- Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector

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Welcome to the website of the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS). We observe, guide and promote government agencies' engagement with community, voluntary and Maori organisations to help create strong and respectful community-government relationships. We also build knowledge about the community and voluntary sector and how it contributes to New Zealand society.

Community groups: Click here for help & info

Learn more about payroll giving

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KEY AREAS OF OUR CURRENT WORK INCLUDE:

» Developing a joint Community-Government Relationship Agreement
To follow-up 2009's national Community-Government Forum, we are supporting collaborative work to create a new Relationship Agreement to replace the Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship.
This includes seeking nominations for a new Steering Group to lead this work.

» Government commitment to building strong community relationships
This 2009 Cabinet paper identified a programme of actions to strengthen government engagement with citizens and communities in response to the Good Intentions report by the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa (ANGOA) and the From Talk to Action report from the Building Better Government Engagement reference group. This work to improve community involvement in policy and service development processes includes an ongoing seminar programme and developing Principles for Effective Engagement.

» Improving government funding practice
This project will improve government’s funding and accountability arrangements with community and voluntary organisations - including the development of a Code of Funding Practice.

» The Generosity Hub - encouraging all forms of giving
With Philanthropy NZ and Volunteering NZ, we’re supporting work to inspire individuals and businesses to give time, money or in-kind donations. This includes ongoing research on how New Zealanders give.

» Promoting information on payroll giving for workplaces and donee organisations

» Guidance for public servants on working with community sector organisations and engaging with communities.

» Guidance to help communities successfully emerge from the economic downturn: