Encouraging participation

The community and voluntary sector helps people make connections. This relationship building and ‘connecting up’ of people can be referred to as ‘social capital’ – or the glue that holds our communities together.

‘Social capital’ is the measure of what we have between us – it’s what determines whether we feel safe in our communities, trust those in our neighbourhoods, or feel a sense of belonging in our communities.

Strong, sustainable communities are an important building block for achieving positive social, economic and cultural outcomes for all New Zealanders. More and more, people are looking for that sense of connection that you get from being part of a community of people.

It is part of our Kiwi psyche to pull together to make things happen in times of need, and volunteering is a real part of our national identity, but people also participate in society in a variety of other ways.

By voting
Making submissions on legislation, signing a petition, or demonstrating about issues
Standing for a community board or local or central government
By giving monetary or in-kind donations to people or organisations in need
Writing letters to editors and MPs – or in blogs in cyberspace

Find out more about some of the ways to have your say and get involved:

Explore Philanthropy NZ's Options for Giving
Find volunteering opportunities at VolunteerNow
See http://newzealand.govt.nz/participate
Visit Parliament’s website
Use your imagination to 'Explore Parliament'
Find out more about e-Government
Read When Government Engages – The Guide to Online Participation
Visit to see what legislation and discussion documents, government agencies are currently consulting on
The Good Practice Participate website explains the continuum of relationship options - from simply providing information through to the most devolved end of the spectrum: community-based decision-making.
Your local council can work even better for your community with your participation and feedback. Visit www.local council.govt.nz to find out ways your local council is working with your community to enhance social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, now and for the future.

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