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Hon. Peter Dunne, M.P.
The conference was held at Parliament Buildings at the
invitation of the M.P. for Ohariu, the Honourable Peter Dunne. Peter has
long been on record as a committed supporter of community and community
groups, the voluntary sector, and the often unheralded efforts of those who
work to make communities a better place.
Each year Peter holds the Northern Community Awards - a
special night where volunteers who work throughout his electorate can be
recognised for their efforts. Peter also chairs the Northern Wellington
Festival Committee, and is often seen at community meetings and events in
the area.
Federation of Wellington Progressive and Residents
Associations (FWPRA)
FWPRA is an incorporated society who's members comprise
the 42 residents' associations of Wellington City. The organisation exists
to provide support for its members, and a forum for local associations and
related groups to meet and discuss topics of interest.
Executives of the group meet on a regular basis with
Wellington City Council officers to discuss matters of policy, procedure,
and principle affecting residents' associations in the city.
FWPRA meets on the last Tuesday of every month (except
January) at the Wellington City Council committee room at 7.30 PM. Contact
the secretary Tom Law on (021) 791 337 or email
fwpra@residents.org.nz for
further information.
Council Watch
Council Watch's mission is to undertake timely,
relevant, and robust research on local government, provide checks and
balances to local government in New Zealand, and make it easier for
residents to have their voices heard. Despite the obvious benefits to
disaffected or disadvantaged people, this site is much more than just a way
to "keep Councils honest".
There is very little known about the mechanics of local
government in this country, so Council Watch serves as a clearing house for
community-based research and trends. The site also has special sealed
sections specifically for residents' groups and for journalists, to promote
collegiality and oneness amongst these bastions of social justice.
The website and operation is funded through the Draco
Foundation (NZ) Charitable Trust.
Social and Civic Policy Institute
The Social and Civic Policy Institute was established
in 1997 to “promote, carry out and disseminate the findings of research,
discussion and policy development on matters of social and community
concern”. It is dedicated to the creation of a just, fair and equitable
society based on open dialogue and full participation of all citizens.
SCPI focuses on seminars and conferences and other
events where issues of interest to civil society can be presented. This
includes hosting overseas visitors and organising dialogue among NZ
policymakers, community representatives and people with ideas.
The organisation was set up to conduct research and
discussion on major conceptual issues relevant to policy development, such
as the nature of a cohesive society, or the role of voluntary organisations;
research on practical topics such as the effects of contracting for service
delivery, the impact of taxation policy on charitable giving and ways of
encouraging volunteering, and; seminars and conferences and other events
where issues of interest to civil society can be presented. This will
include hosting overseas visitors and organising dialogue among NZ
policymakers, community representatives and people with ideas. |
