ANGOA welcomes the strengthening of the links between civil society in New Zealand and CIVICUS.

ANGOA welcomes the strengthening of the links between civil society in New Zealand and CIVICUS.

The Association of NGOS of Aotearoa (ANGOA) has welcomed the appointment of Wellingtonian Pat Hanley’s election to the Board of CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation. Speaking on the appointment, ANGOA Coordinator Dave Henderson said today: “CIVICUS is a global network that stands for the real involvement of people in the governance of their communities.

"In New Zealand we have a great tradition that allows us to organise ourselves and address common interests and concerns, be they childcare, education, workplace safety, sport, support for the elderly, human rights, and many other areas. What's more, we can create formal associations that are recognised and listened to by Government.

“In many countries this right is already limited, or is under threat. We need to consciously protect it even here in New Zealand. CIVICUS and ANGOA are linked vehicles for strengthening and promoting our right to organise as citizens, and Pat Hanley's involvement with strengthen our arm.”

Mr Henderson said that CIVICUS (www.civicus.org) has worked for over a decade to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened.

ENDS

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