representatives to maintain the momentum, recognising that in the last 10 years pioneering work has been done on the basis for this key relationship from groups like the Community Sector Taskforce and the Office of the Community and Voluntary Sector.

Ric Odom, CEO of YMCA said, "This will be a complex agreement to bring into being, but it does not have to be perfect - we are pragmatic people who can build on an early stage agreement, much like a marriage is not about having a certificate but about developing the relationship, as we have more trust and respect for each other."

"ComVoices will have a strong role in the next year leading up to the Cabinet paper on the relationship," said Robin Gunston, National Director of Prison Fellowship New Zealand.

"Making sure that both sides clearly hear about the purpose and vision for the agreement, in whatever shape or form this emerges, will be important. As will ensuring the Sector is recognised by all future Governments for its unique role in building social capital in our society".

ENDS