All posts in the topic Community Sector Taskforce announces new era in the future development of the Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector (Short link)

2007 Jul 20 04:50 NZST

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 July 2007

“Continuing to build a sector voice that is independent from Government is the
number one priority for over 95,000 groups and organisations that make up the
Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector” said Sam Sefuiva, Tangata
Tiriti Co-Chair - Community Sector Taskforce.

At a National Forum in June attended by 150 sector leaders, the Community
Sector Taskforce was endorsed to carry on its work to develop towards an
independent body that is required to empower sector development into the
future.

The call for some clear leadership on issues such as contracting and funding
relationships and the need to strengthen viable community–led organisations was
echoed strongly by the sector leaders at the forum.

“We need a sector-led review of all funding relationships with the government”
said Tony Spelman, Tangata Whenua Co-Chair - Community Sector Taskforce.

“While it is good that a lot of sector funding comes from government, many of
our groups and organisations are choosing not to participate in government
processes.  The very high level of administrative and monitoring oversight
required by government has become excessive in many areas.  This has made
government processes to manage funding relationships unacceptable and
unworkable from a community perspective,” he said.

Sector leaders at the June forum decided that it is important to keep moving
forward and they confirmed that the sector’s preferred way of working on future
development is via its Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi Relationships
Framework which enables the interests of all parties to be engaged as groups
and communities come together.

“When Tangata Whenua interests are properly factored into everyday ways of
working in communities, both Maori and non-Maori interests can be catered for
with a degree of balance that truly includes everyone,” said Iris Pahau,
National Development Manager.

“This is important for the protection of the Treaty rights of Tangata Whenua
and also for the wellbeing of the community as a whole.”

Sam Sefuiva said: “We need to build on work done at a local and regional level
so that the strength of the sector can be realised at all levels throughout the
country rather than continuing to emphasise Wellington-based national level
activity because that is where central government resides.”

Tony Spelman said: “On behalf of over 95,000 groups and organisations in the
sector we will partner with government but not be dictated to by them. We will
take a greater control of sector-focused research and the way we communicate
the voices within the sector on issues of importance to us.”

The Community Sector Taskforce has a 12 month timeline to manage its immediate
transition in conjunction with the sector.  Guidance will be sought from a wide
group of local, regional and national sector leaders to ensure the transition
is effective.

The next steps begin an exciting new era for organisations and groups in the
Tangata Whenua Community and Voluntary Sector and the future wellbeing of
communities is looking promising.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Tony Spelman
Tangata Whenua Co-Chair
Community Sector Taskforce
Phone: (09) 636-2107
Cell: (021) 233-6309

Sam Sefuiva
Tangata Tiriti Co-Chair
Community Sector Taskforce
Phone: (09) 375-8629
Cell: 027 477-2086