Community & Voluntary Sector recognised

Media Release - 31 October 2007

New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations New Zealand Council of Social Services

Importance of Community & Voluntary Sector recognised

The New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and New Zealand Council of Social Services are delighted to see that the Community & Voluntary Sector portfolio has been promoted to Cabinet level.

"As we head into an Election year we expect the Community & Voluntary Sector will attract more attention from political parties than it has in the past, and this seems to have been reflected in the Cabinet reshuffle," said Ros Rice, Executive Officer of the New Zealand Council of Social Services.

"We are also pleased to see the role associated with the portfolio of Social Development again, as the relationship between the sector and agencies associated with the Ministry of Social Development is an extremely important one," said Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

"We are keen to establish a positive relationship with Ruth Dyson as the new Minister, and are confident that her experience and knowledge of sector issues will assist that relationship".

Both the Federation and Council stated their appreciation of the role played by the Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban in holding the Community and Voluntary Sector portfolio - outside Cabinet - over the last two years.

"We acknowledge Minister Laban's energy and genuine support for our sector. We look forward to continuing contact with her in her ongoing role as Minister of Pacific Island Affairs and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment," said Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

ENDS

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