Media Release
12 February 2008

Government Recognition of Community Agencies Universally Welcomed

Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister of significant additional funding for non-government organisations providing services to the community has been received with acclaim by members of the Community Sector.

For possibly the first time in our history, the New Zealand Government has committed to effectively and tangibly recognising the critical role the community sector agencies play in achieving and supporting positive outcomes for children and families.

The move to reduce compliance costs, to build sector capacity, to encourage collaboration, and to fully fund essential services is an inspired and visionary investment in the health and well-being of our community.

The Government’s commitment to an additional $446 million of funding over the next four years to fully fund essential services for vulnerable families, children and young people is evidence of the Government’s belief in the contribution of the community sector. Guaranteed multi-year funding which is inflation adjusted will provide the certainty and enhanced capacity that will ensure community agencies can provide the best possible outcomes to our community.

The community agencies listed below want to commend the Government for its much needed recognition of the sector and for its commitment to achieving more for or children and families. These organisations also want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the minister Ruth Dyson and the senior officials of those Government agencies involved, most notably the Ministry of Social Development.

ENDS

Barnardos New Zealand
Jigsaw
National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges
National Network of Stopping Violence Services
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services
New Zealand Council of Social Services
New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services
New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations
Presbyterian Support Services
Relationship Services
Royal New Zealand Plunket Society
The Family Centre

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