News and updates

29 October 2009

2008 data from Nielsen Media Research’s Panorama survey shows that volunteering and donation levels were consistent between 2007 and 2008.  The research was released by the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector at Volunteering NZ’s Volunteering Unleashed conference this week.

Based on the responses of 12,000 people, the 2008 data shows the number of people supporting the community sector in some way was stable from one year to the next.  However, the range of sub-sectors and causes they supported was broader for 2008 respondents than those in 2007.

Key findings in the research

• Overall, 75.8% of people aged 10 years and over supported the community and voluntary sector in the previous 12 months for 2008, compared to 75.4% for 2007.
• The percentage of people 10 years and over who made an ad hoc donation in the previous 12 months increased from 47.4% for 2007 to 49.6% for 2008. This increase is statistically significant.
• The percentage of people 10 years and over who made committed donations in the previous 12 months was 33.4% in 2008. This is not statistically different from the 2007 result.
• The percentage of people 10 years and over who volunteered in the previous 12 months was 34% for 2008.  This is not statistically different from the 2007 result.

Survey participants reported on their giving “in the previous 12 months”, so the results do not reflect activity solely in 2008, but the 12-month period prior to when they completed the survey.  Survey participants completed the survey between January and December 2008 inclusive. 

The research data has been published on the OCVS website to support the Promoting Generosity project.  It represents the first time that New Zealand has had time series data available to start to show trends in giving behaviour. The OCVS will continue to publish the giving data from the Panorama survey on a regular basis to help measure the effect of increased tax rebates on donations, and the impact of payroll giving, the Promoting Generosity project, and other activities to encourage volunteering.

» View the 2008 research data online

» Find out more about the Promoting Generosity project

1 October 2009

The Taxation (International Taxation, Life Insurance, and Remedial Matters) Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament – paving the way for the introduction of payroll giving.

Payroll giving enables donations to go directly from a person’s pay to a chosen community organisation. The scheme will be administered through the PAYE tax system, so people whose employers sign up for the scheme will receive the tax benefits of their donations each payday, without having to present donation receipts or wait to claim at the end of a tax year.

There will be a three month delay before the new payroll giving scheme is introduced – giving Inland Revenue, the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector and the community sector time to communicate how employers can go about setting up payroll giving schemes with their employees.

From January 2010, the first businesses and employees will be able to sign up to payroll giving and the first community organisations will start to benefit. Resources promoting these changes will be available in October, including a mail-out to employers from Inland Revenue. The OCVS will be working with a range of community organisations to spread the word and offer guidance.

Payroll giving will be voluntary for employers and employees and will only be available for organisations that file their PAYE returns online. If New Zealand follows overseas trends, uptake of payroll giving may take time but, as people recognise the benefits, its popularity will grow.

As part of the tax bill, the Government also simplified the reimbursement of volunteers' expenses. Reimbursement for expenses is now tax exempt, reducing tax and compliance costs for voluntary organisations and volunteers. Honoraria remain taxed as they are payments made for service.

These changes build on the earlier removal of donation tax credit and deduction thresholds for individual, businesses and Maori Authority donors. Since 1 April 2008, people have been able to claim back one third of all qualifying donations they make to donee organisations up to the level of their taxable income.

1 October 2009

The final paper from the Study of the NZ Non-Profit Sector has been published online. The NZ Non-Profit Sector and Government Policy examines the relationship between the non-profit sector and government, and the public policy environment in which the sector operates in Aotearoa. In particular, it explores the impact of government policy on the sector and how current issues facing the sector are linked to interactions with government.

Non-profit organisations are affected by laws and regulations that determine their legal forms, tax treatment, and the ways in which they can act. Government agencies’ operational policies, particularly in relation to the manner and extent of funding for non-profits, also have a major impact. This report represents one of the first attempts to analyse recent developments across the whole sector.

It notes that the state’s relationship with the non-profit sector is constantly changing, nuanced and complex. Historically, some government agencies have had more comfortable relationships with the sector than others. The report observes that "the state is a conflicting ensemble of institutions rather than a monolith" – resulting in a multitude of relationships between different organisations.

» Download The NZ Non-Profit Sector and Government Policy

29 September 2009

Planning for a national Community-Government Forum to be held in Wellington on 11 November is well underway.

The event will be an opportunity for government to hear the voices of the community and discuss specific actions in response to the recent reports from the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations Aotearoa (ANGOA) and the Building Better Government Engagement (BBGE) reference group.  The forum will also discuss possible development of a Relationship Agreement to replace the 2001 Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship. 

A steering group of community stakeholders is helping the OCVS organise the forum and plan the day’s programme. Their latest challenging task has been considering the hundreds of expressions of interest received from community groups throughout the country. Unfortunately not all those who want to will be able to attend, but the group is doing its best to ensure there is a range of representation from different localities, sub-sectors and population groups. Those who expressed interest will be notified of their acceptance (or not) by the first week of October.  Assistance towards travel costs will be available for those who need it.

There are likely to be opportunities for those who don’t attend, to be involved in ongoing discussion following the forum – but the detail of this will not be known until after the forum.

The national forum will be hosted by the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Hon. Tariana Turia. The Prime Minister and other government Ministers are scheduled to attend part of the day-long event, which will be a further step towards building strong and trusting community-government relationships. Relevant government agency representatives will also attend.

8 September 2009

The Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector has released publicly a Cabinet paper entitled Government Commitment to Building Strong Community Relationships. This paper proposes a programme of actions to strengthen government engagement with citizens and communities.

The programme of action was in response to the Good Intentions report by the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Aotearoa (ANGOA) and the From Talk to Action report by the Building Better Government Engagement reference group.

Cabinet agreed that a national Community-Government Forum in November 2009 will consider development of a Relationship Agreement to replace the 2001 Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship. 

Cabinet also agreed that:

• the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector, assisted by the State Services Commission and Te Puni Kokiri, and in consultation with the Treasury and Office of the Auditor-General, will assess how community relationships can be included in wider work around improving and measuring government performance
• the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector and Cabinet Office will work to clarify guidance in the CabGuide regarding consultation with community and voluntary organisations on policy proposals.

The government will also be working on the development of:

• a set of principles to guide effective community engagement
• a code of practice to guide government agencies when funding community organisations
• regionally-delivered seminars on good practice in community engagement.

A number of other actions across government were also noted by Cabinet.

» See the Cabinet paper and Minute - released 7 Sept 2009

» Re-look at the previously-released reports from the BBGE project

20 August 2009

The Building Better Government Engagement (BBGE) reference group released its report From Talk to Action: Engagement with Citizens and Communities on 31 July after submitting it to the OCVS and the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector.  

The report is the follow-up to the BBGE group’s discussion document It’s More than Talk, which explored options for building engagement skills, knowledge and values in the public service.

From Talk to Action lays out challenges for the community and government to achieve effective engagement and trusting, respectful relationships.

The report states that active engaged citizens are core to addressing societal issues, and the benefits of effective engagement will include strengthened public trust in government, greater government transparency, enhanced civic capacity to contribute to decision-making, and polices based on better information and wider consensus.

Recommendations in the report call for:

• high level government commitments to engagement
• the development of accountability mechanisms
• better co-ordination and collaboration
• more capability building to improve skills within the public service
• greater consideration of diversity and support for community-led development.

The next step is now up to the OCVS and Minister Turia. The Minister, in discussion with her colleagues, is developing a formal response to From Talk to Action and Good Intentions (the recent report from ANGOA on ways to improve the community-government relationship).  Once finalised and agreed, the OCVS will communicate what actions will be initiated in response to community feedback.

OCVS Director, Alasdair Finnie welcomed the report, saying “it is a comprehensive contribution to the debate on this important subject, and provides some clear direction on what is needed to change the status quo.”

» Download From Talk to Action: Government Engagement with Citizens and Communities

8 September 2009

The community sector includes 11 distinctly different sub-sectors that are diverse in terms of size, number of organisations, income sources, contribution to GDP and reliance on volunteers. 

While the Culture, Sports and Recreation sub-sector is by far the largest group (44.6%) in terms of numbers of non-profit institutions, the Social Services sub-sector is the largest group (29.9%) by number of employees and in terms of economic contribution to GDP.

Data from Statistics NZ's NZ Non-Profit Institutions Satellite Account: 2004 and the How Do New Zealanders Give? report show the extent of volunteering and support that Kiwis perform for the different parts of the sector.

The How Do New Zealanders Give? report was sourced from Nielsen Media Research Panorama (Jan-Dec 2007 database)/Nick Jones & Associates Consumer who Cares service. 

Key facts

New Zealand’s non-profit sector*:

• contributes 2.6% to GDP
• contributes 4.9% to GDP when taking into account volunteer labour
• contains more than 1.2 million volunteers who give more than 270 million hours of unpaid labour to the sector
• has over 97,000 non-profit organisations
• has over 105,000 paid employees – only 10% of all non-profit organisations employ paid staff.

*Non-profit Institutions Satellite Account: 2004, Statistics New Zealand.

15 April 2009

At February's Impact on Communities: Managing the Downturn Together workshop in Wellington, participants acknowledged the need to work differently or face dire consequences from the economic downturn.

The importance of greater collaboration, diversifying income sources, and proving effectiveness were some of the ideas discussed.

A new section on the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector website offers some guidance in these key areas. As well as tips for community organisations, it includes guidance on what funders and government agencies can do to help community groups through the recession.

New resources will be added based on recommendations from the community sector.

1 April 2009

Now is the time to take advantage of new tax laws that took effect for the 2008/2009 financial year. The changes offer individuals, companies and Maori authorities greater incentives to make donations to approved non-profits, by increasing the levels of tax credits (formerly called rebates) that they can claim – and extending the ability to claim to close companies. 

The key points are:

• Individuals can claim a tax credit of one-third (33.33%) of all donations they make, limited only by the level of their annual taxable income. (Previously there was a rebate limit of $630.)
• Companies are entitled to a deduction for all donations made to donee organisations, limited only by the amount of the company’s net income. (Previously there was a 5% limit on deductions that companies could claim for cash donations.)
• The donation deduction is also extended to unlisted close companies (companies with five or fewer shareholders).
• Maori authorities are entitled to a deduction for all donations made to donee organisations, limited only by the amount of their net income. (Previously there was a 5% limit on deductions that Maori authorities could claim for cash donations.)

» IRD's donation tax credit guide for donee organisations (Word, 57KB)

» Read more from IRD about the greater tax incentives for charitable donations

» Download a one-page summary about how the tax changes are making giving easier

» Check the IRD website for a list of approved donee organisations (these include, but are not limited to, charities registered with the Charities Commission)

» Individuals – request or download a Tax Credit Claim Form (IR526) from IRD or read the IR525 Guide about claiming a Tax Credit

» Companies can claim on their income tax return (IR4) - read more on the IRD website

» Maori Authorities can claim on their income tax return (IR8) - read more on the IRD website

» Read the Good Practice Participate case study about how Inland Revenue worked with a community and voluntary sector reference group to develop the consultation on tax incentives for giving.

27 February 2009

“Work together differently or face dire consequences from the economic downturn” was the challenge put to attendees at the Impact on Communities: Managing the Downturn together workshop held in Wellington on Wednesday 25 February, 2009.

The message was delivered repeatedly by members of an invited panel and key speakers at the workshop, which involved 60 community and government sector participants.

“Now more than ever, co-operation amongst non-profits is essential” said NZFVWO President Tony Mayow. 

“Whilst businesses may be struggling to maintain jobs, the voluntary sector continues to maintain volunteers for now, but if demand for services goes through the roof and funding goes through the floor, then the sector could face huge problems,” said Mayow.

Leading Wellington economist, Suzanne Snively helped set the scene for participants in a keynote address, pointing out that “New Zealand non-profits and their volunteers contribute 4.9 percent to our nation’s GDP, more than the construction industry. With around 105,340 paid employees, the community sector can help lead productivity and the pace of economic recovery.”

Jointly hosted by the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO), Philanthropy NZ and the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS), the gathering worked towards identifying practical actions to help the non-profit sector manage its way through the economic downturn.

As a first step, workshop participants agreed to respond to the downturn by exploring how to overcome duplication and gain efficiencies, while encouraging people to continue to volunteer and be employed in the sector. Closer relationships with Government to develop joint initiatives will also be sought.

For further information, contact:
Tina Reid, Executive Director, NZFVWO, 027 684 6640; 
Robyn Scott, Executive Director, Philanthropy New Zealand, 027 618 2400; 
Alasdair Finnie, Director, OCVS, 029 200 6041

27 February 2009

A workshop on 25 February was a collaborative effort to identify what effect the recession may have on communities in New Zealand, and what can be done to lessen any negative impacts (and maximise positive ones),

Philanthropy NZ, the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare organisations and the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS)  invited a selection of community and voluntary sector representatives, and the government agencies working with them, to attend an Impact on Communities: Managing the Downturn Together workshop in Wellington on 25 February.

Around 60 people attended the workshop, which helped to build a greater understanding around what is happening with the credit crunch and economic downturn; discussed the impacts for non-profit organisations from a social and economic perspective; and explored strategies to manage finite resources.

Leading economist, Suzanne Snively of PricewaterhouseCoopers gave an overview of economic changes as they affect the community and volutnary sector - identifying impacts and options.  This was followed by a panel discussion about the recession's impacts on communities and how to manage the effects of the downturn together. The panel featured Jeff Sanders (Relationship Services), Donna Matahaere (Arai te Uru), Geraldine Clifford (Taeaomanino Trust), Jenny Gill (ASB Community Trust) Heather Newell (Foresee Communications) and Derek Gill (Future Makers).

21 January 2009

A listing of research on the non-profit sector in New Zealand was collated as part of the Study of the New Zealand Non-profit Sector, and published online in October 2008.

This bibliography was commissioned by the OCVS and the Committee for the Study of the New Zealand Non-profit Sector. Compiled by Jackie Sanders, Mike O’Brien and Margaret Tennant of Massey University, the bibliography provides a listing of key articles, working papers and books on the New Zealand non-profit sector.

A final Policy publication will be produced by the end of 2009.

3 December 2008

The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector is pleased to announce the appointment of Alasdair Finnie to the position of Director of the OCVS.  Alasdair is currently Manager Strategic Development at the Legal Services Agency and is a former chief executive of Arthritis NZ – a role he filled from 1986-2005.  Prior to this, he was a senior investigating officer and head of the Official Information Section at the Office of the Ombudsman.

In his spare time, Alasdair is a home tutor for the Wellington ESOL Home Tutor Service and is Committee Chair of ESOL Home Tutor Service Wellington Inc. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington since 1996, and was a member of the Disability Sector CEOs group (2001-2005), a member of the Fundraising Institute of NZ (1991-2005), and a member of Associations of NZ (1996-2005).

Alasdair  began at OCVS on 17 November, and has already commenced a busy round of meetings and attended several events, including the ANZSTR conference, the GPIA seminar and a Promoting Generosity Hub meeting. He has many others on his list of key people to meet over coming weeks and months as he settles into the role and leads the OCVS team and work programme.

10 October 2008

As part of the Building Better Government Engagement project, a stocktake of current resources and activities that support or illustrate effective engagement practices in New Zealand has been compiled.

Activities are categorised as follows:

• staff development
• awards
• resources
• legislative requirements
• planning and accountability
• policy and research
• activities across the ‘inform-consult-partner-empower’ spectrum
• protocols and agreements.

The summary is a living document and the OCVS is interested in hearing of other significant resources and activities that could be included.

The Building Better Government Engagement project reference group is developing a discussion document looking at issues in community engagement and options for building engagement skills, knowledge and values in the public service.

1 November 2008

1 November is the special day to recognise the skilled professionals responsible for the coordination, support, training, administration and recruitment of the world's volunteers. (Note: From 2009, IVMAD will be celebrated on 5 November.)

12 August 2008

The New Zealand Non-profit Sector in Comparative Perspective and The History of the Non-profit Sector in New Zealand were launched in August 2008.

The Comparative report provides the most accurate picture yet of the New Zealand non-profit sector and how it compares with 40 other countries. It shows that New Zealand’s volunteer workforce is two-thirds or 67% of the non-profit sector workforce, compared with an average of 42% for the 41 countries in the study.

The research also shows that almost half (49%) of New Zealand’s non-profit organisations are ‘expressive’ organisations, meaning they are involved in culture, sports, recreation, environmental protection, civic activism, unionism, professional associations, and religion. In other countries studied, expressive groups account for an average 37% of non-profit organisations. There is a heavy reliance on volunteers in this part of the sector, reflecting New Zealanders’ strong commitment to supporting healthy, vibrant communities through voluntary activity.

The History of the Non-Profit Sector in New Zealand considers the forces and players that have shaped the non-profit sector in New Zealand over time. It examines our rich heritage and reminds us that a strong state and a strong non-profit sector can co-exist.

The two reports are the culmination of a five-year collaboration involving the OCVS, the Committee for the Study for the New Zealand Non-Profit Sector, Johns Hopkins University, Statistics New Zealand and Massey University.

17 June 2008

A new research report How do New Zealanders give? estimates that almost 80 percent of volunteers have also donated money or goods in the previous 12 months. The report was released in June to coincide with Volunteer Awareness Week celebrations.

22 January 2008

“My life has been a constant effort to illustrate how a very mediocre person with very mediocre talents, which I have, can create quite a lot if they really drive themselves.” Sir Edmund Hillary.

1 September 2007

The publication of the Non-Profit Institutions Satellite Account in August 2007 was a long time coming, but well worth the wait!

The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS) thanks all those who helped bring the publication to fruition. In particular, the OCVS acknowledges the important role the community and voluntary sector played in this long journey.

Five years ago, the Community Trusts brought Lester Salamon, the head of the Centre for Civil Society at Johns Hopkins University, to New Zealand and from there they persisted until they were successful with their goal of getting New Zealand to join the International Comparative Study of the Non-Profit Sector.  Their ability to look to the future and to appreciate the importance of collecting this information together in one place is to their credit, and epitomises one of the real strengths of the non-profit sector.

We thank the community and voluntary sector for initiating this opportunity to join together with government to better understand the economic contribution of non-profit insititutions, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration and co-operation as our knowledge grows.

1 May 2007

The report, Mahi Aroha: Māori Perspectives on Volunteering and Cultural Obligations, was launched by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban on 30 April 2007.

1 October 2006

This significant research paper was published by Johns Hopkins University in September 2006, as part of its series from around the world. As well as being a significant milestone for the Study of the NZ Non-Profit Sector project, the paper captures the diversity, origins, and challenges of this vital sector of New Zealand society.

1 October 2006

The September 2006 issue of New Dialogue magazine featured "A few thoughts on Funding the Community and Voluntary Sector', by Katherine Baxter, General Manager, Social Inclusion and Participation (SIP) Unit, Ministry of Social Development.  The OCVS is part of SIP and the article includes an OCVS diagram of the funding continuum from unconditional grants to classical contracting.