About the community and voluntary sector

The New Zealand community and voluntary sector is diverse, its organisations differ in size, structure, legal status and purpose. Various terms are used to describe the sector, including third sector, non-profit sector, non-government or ‘NGO’ sector.

Definition of the community and voluntary sector We have adopted the description used by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Civil Society Studies. New Zealand also has unique features and consideration is being given to how Māori organisations fit within the sector.	About volunteering More than one million New Zealanders are involved in some form of voluntary work in their communities. They make a huge contribution to New Zealand society in many types of activity.
Links to sector organisations Find out which other organisations provide services and support community and voluntary organisations.	Funding for the sector Find out which grants and funds are available and where to go for more information.

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