Issue 28 - 30 October 2009

Discussion about what should be included in a proposed Relationship Agreement between the community sector and Government has begun online at two websites.  Community Central and the Community Sector Taskforce are both hosting online discussions about who should sign an Agreement and what should be included in one. 

A proposed Relationship Agreement would replace the existing Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship with a joint agreement reflecting the perspectives of both Government and the community and voluntary sector.

A national Community-Government Forum, to be held in Wellington on 11 November, will determine whether a Relationship Agreement is the best way forward.  In the meantime, the online discussions are allowing people who cannot attend the forum to have a say­ – both before and after the event.

More than 225 people will attend the forum – including a diverse range of people from the community and voluntary sector, government agencies, the Prime Minister and Ministers.

The Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Hon. Tariana Turia, will host the forum, which represents an important opportunity for the sector, Ministers and government agencies to demonstrate their willingness to work collaboratively, and discuss the Government’s commitment to building strong community relationships.

» Participate in the Relationship Agreement discussion on Community Central

» Have your say about a Relationship Agreement on the Community Sector Taskforce website

» See more about plans for the Community-Government Forum

» Read the existing Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship

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

» Read about payroll giving – due to start in January 2010

The final paper from the Study of the NZ Non-Profit Sector was published online this month.  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 a copy of The NZ Non-Profit Sector and Government Policy

» Read about NZ’s Study of the Non-Profit Sector and download other associated reports

The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector has produced an electronic newsletter for three years, and after 27 issues we’re finally asking you what you think. (Sorry about the delay, but some of you have sent us feedback in the meantime –  which we always appreciate).

The survey link was sent out earlier this month via Survey Monkey, but some of your firewalls are overzealous and blocked the message – so we’re keeping the survey open for another 10 days to ensure everyone who wants to comment, can have a say. 

This is your chance to share your opinions. Please take a few minutes to tell us what you think of the e-newsletter sent out by the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

We want to know if you find it of value and how we could improve its usefulness. Your candid, honest responses will be appreciated – because if the e-news is not meeting your needs and is generally underwhelming, then we will put our time and energies to something else.

» Please go to the survey online now to share your thoughts

All publications produced by the OCVS are always available electronically on our website, but several useful publications exploring communities, collaboration, volunteering and the non-profit sector are also still freely available in print. 

If you would like one or many free copies of any of the following publications, please e-mail your request to ocvs@msd.govt.nz.

• Mahi Aroha: Māori Perspectives on Volunteering and Cultural Obligations
  This research report identifies the many ways that Māori contribute to their communities and identifies some of the motivations and barriers that impact on their involvement.
• Mosaics Whakaāhu Papariki – a good practice guide on collaboration. 
  This booklet identifies success factors for regional co-ordination and integrated service delivery for government agencies and community organisations.  There are suggestions on how to overcome barriers, tips on setting a clear purpose for collaboration and guidance on measuring outcomes.  Sound, basic advice for anyone wanting to work with others or network effectively.
• He Waka Kotuia: Joining Together on a Shared Journey
  This 2002 report from the Community-Government Relationship Steering Group backgrounds historical issues and makes recommendations for the way ahead.  It provides solid background for anyone considering ‘where to next’ for the community-government relationship or wanting to gauge what progress has been made.
• Models of community-government partnerships and their effectiveness in achieving welfare goals: A review of literature.
  For anyone wanting to identify further reading on this topic.
• Defining the Non-Profit Sector: New Zealand 
  John Hopkins University working paper number 45 published as part of the Study of the NZ Non-Profit Sector.  This report provides background on the community and voluntary sector and identifies 11 diverse subsectors ranging from civic and advocacy groups to culture and recreation.
• The New Zealand Non-profit Sector in Comparative Perspective
  Full of facts and figures on funding, GDP, workforce size and volunteers, this report compares New Zealand’s non-profit sector to 40 other countries – identifying unique aspects of our community sector and characteristics common to other countries.

» E-mail your request for the free publications to ocvs@msd.govt.nz

» Read or download other community-related publications online

If you have an event, conference or meeting related to community or voluntary issues, you are welcome to send a brief description of the activity to us at ocvs@msd.govt.nz for inclusion in our email updates and events calendar.

As a result of the passing of the Taxation (International Taxation, Life Insurance, and Remedial Matters) Bill, the rules for taxing payments to volunteers have been clarified (with effect from 1 April 2009).

The key points are:

• Who is a volunteer?
  A volunteer is someone who freely undertakes an activity in New Zealand:
  - chosen either by themselves or by a group of which they are a member
  - which benefits others without benefiting themselves financially.
• Can you pay a volunteer?
  A volunteer may receive two types of payment:
  - reimbursements for expenses
  - honoraria for services.
• When can someone receive reimbursement?
  Reimbursements can be:
  - for actual expenditure
  - based on a reasonable estimate of expenditure likely to be incurred.
  Any reimbursement must be for expenses incurred when undertaking or when travelling to and from a voluntary activity. The reimbursement may be in a non-cash form, for example, as petrol or meal vouchers.
• Are reimbursements taxed?
  Reimbursement payments are tax exempt income of the volunteer and so are not taxed.
• What is an honorarium?
  Honoraria are payments made for services provided where no fixed payment would normally be made and are less than market rate. They are treated as schedular payments for tax purposes.
  This means:
  - PAYE rules apply
  - payments are taxed at the specified flat rate of 33 cents in the dollar.
• What is a schedular payment?
  Schedular payments are listed payments made to someone who provides a service but is not an employee. Tax must be withheld from them at a specified flat rate.
• What happens if someone gets both an honorarium and a reimbursement? Are they taxed?
  Where the payment is a combination of an honorarium and a reimbursement of expenses incurred, and the honorarium and the reimbursement portions are clearly identified and recorded, the honorarium will be taxable and the reimbursement will be exempt.
  Where the distinction between the honorarium and the reimbursement is not clear then the entire payment is treated as an honorarium, and subject to tax as a schedular payment.

» Download or print the one-page PDF summary on ‘Payments to volunteers’

» Learn more about tax and non-profit organisations

The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has released a public discussion document proposing changes to the system of reporting under the Financial Reporting Act 1993.  The proposed reporting requirements: 

• would apply to private and public sector organisations, including non-profit organisations
• provide for a tiered system that imposes extra reporting requirements as additional criteria are met, such as an increase in turnover.

The Accounting Standards Review Board has published a companion discussion paper with technical details of the reporting requirements proposed for each tier.

The proposed reporting threshold for non-profit organisations is spending of $20,000 or more per annum. The effect of this on compliance costs for non-profit organisations is difficult to determine, as many non-profit organisations already have requirements to report financial information to their members. Similarly, all registered charities are required to report financial information to the Charities Commission.

Public comments on the proposals are due by 29 January 2010. The OCVS and the Department of Internal Affairs will work with the Ministry of Economic Development to assess comments from non-profit organisations. The Ministry of Economic Development will then revise the proposals and prepare a further report for the Commerce Minister, the Hon. Simon Power.

The Association of Non-Government Organisations Aotearoa (ANGOA) has applied successfully to the Ministry of Economic Development for support for a series of workshops around the country, so non-profit organisations can have face-to-face discussions about the proposed changes and offer input to the consultation process. If you would like to host one of these workshops in your locality, please contact dave.henderson@angoa.org.nz or Pat Hanley, lawler.hanley@slingshot.co.nz.

ANGOA will also produce a summary paper that focuses on the issues for community organisations and circulate that widely, to assist everyone in making submissions.

» Download MED’s Statutory Framework for Financial Reporting discussion paper

» Read the companion paper from the Accounting Standards Review Board

» See details of the ANGOA workshops around New Zealand - starting 10 November in Christchurch

The Whānau Ora Taskforce, chaired by Professor Mason Durie, has developed a discussion document entitled Whānau Ora: A whānau-centred approach to Māori wellbeing.

The Taskforce’s role is to develop a framework for a whānau-centred approach to whānau development. The Taskforce recognises that while government-funded services and initiatives are significant, whānau, hāpu and iwi also have critical and distinct roles to play in facilitating whānau ora. These roles, relationships and responsibilities are based on whakapapa and lie outside Government.

The discussion document sets out the Taskforce's proposed approach to ensure the best outcomes for whānau in the design and delivery of services, and the way some funding is allocated.  The Taskforce is seeking feedback on its proposal to help inform its recommendations to Minister Turia, which it will report on by January 2010. The Minister will then make recommendations to Cabinet in February 2010. 

The Taskforce has begun a series of 22 hui to seek feedback on the discussion document.

All feedback is due by 30 November 2009.

» Download the Whānau Ora discussion document from the Ministry of Social Development website

After extensive discussion and consultation, a new national disability network has been established to provide a clear voice to government and stay proactive on the issues and challenges ahead of the disability sector.

An interim management group comprising the Chairs of the NZ Federation of Vocational Support Services (VASS), National Residential Intellectual Disability Providers (NRID), Supported Living NZ (SLNZ) and the Association for Supported Employment in NZ (ASENZ), supported by the CEOs of IHC and CCS Disability Action, oversaw the project to determine the feasibility of, and support for, a single umbrella body for the disability sector.

In a show of unity and support, 40 organisations contributed nearly $90,000 during the network’s establishment phase.

The objectives of the new entity will be confirmed by the Establishment Board and members but are likely to focus on:

• providing a strong voice to government on matters of common interest
• keeping abreast of emerging trends and promoting best practice standards
• ensuring good communication with members and supporting the establishment of special interest networks
• supporting and disseminating research relevant to the delivery of quality support services
• building strong relationships with members and securing a sustainable support base
• building skills and capacity of members
• working collaboratively with disabled people, their families and allied agencies to foster an inclusive society.

Special interest networks are to be built from existing organisations and their terms of reference will be based on the principles, values and objectives of those organisations. The special interest networks will provide the vehicle for developing and maintaining best practice standards.  It is recognised that the special interest networks may change in the future to reflect changing needs and areas of focus.

» More information is available from members of the establishment group

The Community Sector Taskforce announced three Tangata Tiriti Taskforce member appointments in early October.

The Community Sector Taskforce is an independent body of five Tangata Tiriti and five Tangata Whenua community people.  It was established in 2003 to continue work initiated by the joint community sector and government working parties (2000-02) to develop the relationship between government and the sector. 

Twenty-one applications were received for the Tangata Tiriti positions and the Taskforce interview panel indicated that it was a very difficult task making the appointments due to the very high calibre of applicants. 

The successful applicants were:

• Kitty Chiu – Auckland
• Pancha Narayan – Upper Hutt
• Anna Cottrell – Wellington.

Earlier this year, Minister Turia announced funding over three years to support the work of the Community Sector Taskforce in working with and building local community networks.  The OCVS and the Community Sector Taskforce have agreed on a programme of work for the 2009/10 year, which includes initiatives in specific regions. 

The Taskforce’s Weaving Communities Together programme will support opportunities and provide funding to build new networks or enhance existing ones to find solutions to important issues within specific communities. Expressions of interest are due with the Taskforce by 20 November 2009.

» Profiles of taskforce members are published on the Community Sector Taskforce website.

» Learn how you can register an interest (before 20 November) in being part of the Weaving Communities Together programme

• The Social Report 2009
  This annual publication from the Ministry of Social Development charts New Zealand's progress across 43 social indicators ranging from health to paid work and safety.  The report includes information on how different population groups are faring and how New Zealand compares to other countries.
  Findings include:
  - New Zealanders’ level of trust in others is higher than the OECD median.
  - In 2008, 76 per cent of the voting-age population cast votes, a slight decline from 77 per cent in 2005.
  - In 2008, 75 per cent of New Zealanders were satisfied with their leisure time. 
  - In 2008, 78 per cent of employed New Zealanders were satisfied with their work-life balance.
  - Full-time employed people aged 35–54 years had lower levels of satisfaction with their work-life balance.

• New Zealand General Social Survey: 2008
  The first New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS) shows that 86 per cent of New Zealanders are satisfied with their life overall. The survey, published by Statistics NZ, contains a mixture of self-assessed measures, traditional measures, and new measures, which combine to give a full view of well-being in one survey. It includes New Zealanders' assessments of their health, the environment, and social contact with family and friends. It collects information about fields where there has been little official information available, for example, volunteering, emergency preparedness, and housing problems. Traditional measures such as income, tenure, employment, and education are also included.
  The survey showed that one-third of people undertook voluntary work and about two-thirds had done unpaid work outside the household in the last four weeks.

• Public policy challenges facing New Zealand – a speech made by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Bill English, to the Institute of Public Administration NZ on 23 September 2009.

   

• Presentations and information from the NGO Working Group: Ministry of Health Forum held on 19 October 2009.

   

• Findings from the Grant Thornton Not-for-Profit survey
  Undertaken by 181 participants covering a wide cross section of organisations and geographic locations, this survey shows that not-for-profit organisations are increasingly concerned about finance and fundraising. Seventy-two per cent of survey respondents identified financing as one of the three most significant issues they faced during these challenging economic times, with 47 per cent saying that fundraising was also a key area of concern. Both these figures were up significantly from the last survey two years ago, and the highest since the survey commenced in 2003. Other areas of significant concern were the role of boards in relation to governance, retaining and motivating staff and the managing and compliance costs of staff.

   

• Growing Active Citizens: A Guide to Running a Youth Citizens' Jury
  Youth Citizens Juries may be set up because a decision-making body wishes to consult young people in their community on a specific issue. The appropriateness of this method will depend on the issue being discussed, the motivations of the organisers and/or the decision-making body, the time frame and budget available, and the number of participants involved.  This guide includes a dvd and a booklet featuring sample invitation letters, agenda and evaluation forms, and New Zealand and overseas case studies. Produced by Local Government NZ, the Christchurch City Council and the University of Canterbury. 

   

• New research into the intentions and aspirations of New Zealand Baby Boomers as the first of this generational cohort approach traditional retirement age.
  Researcher Sharon Buckland was interviewed on National Radio about her new research report based on the New Zealand Boomer Dreams Study 2009. Her research document explores implications for social policy planning and for the voluntary sector – pointing out that although boomers won’t necessarily retire at the normal time, they will continue charitable works – so are an important target and resource for communities.
  » Download Sharon’s public research report (Word, 1.33MB)
  » Listen to the interview on National Radio

   

• The Open Data Catalogue website is an attempt to collate the many different datasets available through New Zealand government departments and local bodies.
  The work stems from discussions at the Perspectives on Open Data workshop on the re-use of government-held non-personal data.
  The aims of the site are to:
  - list all of the datasets available to members of the public
  - provide a place for people to comment on the datasets
  - make it easy for people to find the information they are after and who they need to contact
  - provide a voice for the data-using community, both professional and casual.

• Getting back on track: Helping young people not in education, employment or training in England: A guide for funders and charities.
  This report from Philanthropy Capital is intended to help donors make informed decisions about their giving, and to provide charities with a context for thinking about their work.
• Civic Engagement: Promoting public service and personal responsibility – Published on behalf of The Alliance for Public Service by the School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University-Newark, USA.
  The inaugural Sept/Oct 2009 issue of this online publication features an article entitled ‘In tough times, volunteering remains strong’, covers virtual volunteering, and reports on how Barack Obama’s start in public service powered his public service policy.
• Australian National Accounts: Non-Profit Institutions Satellite Account, 2006-07.
  This publication states there were 58,779 non-profit institutions registered with the Australian Taxation Office as at June 2007. NPIs contributed 4.1% to Australia’s total gross domestic product (GDP) in 2006-07. They received income of $76,639 million in 2006-07, and held $138 billion worth of assets. Australian NPIs contribute significantly to employment, accounting for 889,900 employed persons and over 4.6 million volunteers. These volunteers contributed 623 million hours to NPIs, equating to 317,200 full-time equivalents. The economic value of these hours was estimated to be $14.6 billion.
• Relationship matters: Not-for-profit community organisations and corporate community investment– research undertaken by the Centre for Corporate Public Affairs, for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in Australia.
  This report looks at the views of not-for-profit organisations on corporate community investment. The study follows on from two previous reports: Corporate Community Involvement: Establishing a Business Case and Corporate Community Investment in Australia. The Relationship Matters report examines barriers to corporate community partnerships, examines differences between not-for-profit organisations and corporations, identifies positive and negative factors at play in these partnerships, and focuses on trends and developments.

Our calendar listing events of interest to the community and voluntary sector and the government agencies that work with them now has its own page on our website.  This will allow us to update it throughout the month, so you can check it periodically to see what is coming up.  Our six-weekly e-news will continue to include a link to prompt you to check it out.

Highlights over the next two months include:

• International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day (5 November)
• appeals for Blind Week,  Leukemia & Blood Foundation, Parkinsons , the SPCA and others
• further events in the Institute of Policy Studies/IPANZ Building the Public Sector for the 21st Century seminar series in Wellington
• a funding expo in Tauranga (10 November)
• the national Community-Government Forum on 11 November
• Engage your community: EYC 09 conference in Wellington (12-13 Nov) – Book now!
• The most significant change (MSC) technique workshop in Wellington
• Systems thinking for solving complex problems workshop in Christchurch (26 November)
• International Volunteer Day (5 December)
• Ethical foundations of public policy conference in Wellington
• Authentic Leadership professional development workshop in Christchurch

» View the full events calendar online

If you do not want to receive any further email updates from the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector, please e-mail ocvs@msd.govt.nz with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

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The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector raises the profile of the community and voluntary sector within government to encourage co-operation and effective working relationships. You can find out more about the OCVS on our website www.ocvs.govt.nz, by email at ocvs@msd.govt.nz, phone: 04 918 9555, or by fax 04 913 3080.

Reproduction: You are welcome to reprint, forward or publish stories from this e-newsletter to raise awareness of the topics covered. Acknowledgement of OCVS as the source would be appreciated. (Any queries to ocvs@msd.govt.nz)
[Issue 28 ends].