Holistic approach to social infrastructure crucial

Media Release

For Immediate Release

1 May 2009

Holistic approach to social infrastructure crucial

Sanitarium’s move to give their workers a paid day off to attend a personal wellbeing roadshow highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach to the long term health of New Zealand communities.

ComVoices, an independent network of more than 20 Tangata Whenua, and Community and Voluntary Sector organisations says that the not for profit organisations that Sanitarium workers are consulting today, like Diabetes Project Trust, Arthritis New Zealand and the Heart Foundation are part of a strong social infrastructure that supports and sustains all communities.

Wendi Wicks, National Policy Researcher for the Disabled Peoples Assembly (DPA) says, “Communities across New Zealand are supported by an extensive network of non-profit organisations providing high-value services and advocacy to their communities at very low cost.

“Non-profit organisations in New Zealand contribute 2.6 per cent to GDP. Yet 90 percent of them do not employ paid staff.”
 
Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering New Zealand says, “Sanitarium’s move has shown that big-name New Zealand companies are beginning to realise that our social infrastructure is just as important as our physical infrastructure.

“It is vital that we celebrate Sanitarium’s bold move, and ensure we continue discussions about the value of our Sector, particularly during the economic downturn when New Zealanders’ needs have greatly increased.”

The Community and Voluntary Sector in New Zealand is the same size as the construction industry.

The value of voluntary labour in New Zealand was estimated by Johns Hopkins University research to be worth $3.31 billion for the year ended March 2004.

Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand says, “A growing number of companies, both small and large, are encouraging and arranging events for their staff to encourage their involvement in community projects on a paid basis. These companies need to be applauded.”

“The health of people – whether that is financial, emotional or physical health – impacts on all parts of our society.

“Taking a continued holistic approach to how we look after New Zealanders is crucial to the long term health of our country and its people. The National-led Government needs to take a lead from Sanitarium and engage from a holistic perspective – not segregate social services from the economic and business perspective,” Robyn says.

ENDS

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