23 May 2006

Lacklustre but not necessarily lacking

The community and voluntary sector has welcomed the Government’s budget commitment to fund projects that seek to tackle key social problems in New Zealand.

The funding announced for specific violence prevention programmes, services for aged care, obesity prevention, early childhood education, child health, primary health and community-based housing projects over the next four years is a step in the right direction towards ensuring all Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector groups benefit from targeted, sustainable funding.

“Budget 2006 recognises that many community-based services, particularly in health and social services, have long-term visions and need to be funded accordingly. We were pleased that the work of several community and voluntary sector groups was recognised with specific funding commitments,” said Tim Burns, executive director of Volunteering New Zealand.

Tina Reid, executive director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, said it was good to see the Government continuing its commitment to multi-year funding and also highlighting their priorities over the next four years.

“The sector recognises that pre-budget calls for lower taxes must be balanced against the need to increase support for social services in New Zealand. The reality is that funding and sustainability continues to be a major issue for our sector.

The work of Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector organisations is planned for the long term, so it’s preferable to see targeted and sustained funding in this Budget rather than short-term commitments.”

ENDS

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