The newsletter of Volunteering New Zealand

Friday, 30 November 2007, 1:36 pm
Press Release: Volunteering New Zealand

VNZ Update
The newsletter of Volunteering New Zealand

Parliamentary Breakfast to start International Volunteer Day
Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General and CEO of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation will be the guest speaker at a Parliamentary Breakfast which will start the events to mark International Volunteer Day in New Zealand on 5 December. He will speak on “Civil Society - Acting Together for a Just World”.

Parliamentary host for the breakfast is Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and co-hosting is the COmVOiceS network.

This will be the first of many events being held throughout New Zealand by volunteer centres and a wide range of organisations seeking to give recognition to their volunteers or the volunteers in their communities. Volunteering NZ is joining forces with Volunteer Wellington and the Mayor of Wellington for an event beginning in Civic Square with a balloon launch and Mayoral reception in the Council Chambers.

Statistics NZ will be marking the day by the release of a QuickStats report about Unpaid Work. Using information from the 2006 census, it will report on unpaid work across factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, region and religion.

A full list of all the IV Day activities can be seen through this link http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/files/IVDToolkit/IVD_Activities.xls

New project underway has focus on promoting volunteering and giving
Important early steps were taken in a new project, ‘Promoting Generosity’ at a workshop held in Wellington on 16 November. Jointly co-ordinated by Volunteering NZ, Philanthropy NZ and OCVS, the project has the aim of developing effective programmes to encourage giving and volunteering.

About 60 people with a deep interest and/or involvement in giving of funds and time attended the half day workshop. They included representatives of community organisations, philanthropic trusts, volunteer support organisation and individuals with a special interest in and personal commitment to giving in all forms.

The workshop identified a vision for a generous New Zealand, the opportunities and challenges in building that vision and proposals for next steps. A ‘hub’ (working group) has been formed which will include people a range of backgrounds and experience. They will be supported by advisors who will add specialist knowledge and expertise as needed. There is a third group of those who wish to keep informed about the project and its progress. Anyone can be added to this group. If you would to be informed, contact Tim Burns, Executive Director, Volunteering NZ, email: ed@volunteeringnz.org.nz

Special page on Volunteering NZ website for emergency services
A new webpage about emergency services which will feature regular news bulletins has been established on the Volunteering NZ website, www.volunteeringnz.org.nz . This new feature has been established through a partnership between Volunteering NZ and the Ministry for Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

One of the objectives of the new webpage will be to encourage more people to consider becoming an emergency volunteer and the page provides information about a full range of emergency services – civil defence, land search and rescue, specialist land search and rescue, search dogs, marine search and rescue, fire, ambulance and victim support. Contact information is provided for each section. Regular updates and bulletins will provide a source of information for current and potential emergency services volunteers. The link to the webpage is http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/civil/civil_index.php .

Volunteer Costs Survey Report being presented to Minister of Revenue
A Working Paper based on her research into the out-of-pocket expenses of volunteers is to be presented to Revenue Minister Peter Dunne by Letisha Tan, an accounting Honours student in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law. This will take place at an International Volunteer Day Business Links seminar hosted by the Centre for Accounting, Governance and Taxation Research at Victoria University.

Minister Dunne will open the seminar and it will feature a panel discussion on “Should Charities Be Given Tax Incentives”. The panel speakers will be Frank Claridge, a Charities Commission Board member, Aylton Jamieson, a chartered accountant and member of the Wellington District Law Society and David McLay, a barrister specializing in tax, trust and charity law.

An executive summary of Letisha Tan’s report is available through the following link http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/files/survey/vuw_survey_summary.pdf

Highly successful volunteering conference
A conference which pushed the boundaries on the future of volunteering was the feedback from those attending the two day event hosted by Volunteering NZ at Te Papa, Wellington in early November.

There was a full house to hear the newly appointed Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Ruth Dyson, open the conference during the Powhiri. It was her first public speaking engagement in this new role for her. Her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the sector and volunteering was demonstrated in her speech which recalled her past related roles including undertaking a research project which led to the formation of Volunteer Wellington.

Keynote speaker Greg Brownless provided inspiration for the spirit of the conference to follow with his unassuming account of his volunteering role in Thailand following the 2004 Tsunami and his recent move to make his business into a trust which will provide funding for community projects. He highlighted several lessons for volunteering through his address. Other keynote speakers included Rev Maurice Gray, VNZ’s Maori board member and advisor, Kylee Bates, former deputy CEO, Volunteering Australia, Rod Oram, a well known commentator on business and community issues, Nick Jones, a specialist researcher and an advocate for corporate community responsibility, Karen Roberts, IHC and Kat Paton, OCVS, but speaking as a younger volunteer.

Breakout sessions encompassed many aspects of volunteering and the impact of our changing world – changes in population, diverse cultural perspectives, making use of new technology , managing risk, keeping the values of volunteering, education and training needs and more.

Copies of most of the presentations are now available on VNZ’s website through this link http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/events/2007_Conference_1.php
Volunteer Managers contribution recognised in several centres
A number of special events were held on 1 November to mark International Volunteer Managers Appreciation Day and to give recognition to those who take responsibility for volunteer teams.

In Wellington, more than 30 volunteer managers came together at a breakfast forum in the board room of KPMG. Organised by Volunteer Wellington and Ann Hodson volunteer manager with the Cancer Society, people were wowed by a magnificent view of Wellington harbour at its best and then listened to a succinct talk from Tim Barnett MP and a diverse group telling the salient points that make their volunteer programmes work well.

In New Plymouth 40 Managers attended a Morning Tea put on by the Mayor at the Civic Centre. Local Volunteer Centre manager Heather Dodunski filled a 'goodie bag' for each attendee.
A number of new people were there and the comment from a many of them was that they were finally able to talk personally to managers that they had only had contact over the email etc with up until then.

Nelson also had a breakfast for coordinators/managers, attended by 21 people. Mary Garner, Coordinator at Hospice spoke about the senior managers retreat she recently attended in Australia.

Hawkes Bay launched a volunteer managers and co-ordinators network with a coffee morning, There was good feedback. Co-ordinators don’t have a voice as yet in that region and they want to change that. The local paper reported on the event.

NZ Breakers offer free tickets to IHC buddies to celebrate IV Day
The Harvey Norman NZ Breakers are offering IHC volunteers and their buddies free tickets to the North Shore basketballers' game on December 6 to mark International Volunteer Day (5 December).

Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke has a special interest in IHC's Volunteer Programme. He has a buddy from IHC, Andrew Boyce, who plays basketball and is as mad on sport as he is.

The Breakers NBL game against the Sydney Kings is on at the North Shore Events Centre on Thursday 6 December. All volunteers in the IHC Volunteer Programme and their buddies will be welcome.

Volunteers crucial for Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta has praised the contribution of volunteers to the success of the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. "We have some 40,000 volunteers helping young people in Aotearoa/New Zealand alone and it is awesome to know that more than 600,000 young people actively participated as recently as 2005," said Nanaia Mahuta at the opening of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Asia Pacific Regional event.

"Aotearoa/New Zealand is a small country with a big heart and this is evident by the commitment to make the award so highly sought after. Volunteering is a crucial part of the award's success, so the experienced support young people get when they're taking part in the programme, is invaluable, and will hopefully encourage them to become tomorrow's volunteers."

The event brings together delegates from around the Asia Pacific region for a week-long event, which will include the Regional Board Meeting and a Regional Training Workshop. There was a special focus on The Challenge - a programme that provides young people with an opportunity to focus on service, learn new skills, and raise their confidence. People in the news

New CEO takes up position at Volunteering Australia
Cary Pedicini, has been appointed the new CEO of Volunteering Australia. Cary joins VA with a significant background in the not-for-profit and government sectors in fields as diverse as sport and recreation, outdoor education, student accommodation, vocational education and training, employment and community services.

Cary has held senior management positions with organisations such as the YMCA, the Department for Victorian Communities and, most recently, State Director for Mission Australia in Victoria. Originally qualifying as an Industrial Designer, Cary holds a Masters of Business, and post graduate qualifications in Education and Outdoor Studies. He also brings experience in volunteer management in sport and recreation, and this is complimented by his most recent experience engaging with major national companies in corporate volunteering programmes.

Amnesty International appoints new CEO
Amnesty International in New Zealand has appointed Patrick Holmes as the new Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Executive Director Ced Simpson.

He joins Amnesty International after 15 years working in the non-profit sector in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, in marketing, fundraising and operations management roles. He was previously the Head of Fundraising at the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. Prior to entering the NGO sector, Patrick's earlier career was in banking and finance.

Foundation of the Blind Names 2007 Narrator of the Year
The RNZFB has named Merv Smith as winner of the 2007 Narrator of the Year award, acknowledging his talent and his 38 years of service to the blind community. He was presented with the award in front of RNZFB members, friends and VIPs from the blindness community who were gathered to honour talking book narrators and to celebrate 70 years of talking books in New Zealand.

“What makes Merv such a wonderful narrator is his talent for sight reading – he interprets materials as he reads, making for a conversational and personal experience with the reader,” says Mary Schnackenberg, RNZFB Adaptive Support Divisional Manager.

This marks Merv’s third Narrator of the Year award. Alongside his career as an iconic Auckland broadcaster, he has dedicated time to narrating approximately 100 titles for the RNZFB, including a vast selection of magazines and books. Some titles narrated by him include My Life by David Lange, Uncle Trev’s Teeth by Jack Lasenby, Whitethorn by Bryce Courtney and Song of a Drifter And Other Ballads by Barry Crump.

In June 2007, the RNZFB Board of Directors agreed in principle to transition from the distribution of talking books on analogue cassette tapes to their distribution in electronic DAISY format over the Internet, directly into players in Foundation members’ homes. The transition is planned to begin in early 2009 and will take several years, requiring millions of dollars.

The RNZFB library provides services to over 5,600 members, lending more than 400,000 talking books and magazines annually. The Foundation’s library and talking books studios are funded almost entirely from voluntary donations.

NZ Red Cross celebrate commitment of husband and wife team
Long serving New Zealand Red Cross members Sir Kenneth and Jocelyn, Lady Keith now share the accolade of being New Zealand Red Cross Counsellors of Honour, a title only 20 people can hold at any given time.

Jocelyn, Lady Keith's nomination as a Counsellor of Honour was accepted on Saturday during New Zealand Red Cross' 76th Annual Council Meeting. The appointment recognises her outstanding service to the organization. Sir Kenneth was made a Counsellor of Honour in 2000.

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation, committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people

International Volunteer Award for New Zealander
Auckland Chris Simmons has been given the Volunteer Service Award by the global Entrepreneurs Organisation to recognise his work in mentoring and educating business people throughout the globe about entrepreneurial activities.

Chris Simmons, whose own businesses in New Zealand involve interactive services, web design and development and mobile applications, said the Award was one of only 12 given by Entrepreneurs Organisation in the 20 years since it was founded in Las Vegas.

"I was surprised by the honour, but I have taken seriously the idea that peer- to-peer learning is one of the most important aspects of growing entrepreneurial businesses." Among his most recent work as an EO representative was a series of meetings with businessmen in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. Before that he was in Lahore in Pakistan, and in Mozambique, Africa, mentoring business people who wanted to do more for themselves, and their countries.

More Trustpower Regional Winners announced
Palmerston Mini Show Wins Waihemo District top award
The Palmerston Mini Show has won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Waihemo Community Awards. The Show is all inclusive community fun day for the whole family. The event, which has been running for 16 years, teaches local children to ride horses.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Rebecca James says volunteers help with all aspects of the show from organising sponsorship and prizes, preparing the grounds for the event and cooking meals for the officials. Local children help sort out the ribbons and wrap all the prizes.

The category winners were:
Heritage and Environment: Palmerston Lions Club
Health and Well Being: Joint Winners - East Otago Community Health Trust and the Palmerston Lions Club
Arts and Culture: Otago Eastern Districts Camera Club
Sport and Leisure: Palmerston-Waihemo A & P Association Inc
Educational and Child/Youth Development: Palmerston Presbyterian Church – Funtastic Friday

Wairoa Search and Rescue wins in its region
Wairoa Search and Rescue has won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards. TrustPower Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches says as well as providing life-saving assistance, the Wairoa Search and Rescue volunteers also have to raise funds to ensure their service is well-equipped. “Over the past few years the organisation has raised funds to provide their own VHF radio network. This system is compatible with the Department of Conservations and Civil Defence radios and will help provide overall district coverage in the event of a major disaster,” says Mr Purches.

The category winners were:
Heritage and Environment: Wairoa District Heritage and Museum Trust
Health and Well Being: Wairoa Search and Rescue
Arts and Culture: Denice Gasson School of Dance
Sport and Leisure: Wairoa Basketball Association
Educational and Child/Youth Development: P.U.F.F (Parents up for Fundraising)

Education/Professional Development And Related Matters

New issue of the Australian Journal of Volunteering published
This second issue for 2007 features papers on flexibility in volunteer tourism; leadership; volunteer stress; recruitment and retention of women volunteer fire-fighters. This issue also highlights the third CPNS Alumni student prize for the best paper written by a student at an Australian university.

Members of Volunteering NZ are eligible for a reduced subscription rate to the Journal. For more details of this, email ed@volunteeringnz.org.nz . A full list of the contents in this issue can be found from the Volunteering Australia website. The link is http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?id=2909&nav_cat_id=&nav_top_id=&idi=2909&entry_id=3032&entrytype=newsP

Financial Reporting changes for small and medium not-for-profit organisations

Small and medium sized not-for-profit entities will be affected by the decision of the Accounting Standards Review Board (ASRB) and Financial Reporting Standards Board (FRSB) to delay the mandatory adoption of the New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS) for certain entities.

Following a 2002 decision by the ASRB and FRSB, all New Zealand entities that prepare general purpose financial statements, would have been required to adopt NZ IFRS for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007.

Since that decision was made in 2002, there has been much debate about the applicability of NZ IFRS to not-for-profit organisations as well as many other small and medium sized businesses. In addition, the Ministry of Economic Development has not yet finalised its review of the financial reporting regime for charities and other not-for-profit organisations and is commencing a review of the legislative reporting requirements of small companies.

As it is not known what the outcome of this work will be in terms of who and how these entities must report and what thresholds will be applied, the postponement of the mandatory adoption of NZ IFRS seems a logical interim step. There is no indication of how long the delay will be but, as the Government reviews of the reporting by small companies and charities/other not-for-profits will take some time, it seems the delay will be for at least 3 years.

What does this mean for not-for-profit organisations?

Small and medium sized not-for-profit organisations must make a choice - they may apply NZ IFRS in their 2007/8 financial statements or they may continue to apply existing Financial Reporting Standards. Which alternative not-for-profits choose will be influenced by a number of factors including the future intentions of the organisation (such as whether it intends to issues securities in the near future), whether third parties (such as funders) have imposed any expectations on the organisation and other matters.

The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants has recently released a Not For Profit Financial Reporting Guide – while this is based on NZ IFRS, it also provides a wealth of guidance for organisations which choose to continue to use existing Financial Reporting Standards. Further guidance and information is available at www.nzica.com/nfp

For small and medium sized not-for-profit organisations having their financial statements audited by a Chartered Accountant, financial statements compiled under either the existing standards or NZ IFRS will be acceptable. It may however be a good time for organisations to consider whether they really need an audit and whether an alternative form of assurance would be appropriate (see upcoming article in New Dialogue).

New website to help NGOs share ideas on how mobile technology creates social change

Nokia and Vodafone have launched a new website designed to help share ideas on how to use mobile communications for social and environmental benefits. The site, www.shareideas.org, was created in direct response to NGO calls for better tools and information on how to use mobile technology more effectively in their work.

Although initially created with support from Nokia and Vodafone, the site will be developed by a wide range of individuals and organizations interested in using mobile services for social change. The wiki format means people can edit, update or comment on case studies and stories on the site, and add their own from wherever they are around the world.

Case studies are grouped into six key areas - civic engagement, economic empowerment, education, environment, housing, health and safety and humanitarian relief projects - topics chosen after consultation with many NGOs.

Stories already shared on the site include how the development of an SMS alert system has made it possible for one organization to mobilize hundreds of volunteers to carry out emergency clean up efforts in the event of an oil spill in the Baltic Sea. Other examples include how mobile games have been created in Africa and India to educate the public about HIV/AIDS and prevention measures, and how teachers in remote areas in the Philippines are receiving training and state of the art learning materials through a simple SMS message.

Tips and advice to help NGOs use mobile devices to help manage their work and communication between their teams and to their supporters are also available on the site.

ENDS

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Volunteering New Zealand

Leaders of Volunteering

Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering, such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations.

Volunteering New Zealand's mission is to promote, support and advocate for volunteering.

Contact Volunteering New Zealand

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