Issue 38 - 1 December 2010

The Government has announced that the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector will move from the Ministry of Social Development to the Department of Internal Affairs in February 2011. The decision was made following a State Services Commission review of the institutional and Vote arrangements for the Community and Voluntary Sector. Ministers decided these would be improved if all parts of the C&V portfolio were brought together into one Crown agency, rather than remain split between the Ministry of Social Development and the Department of Internal Affairs.

As a consequence, Ministers have agreed that the OCVS functions, staffing and funding will transfer from MSD to DIA on 1 February 2011, to fit with the timing for the planned amalgamation of the National Library and Archives NZ with Internal Affairs. 

The OCVS's all-of-government focus on improving community-government relationships will complement DIA's present work with local communities.

Over the coming weeks, the OCVS will be working through all the practical matters that the move involves, and we will keep you informed of changes, such as contact details etc as these are confirmed.  But it is very much business as usual for us in the meantime.

» Read the Minister's announcement on the Beehive website

» See the Cabinet paper and minute on the State Services Commission site

During consultation on the draft Relationship Agreement between the Communities of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Government of New Zealand, the Kia tutahi Standing Together Steering Group received a clear message that participants wanted to see the proposed agreement before it was finalised.  In response to this, the steering group has now published a revised version on the OCVS website, together with a summary of its response to the feedback received.

The steering group says the feedback was extensive and helpful, and that it was great to hear the many different voices of people within communities and government. They heard that it is valuable to have an agreement and important to get it right - for government and for communities. The principles proposed in the draft agreement received broad support.

A significant matter that attracted different views was around defining the parties to the agreement. National and umbrella community organisations favoured the term "Community and Voluntary Sector", while local and regional level attendees generally preferred the wider term "communities" that encompasses organisations, families and individuals. 

After much discussion, the steering group has decided to retain the more inclusive term "Communities of Aotearoa New Zealand", and believes the significant role of the national organisations and umbrella groups is not diminished by using this broader term.

Steering group members also heard that people are eager for action and there is a real need for the agreement to lead to tangible results. As a consequence, the proposed agreement now makes commitment to its implementation clearer.

As a high-level aspirational document the Relationship Agreement provides the principles for future action. The steering group strongly agrees with feedback that HOW the agreement is put into practice is very important and that responsibility for this is shared by all those who sign up to it.

Over the next few months, the Kia tutahi Standing Together Steering Group will continue conversations around how to give effect to the principles and address long-standing issues such as review, monitoring, accountability and disputes.

In early 2011, the group expects to provide the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector with the proposed agreement, and an initial high-level framework to put the agreement into practice.

If you have any comments for the steering group, please provide these by Friday 3 December to ocvs@msd.govt.nz or to:

The Kia Tutahi-Standing Together Steering group
Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector
PO Box 1556
Wellington 6011

» View the revised proposed Agreement on the OCVS website

» See the steering group's response to feedback

» Read notes from specific regional hui

Nearly 100 public servants and their community stakeholders are registered for this week's Wellington seminar on the new Code of Funding Practice.

The Good Practice in Action seminar on 1 December features case studies from the new Code of Funding Practice, which was launched in October to help government funders and non-profit organisations work together when using public funds to benefit communities. 

Seminar presentations will be recorded and added to the Code of Funding Practice online at www.goodpracticefunding.govt.nz at a later date.

The Good Practice in Action seminar will provide a great opportunity for funding partners to examine their practices and consider how they can use the Code to enhance their processes.

» See more details about the seminar, including speakers

» View the Code of Funding Practice at www.goodpracticefunding.govt.nz

To coincide with International Volunteer Day later this week (5 Dec), the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, the Hon Tariana Turia will share the latest Quarterly Generosity Indicators (up to June 2010) at a Migrant Action Trust event in Auckland.

These latest Indicators will include a few extra statistics about the one million people who volunteered in the June quarter.  It will compare characteristics and behaviours of people who volunteered for or through an organisation with ‘the average person.'

The June quarter figures are the second time that New Zealand has published quarterly generosity indicators. The first Quarterly Generosity Indicators report was published on 15 September 2010.  The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector, in association with the Generosity Hub, commission Nielsen Media Research to collect quarterly data on giving and volunteering in New Zealand.

» Check the new data on the OCVS website after 5 December

» See the previous Quarterly Generosity Indicators (March qtr 2010)

» Read about the work of the Generosity Hub

» Join the Giving for Good Facebook page

If you have news or major activities related to community and voluntary sector issues, you are welcome to send a brief description to us at ocvs@msd.govt.nz for inclusion in our email updates.

The latest update from Inland Revenue shows that $890,904 has been donated via payroll giving since January this year. In September 2010 alone, more than 1,500 employees donated over $190,000. Because the donations were made through payroll giving, these employees received immediate tax credits totalling more than $63,000. They did not need to wait until the end of the year to make a claim.

Payroll giving is voluntary for employers and employees. Payroll giving enables donations to go directly from a person's pay to a chosen community organisation. The scheme is administered through the PAYE tax system, so employers need to file their PAYE returns online in order to introduce payroll giving in their organisation.

Research on giving indicates that approximately 794,000 people in employment are already committed givers (ie: making regular contributions of time or money to causes that are important to them).  By switching to payroll giving, many of these workers could potentially get money back that they might not have bothered to claim from the tax department in the past - effectively making donations more affordable. For the year ending 31 March 2009, tax credit claims were made for donations totalling at least $562.2 million, which shows there is potential for significant growth in the uptake of payroll giving.

» See the monthly payroll giving figures

» See background on payroll giving and how you can introduce it in your workplace

The Charities Commission has released two new research studies, measuring levels of public trust and confidence in charities, and looking at why people trust and feel confident in charities and how that affects their attitudes towards giving.

The Commission has made the research available to registered charities, and is encouraging them to use the findings to support their ongoing relationships with donors and supporters.

The surveys are:

• UMR trust and confidence in charities survey - an online survey with 2,210 respondents, run in late May 2010.
• Empathy Insight report: public trust and confidence - based on five focus group interviews, plus street interviews and a review of online comments

The research found that even if a person has a lower level of trust in the charitable sector overall, they may still trust individual charities. However, they don't necessarily give to charities they do trust, and may in fact give to some charities they don't particularly trust or have confidence in.

Charities Commission chief executive Trevor Garrett says the research emphasises the need for charities to "tell their story", and show their supporters that they spend their money wisely, and make a difference to the end cause.

"What people are telling us is that they are most likely to support charities whose work they can see and can relate to, and that they want to see tangible outcomes. Many of the people who took part in the research made special mention of particular charities, either because they had seen or experienced their work first-hand, or because they knew they might need their help one day," said Mr Garrett.

However, he says, charities may wish to take note of some of the things that people said made them feel less likely to trust or have confidence, and to use that information when designing their appeals, or publishing information about their achievements.

The Commission is running a series of discussion groups about the research findings with charities.

» Read the media release from the Charities Commission

» View the research reports

» See ComVoices' response to the survey findings

The Department of Internal Affairs is consulting on a proposal to change the Gambling (Class 4 Net Proceeds) Regulations 2004 so that non-casino gaming machine societies can make multi-year grants to the same recipient or recipients.

Currently, the Regulations prohibit this. The consultation document includes a proposal to make some additional regulations so that societies do not inadvertently breach other statutory provisions if multi-year grants are allowed, and to deal with the spending of residual gaming machine profits. You are invited to make submissions by 5pm Friday 17 December 2010.

» See the consultation documents on DIA's website

The independent Welfare Working Group released an options paper last week to address issues identified in its first report, which looked at the issues facing the current benefit system. The options paper canvasses a wide range of topics and looks at possible ways to improve the benefit system. 

There are many different views on what needs to change, and this feedback is reflected in the broad range of options the Welfare Working Group is now putting on the table for the public to debate. The potential options cover a spectrum from relatively minor amendments to the status quo, to a fundamental paradigm shift.

The Welfare Working Group is inviting submissions on the options paper, and people have until 24 December 2010 to respond to issues and proposals presented in the report. The Welfare Working Group will then present a final report to Government in February 2011, with recommendations for reform of the welfare system.

» View the Welfare Working Group options paper online

A new national umbrella organisation was launched on 17 November to help people who work with young people (aged 12-25) become more connected, effective and accountable.

New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) and National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa (NYWNA), have joined forces to create the new organisation, called Ara Taiohi, with the help of others in the youth sector. Their current memberships include more than 250 local and national organisations and networks representing thousands of people working with young people

Unveiling the new organisation's name at the Involve youth conference, kaumatua Ruru Hona said the health and well-being of young people are its heart. (‘Ara' means ‘pathway to/for', and ‘taiohi' means ‘young people').

At the launch, NZAAHD president Trissel Mayor said Ara Taiohi would bring the youth sector together, raise the bar for service delivery, and provide a cohesive voice on youth development and youth issues.

"It will help us make the best use of resources, reduce duplication, and create something better and bolder to increase the well-being of young people in Aotearoa."

While some of its roles are yet to be determined, Ara Taiohi will:

• run Youth Week, an annual event to celebrate and promote young people
• organise a national youth health and development conference
• speak out on issues affecting young people and those who work with them
• provide training, information and support for members.

Setting up a professional body for youth workers is also a priority. 

When Ara Taiohi is up and running, NZAAHD and NYWNA will both wind up.

» Read the full announcement about this new group

The Office for Disability Issues is seeking comment on a draft report about the rights of disabled people in New Zealand. The Office would like to hear the views of disabled people and their families about New Zealand's implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

You can have your say in three ways:

• participate in an online discussion
• attend one of the face-to-face meetings
• make a written submission.

It is really important that as many people as possible take advantage of this opportunity. The last time something like this happened was in 2000, when the NZ Disability Strategy was being developed.

You can write as little or as much as you like and comment as an individual, a family member or as an organisation.

This is your chance to shape and add value to the Government's new disability action plan, which seeks to actively implement the Convention's obligations.  Comments are due by 17 December 2010.

All information about the Convention, discussion documents, a meeting schedule and the discussion thread are online.

» Visit http://haveyoursay.odi.govt.nz

• Creating TIES that Strengthen - Engagement Guide
  The Tamaki Inclusive Engagement Strategy (TIES) promotes the active participation of Tamaki communities in any decisions affecting their future. Grounded in a principle-based approach, TIES offers a framework and practical tools to help guide good engagement. This new book offers TIES principles and tools, as well as recording community stories of successful collaborations at a local scale. Community storytellers share knowledge and wisdom from their everyday experiences of living and working in their communities. Professor Ian Shirley (Auckland University of Technology) also recalls his apprenticeship in Tamaki nearly four decades ago and some of the people and projects that had a profound and enduring impact on his journey.
  » For purchase information visit http://www.tiesbook.org.nz/

• Beyond the dark journey
  Wellington Refugees As Survivors Trust has launched its second book of short stories and poems written by former refugees.

• Presentations from Does Inequality Matter? A Policy Forum
  This forum on 16 November was hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington, in association with the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago. The one-day policy forum aimed to critically assess the main arguments advanced in Richard Wilkinson's and Kate Pickett's book The Spirit Level: Why equality is better for everyone, and consider whether inequality (especially income inequality) really does matter to the fabric of a society.
  » View several of the presentations online
  » Read the Income Inequality and the Economy of Ideas article about The Spirit Level in the Policy Quarterly (Vol 6, No. 3, Aug 2010)
  » See a NZ Herald report on the forum
  » Visit The Equality Trust website

• New Zealand Official Yearbook 2010
  The 107th edition of the NZ Official Yearbook was launched on World Statistics Day, 20 October 2010. The 27 chapters feature developments in business, government, education, the environment, health, and the arts, based on the most recent information available from both the public and private sector.

• Census 2011 resources now available
  In the lead up to the 2011 Census, Statistics NZ has launched new census resources for the public. About the 2011 Census flyers are available in 10 languages and are designed to answer the basic questions about the census. Statistics NZ has released a video about the 2011 Census for the Deaf. Filmed with a sign language interpreter, the video covers the importance of the census, what the information is used for, and what people need to do on census day. The video is available on the census website, YouTube, and on the Deaf Aotearoa website. Statistics NZ is also offering a 2011 Census education resource for primary, intermediate, and secondary schools to use during the first term and throughout the rest of the year. The resource contains everything teachers need to have a successful, curriculum-based unit on the 2011 Census.

• Treasury working papers
  The Treasury Working Papers series includes new empirical research relevant to understanding the New Zealand economy or the impact of economic policy in New Zealand. The papers do not themselves represent policy advice, nor do they represent the Treasury's view. The most recent working papers were published on 16 November 2010 and cover topics such as health and wealth, retirement decisions and labour force participation. By publishing the papers on the Treasury website, Treasury aims is to make these ideas available to a wider audience and to inform and encourage public debate, with the ultimate aim of informing the Treasury's policy advice.

• OECD New Zealand documents
  www.oecd.org/nz  is a one-stop-shop for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports and statistics on New Zealand. You can browse the documents in chronological order or by topic (e.g. economy, trade, development, environment, energy, social issues).

• Ministry of Social Development's Statistical Report 2009
  The Statistical Report contains statistical information about how people interact with the service lines of the Ministry of Social Development. It will be of value to people working within the social sector, in policy, research and service delivery. Statistics for the last five years are presented, including significant changes in policy, the administration of benefits and other support services.

• Community Response Fund grants awarded and application information
  The Community Response Fund is for community-based critical social services providing support directly to families, children, young and older people that can meet the Fund's Criteria and address identified priority areas.

• Standards NZ can assist you
  Standards New Zealand is the national developer and publisher of Standards and Standards solutions. You can contact the Business Relationships team on 04 498 5990 to find out how Standards can help you with your policy and regulatory work.

• A Leader in Every Chair workshop in Wellington
  This 3 December workshop on collaborative practice features group-facilitation pioneers, founders of Peer Spirit Circle Process, and authors of the newly released, The Circle Way: A Leader in Every Chair, Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea. The Circle Way illustrates the application and potential of using circle in community and organisational settings. The book is filled with stories that bring the circle conversation to life in a variety of professional settings.
  » E-mail info@emmersongroup.co.nz for costing and booking information

• Outcomes-Focused Strategic Planning for the Public Sector (Level 1) workshop
  New Zealand public sector strategic planners, policy and other staff are now faced with a wide range of competing demands. These include traditional strategic planning but also having to: ‘manage for outcomes'; prove impacts and cost-effectiveness under the Public Finance Act; track progress on outcomes; show ‘line-of-sight between outputs and outcomes for central agencies; do programme evaluation; and report on outputs for accountability purposes. In addition they may be called upon to work on collaborative cross-department projects with shared outcomes. It can be challenging navigating through these different demands. In this Wellington workshop on 7 December, Dr Paul Duignan will provide public servants with an easier way to achieve what departments need to achieve.

• Apply for funding from United Way
  2011 funding applications are invited from small to medium sized community-based human welfare charities operating in either Greater Auckland, Manawatu/ Horowhenua, top of the South Island, Canterbury, Otago or Southland areas and focusing on any of the following:
  • Helping children and youth succeed
  • Strengthening and assisting families
  • Supporting the vulnerable and elderly
  • Promoting wellness, independence and self-sufficiency.
The closing date for applications is 31 December 2010.
» Application forms may be completed online at www.unitedway.org.nz
» For further information, call United Way NZ (09) 377-2544 or email jo@unitedway.org.nz    

• State of the World's Volunteerism report
  The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) organisation is preparing the first ever report on the State of the World's Volunteerism. Produced by the United Nations with the assistance of consultants and academics from around the world, the report is set to be launched on International Volunteer Day - 5 December 2011. The Report is expected to address what is meant by volunteerism, why people volunteer their time, the many ways people choose to volunteer and the impact of this engagement.
  » For information on how to take part in the report visit: http://jobs.undp.org/

• The Best of Practice from IAP2
  A collection of award-winning and diverse case studies of best practice in community engagement from across Australia and New Zealand. This book, a valuable reference tool, contains real-life case studies that provide the reader with new insights into the tools, techniques and processes of community engagement. Produced by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), the resource is for community engagement professionals working at all levels of government, industry and the community, trainers and their students and, indeed, all organisations committed to engaging people in decision making.

• Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations
  This 2008 book by Clay Shirky evaluates the significant role technological advances are playing on the formation and experience of modern group dynamics. The book explores how new forms of social interaction enabled by technology are changing the way humans form groups and exist within them. The author looks at how social tools such as blogging software like Wordpress and Twitter, file sharing platforms like Flickr, and online collaboration platforms like Wikipedia support group conversation and action in a way that previously could only be achieved through institutions. Shirky argues that the advent of online social tools means groups can form without the previous restrictions of time and cost.
  » See an alternative view from the author of The Tipping Point

• Happiness index to gauge Britain's national mood
  The UK government is poised to start measuring people's psychological and environmental wellbeing, bidding to be among the first countries to officially monitor happiness. Countries such as France and Canada are looking at similar initiatives as governments around the world come under pressure to put less store on conventional economic measures of prosperity such as gross domestic product.

• Teamer website helps organise sports teams or cultural groups
  Teamer is an online tool to help organise any group from 2 people to 200 people or more.
  The free website can:
  • notify members of your team of events such as meetings, trips away, cancellations and social events with unlimited free texts and emails
  • capture availability responses (text or e-mail) in one place on your teampage
  • offer one-click-cancellation of an event from web/mobile to players phones and e-mail addresses
  • include profiles, photo galleries and a group blog for technique advice, team logistics, uploading documents and discussion.
All team pages are private and secure tor training group members only.
» Visit the www.teamer.net website to see a 90 second demo or contact the Director of Operations NZ, Patrick Maguire

Check the Events calendar on CommunityNet Aotearoa to see what is happening around the country. 
Forthcoming events include:

• International Day of Disabled Persons (3 Dec)
• International Volunteer Day (5 Dec)
• International Human Rights Day (10 Dec)
• Community Energy Network launch (15 Dec)
• International Year of Volunteers +10 (2011)

....and much more.

» View the full CommunityNet Aotearoa events calendar online

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 or 04 978 4185)
[Issue 38 ends].

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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 here on our website www.ocvs.govt.nz, by email at ocvs@msd.govt.nz, phone: 04 918 9555, or by fax 04 913 3080.

» Now that you’ve read this e-news, you may want to read some of the back issues.