New Era In Development Of The Tangata Whenua

"Continuing to build a sector voice that is independent from Government is the number one priority for over 95,000 groups and organisations that make up the Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector" said Sam Sefuiva, Tangata Tiriti Co-Chair - Community Sector Taskforce.

At a National Forum in June attended by 150 sector leaders, the Community Sector Taskforce was endorsed to carry on its work to develop towards an independent body that is required to empower sector development into the future.

The call for some clear leadership on issues such as contracting and funding relationships and the need to strengthen viable community–led organisations was echoed strongly by the sector leaders at the forum.

"We need a sector-led review of all funding relationships with the government" said Tony Spelman, Tangata Whenua Co-Chair - Community Sector Taskforce.

"While it is good that a lot of sector funding comes from government, many of our groups and organisations are choosing not to participate in government processes. The very high level of administrative and monitoring oversight required by government has become excessive in many areas. This has made government processes to manage funding relationships unacceptable and unworkable from a community perspective," he said.,

Sector leaders at the June forum decided that it is important to keep moving forward and they confirmed that the sector's preferred way of working on future development is via its Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi Relationships Framework which enables the interests of all parties to be engaged as groups and communities come together.

"When Tangata Whenua interests are properly factored into everyday ways of working in communities, both Maori and non-Maori interests can be catered for with a degree of balance that truly includes everyone," said Iris Pahau, National Development Manager.

"This is important for the protection of the Treaty rights of Tangata Whenua and also for the wellbeing of the community as a whole."

Sam Sefuiva said: "We need to build on work done at a local and regional level so that the strength of the sector can be realised at all levels throughout the country rather than continuing to emphasise Wellington-based national level activity because that is where central government resides."

Tony Spelman said: "On behalf of over 95,000 groups and organisations in the sector we will partner with government but not be dictated to by them. We will take a greater control of sector-focused research and the way we communicate the voices within the sector on issues of importance to us."

The Community Sector Taskforce has a 12 month timeline to manage its immediate transition in conjunction with the sector. Guidance will be sought from a wide group of local, regional and national sector leaders to ensure the transition is effective.

The next steps begin an exciting new era for organisations and groups in the Tangata Whenua Community and Voluntary Sector and the future wellbeing of communities is looking promising.

ENDS

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