1. ANGOA Information

ANGOA is an independent nonprofit incorporated society, supported by an anonymous Family Trust. We receive no direct funding from Government, and we sincerely thank the Trust for the independence it gives us. Other contributions for specific projects have been gratefully received from the JR Mackenzie Trust and the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

ANGOA Membership - If you are an NGO you are Welcome to Join!

Subscriptions are an important component of support for ANGOA's work, helping us remain independent of Government. An Application and Renewal form can be requested from the Coordinator, or printed from the website. Membership is open to any NGO supporting the objects of ANGOA and willing to pay the specified fee ($50). Organisations and individuals who do not qualify as members but who support ANGOA's aims are welcome to make a donation, and may receive many of the materials ANGOA produces. We thank you warmly for your support.

The Membership Form can be found on the ANGOA website: http:angoa.org.nzcontact.php, under the heading 'Joining ANGOA'.

Website, and Postal Address

More information is available from the ANGOA Coordinator, angoadave.henderson[at]angoa.org.nz or from the website www.angoa.org.nz The site includes back issues of Updates for the Community and Voluntary Sector Roundtable and the Community and Voluntary Sector Research Forum.

The ANGOA postal address is PO Box 24 243, Manners Street, Wellington.

2. Meeting dates for 2008

Community and Voluntary Sector Roundtable and Research Forums (including Auckland and Christchurch)

Offers, suggestions or recommendations of presentations are welcome for all these events - please contact dave.henderson[at]angoa.org.nz

Monthly Roundtable

10am to midday on First Wednesday each month:

• 1 October, with Tariana Turia from the Maori Party
• 5 November, ANGOA AGM.
• Venue is the Centre for Global Development Meeting Room, 2^ndFloor, James Smiths Building, Corner of Cuba and Manners Streets, Wellington

Wellington Research Forum

Quarterly, 1pm to 4pm on Wednesdays.

12 November at the Families Commission, 6^thFloor, Public Trust Building, 117-125 Lambton Quay, Wellington.

Auckland Research Forum

Next on 22 October 1pm to 4pm at the Fickling Centre, Three Kings

Christchurch Research Forum:

The last forum for 2008 was on Monday 22 September. See you next year!

Australia New Zealand Third Sector Research Conference (ANZTSR)

24-26 November at AUT in Auckland. Note these dates have changed to take advantage of the cheaper accommodation available. Email amy[at]flowevents.co.nz Website http://www.flowevents.co.nz

3. Agenda for the 3 September Roundtable:

3.1 Guest Speaker: Hon Tariana Turia, Co-Leader of the Maori Party

Spokespeople for all the political parties have been invited to speak at the Roundtable over the next few months leading up to the election re "What are their intended policy plans and changes for the next Parliamentary term? " ANGOA will publish notes from discussions with all party representatives that have accepted our invitation. Policy statements will also be published as they become available. This is a non-partisan service to community organisations, and is not an election advertisement in terms of the Electoral Finance Act.

3.2 What's Going On?

A round-robin exchange of news, updates on major projects, announcements and discussion about current activities and issues.

4. Notes from the 6 August Roundtable.

ANGOA Chair Claire-Louise McCurdy welcomed everyone present, especially Sue Bradford.

4.1 Sue Bradford, Green Party

Sue Bradford is the Green Party's Spokesperson for Social Services, Employment, ACC, Mental Health, Housing, Gambling, Children's Issues, Community Economic Development, Community and Voluntary Sector.

Spokespeople for all the political parties have been invited to speak at the Roundtable leading up to the election, re "What are their intended policy plans and changes for the next Parliamentary term? " ANGOA is publishing notes from discussions with all political parties that have accepted our invitation. Policy statements will also be published as they come available. This is a non-partisan service to community organisations, and not an election advertisement in terms of the Electoral Finance Act.

In August Sue Bradford launched the Green Party Policy for the Community and Voluntary Sector. Copies are available from the Green Party office, email sue.bradford[at]parliament.govt.nz, fax 04 472 6003, freephone 0800 180 010. The full Policies on Community and Voluntary Sector, Community Economic Development, Maori issues, Social and Economic Justice can be viewed at these links or through http://new.greens.org.nz/node/19025

Sue began by noting some of the successes of the coalition government in the past term, relevant to the tangata whenua community and voluntary sector that have been driven to succeed by the Green Party. e.g. $200,000 has been allocated to environment centres, $150 to the Refugee and Migrant service, significant new funds to the Community sector/Government Internships programme, increased rates of pay in the sector, and higher standing for the Minister for the sector in Government.

• The Greens support a 'without prejudice' review of OCVS, with full sector input - there has been no review of its role since it was established.
• Want to promote a better understanding of the sector in Government agencies - improve training and support for officials.
• Want to build on the work of the Community Sector Taskforce etc over recent years, on sector-Government relations
• Essential to have a tino rangatiratanga approach to involvement of tangata whenua;
• A review of the sector-Government relationship would lead to
  • a code of practice for public servants to work with the sector
  • full funding of contracted services
  • continuation of aspects of the PtP
  • accountability mechanisms proportionate to the size of any grant or contract.

Re the Independence of the sector

The Greens:

• recognise the right of sector organisations to advocate;
• would be concerned if the Government or Charities Commission placed limitations on organisations' activities;
• would increase support for advocacy organisations - national organisations working with Government and local environmental orgs, groups working with refugees;
• would work on the basis of mutual respect;
• would ask territorial local authorities to support local sector input to their processes such as LTCCP, tangata whenua, environmental issues;
• would support funding going to the sector to support its contribution policy development;
• see such funding as encouraging the political will to listen to what sector people say (local and national). Government is often bereft of ideas - Greens want to create an environment where sector ideas are listened to;
• want to develop a culture of support for volunteers - valuing;
• would review policies where people on Unemployment Benefit can volunteer - volunteering can not be compulsory.

Re Gambling

The Greens:

• want to see an end to pub pokies - they take from the poor and do not distribute equitably;
• would give territorial authorities the power to get rid of them;
• would have a transitional fund to support organisations weaning themselves off their dependency on that source of funds;
• tautoko organisations that have made a moral decision not to accept pokie funds;

Re Community Economic Development

The Greens:

• would restore the community economic development function in government, while learning from the CEGS debacle;
• recognise that if we are to develop innovative options for employment, some risk at the fringe is inevitable;
• recognise that the government contribution to community housing is miniscule compared to the need and the potential for community-based initiatives.
• Re Community Partnerships Fund (for sector digital development) the Greens would strengthen it (in consultation with previous successful and unsuccessful applicants) and continue it beyond the planned three rounds.
• Re Climate Change, parts of the sector are focused on it but many communities are not. This is a fertile place for sector discussion and development. Connection is needed between environmental organisations and social organisations - there is an opportunity to build dialogue.

4.2 Review of the Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship.

Background:

• A proposal was developed by Pat Hanley for ANGOA, with financial support from JR McKenzie Trust, was given to the Prime Minister, as signatory to the document, in 2006 on the 5^thanniversary of its signing.
• Minister Winnie Laban, to whom it was delegated, eventually rejected it in 2007, but ANGOA continued pressing and it was picked up by incoming Minister Ruth Dyson, as "unfinished business between the sector and Government"
• A grant was negotiated in June 2008, ANGOA signed an Agreement, and has engaged former Government Statistician Len Cook to lead the project.
• Len is assisted by Pat Hanley as a project coordinator, Chris Holland as a researcher.
• Suzanne Snively and Sandi Morrison are assisting Len with the project steering and oversight.
• The project has already developed a great literature review, including drawing on the work of various sector forums over recent years.

With ANGOA support Chris Holland, Project Researcher, led discussion of a series of questions relating to the SOGI. Chris reports that some very useful and valuable comments were recorded. This was the first of a series of focus group discussions that will contribute to the project - a second took place at the September Research Forum in Christchurch, and others are planned, including with tangata whenua and Pacific peoples.

If you would like to contribute comments or material to the review, please contact Chris Holland at chris[at]werds.co.nz

5. UN World Habitat Day Housing Forum: "Affordable and Healthy Housing for All"

Special Guest: Jonathan Reckford, Global CEO, Habitat for Humanity International

You are invited to join us for this forum focusing on issues of substandard housing in New Zealand, and the opportunities we have to build better communities.

Event Details: Date: Monday, October 6, Time: 1pm - 2.30pm

• Venue: Limelight Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland City: • Parking: Aotea Centre, The Edge
• RSVP: Please respond by email to tlim[at]habitat.org.nz to assist our numbers management

Format:

• Opening address by Jonathan Reckford
• 4 speakers will focus on particular subjects relevant to affordable and healthy housing here in New Zealand:
• Major Campbell Roberts, Director Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary unit - Poverty, Housing and social policy
• Dr Chris Bullen, School of Population Health, University of Auckland - Housing and health
• Nick Collins, General Manager Beacon Pathway - Sustainability and housing
• Dr Simon Denny, Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland - Housing and Education
• This will be followed by a lively and interesting panel discussion involving Q&A's with the audience. The panel will comprise of the 4 main speakers and representatives from the major political parties. They include:
• Phil Heatley, Housing spokesperson, National
• Phil Twyford, Labour (ex CEO Oxfam NZ, Oxfam Intl.)
• Sue Bradford, Housing spokesperson, Green Party
• Maori Party representative

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, P O Box 112 387, Penrose, Auckland , New Zealand 1642

Ph: +64 9 579 4111 Extn 209, Fax: +64 9 579 4112, Visit us at: www.habitat.org.nz

6. Input sought on Lotteries Outcomes Framework

ANGOA has been invited to gather any concerns its members have around the Lottery Grants Board Outcomes Framework Implementation Project, and pass those to Lottery Grants Board at a meeting in October. There will be discussion of the proposed Outcomes Framework model, its implementation timetable, and possible impacts on fund seekers.

If you have concerns you would like to express, please pass those to ANGOA Coordinator Dave Henderson at dave.henderson[at]angoa.org.nz by 13 October.

7. Call to Support NZ signing Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

ANGOA member Network Waitangi Otautahi (NWO) has asked that we publicise the petition calling on the Government to support the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DECRIPS) which was recently adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Its adoption by the was described by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as "a triumph for justice and human dignity". New Zealand however is one of just 4 nations that opposed adoption of the Declaration.

A copy of the NWO petition is attached with this newsletter, for you to print and add signatures. Please note that blank pages cannot be added for more signatures - additional pages must be copies with the same information and format on every page. Parliamentary Office has informed NWO that a person of any age may sign.

What is expressed in the petition is entirely in keeping with the ANGOA Constitution, so here it is. Please act on it.

NWO have also produced the attached resource The Last Five Years and the Treaty. This chronicle of the last five years demonstrates how NZ's Government has been taking us in the reverse direction to that expressed in the Declaration, contributing to our loss of the Treaty as the framework for action.

One of the agreed statements from the Community / Government National Forum in June last year was to base our workon the Tiriti / Treaty Relationships Framework.We see support for the DECRIPS as one key aspect in ANGOA's follow-up to that commitment made at the 2007 Forum.

8. Government ratifying UN Disability Convention

In a press release on 24 September Hon Ruth Dyson in her role as Minister for Disability Issues noted that protecting the rights and promoting the interests of disabled people will be cemented further following NZ's ratification of the United Nations Disability Convention. The ratification continues the progress NZ has made over the past eight years in promoting an inclusive society where disabled people are valued and fully participate.

"Sanctioning the Convention underscores the progress in improving work opportunities and access to services desired by disabled people. It is fitting that ratification will start on 26 September, Dominion Day, which itself marked a change in status for our country towards greater self-determination" said Mike Gourley, President of the Disabled Persons Assembly of New Zealand.

"New Zealand's ratification of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reflects the very strong spirit of partnership between government agencies and disabled people's organisations. It also reflects a leadership role that New Zealand played in the United Nations negotiations," said Ms Dyson.

The Convention sets out in practical measures what States should do to ensure disabled people can enjoy human rights on an equal basis with others. It places obligations on States to promote protect and ensure those rights as well as mechanisms to support implementation and monitoring.

"It also strengthens the relationship between the government and the disability sector which has been guided by the development of the New Zealand Disability Strategy," said Ms Dyson. "New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world to have a disability strategy. That and other initiatives have seen significant progress in removing barriers experienced by disabled people. There is however more work to be done and the Convention will be a useful tool to assist the government with this work."

9. NGO-MoH Forum 2008 "Making National Partnerships Work"

Time: 23 October 2008, from 9.00-3.45pm
Location: The Hobson Room, Level Two, Alexandra Park, Auckland
Theme: Making National Partnerships Work

A draft programme for the forum is available. Several excellent speakers have been confirmed, including:

• Stephen McKernan (Director-General of Health; Ministry of Health) will be opening the forum
• Nicola White (Assistant Auditor-General, Legal; Office of the Auditor General) will be speaking on Good Practice Guidelines
• Hingatu Thompson (Group Manager, Maori Population Health; Ministry of Health) will be speaking on Te Puāwaiwhero and Whanau Ora
• The Director-General of Health, Stephen McKernan, will also speak on "Future Vision for NGOs"

If you would like to register for the forum please request a registration form from: NGO[at]moh.govt.nz. If you have any questions about registration or about the Forum, please visit the website http://www.moh.govt.nz/ngo or contact Muno Richards secretariat[at]ngo.health.govt.nz or Phil Berghan-Whyman ngo[at]moh.govt.nz.

10. IRD Discussion Paper: Submissions Close 10 October

The ComVoices group of organisations wants to remind you that the submissions on the discussion document "Streaming and refundability of imputation credits" close on Friday 10 October. If you would like some key messages, put together by ComVoices around this, please contact Emma McCleary Emma[at]ideasshop.co.nz

The discussion document is available from the top of this web page http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.n z/publications/index.php?catid=2

The initial media release from IRD provides good information, by way of a backgrounder. That release is on this page: http://wwwtaxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/index. php?view=619

Philanthropy NZ also has a good summary of the issues in their newsletter for Summer 2008 (Vol 3 No. 45), page 14. Good luck with your submissions!

11. Australia NZ Third Sector Research Conference

The Australia New Zealand Third Sector Research Conference takes place at AUT, Auckland, 24-26 November 2008. The programme is looking really good with papers from grassroots researchers, consultants and academics. Behind the scenes a fabulous powhiri is under preparation. The Marae, Nga Wai o Horotiu, will be explained as, in part, an outcome of research.

There will be a film evening, hosted by Maori film-makers with guests and more. An International Award winning film-maker has donated time to give an afternoon to teach people how to make fabulous little films. This could be great for making a U-tube for your web-page or as a supplement to a funding application.

People have registered from as far afield as Bermuda and Israel. Australia and the Pacific are well represented. Some researchers have proposed presenting their work as regular 'talking heads' while others are experimenting with drama and art. We will experience the diversity of the sector. We will hear of the rising of corporate engagement with the sector and can discuss among ourselves the partnerships being entered into between the Third Sector, the Market and The State.

There will be an opportunity to sleep over on the Marae to add to the experience and to help cut your costs. You still have time to find sponsorship for your travel and registration. Do look at the website for ANZTSR. It is an organisation that could serve the sector even better in the Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific. Follow the links to the conference to see the themes and the 'Provisional Agenda' in particular

Contacts: Website - http://www.anztsr.org.au

Event organisers: Amy - amy[at]flowevents.co.nz

Academic programme and Steering Committee: Maria - mariah[at]waikato.ac.nz

12. Items from CIVICUS - International Alliance for Citizen Participation

Supporting capacity-building for youth participation in decision-making
Source: Anu Pekkonen, CIVICUS Participatory Governance Programme Coordinator It is vital that opportunities are created to foster greater youth participation in political processes. Young people in the global North and South alike express a sense of alienation from the political system, manifested in low voter turnouts among youth and ageing membership of political parties. Whilst this is often interpreted as political apathy in younger generations, evidence shows that it is a lack of confidence in the efficacy of their participation and in their ability to influence political decision-making that constitutes a more fundamental reason for this disengagement. Frequently having their views and concerns overlooked or undermined, while being denied any meaningful decision-making roles, has forced young people into the periphery of democratic processes. As a result, their potential to contribute in their local communities and society at large goes largely untapped. For more information, click here.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is produced as part of ANGOA's efforts to strengthen the Community and Voluntary Sector in Aotearoa" New Zealand and all information in it is gathered and included to assist that purpose. The accuracy of information reprinted here is not guaranteed, but we do our best.

See you at the next Roundtable 1 October 2008, 10am to midday.

Contacts for ANGOA

Dave Henderson

ANGOA Coordinator
Email: dave.henderson[at]angoa.org.nz
Phone and fax: (04) 972-7708
PO Box 24 243, Thorndon, Wellington

This message is produced by ANGOA, the Association of NGOs of Aotearoa. All the information is intended to assist readers pursuing an interest in matters relating to research in the community and voluntary sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. An effort is made within available resources to ensure accuracy but no guarantee is given or implied. If you have contributions, comments or suggestions, please forward them to dave.henderson[at]angoa.org.nz