FWPRA is an umbrella organisation for residents associations of Wellington.  They concentrate primarily on "policy, procedure and principles" of local democracy.  In other words they allow the issues to be dealt with directly by their members.  The executive committee meet regularly with Wellington City Council CEO Garry Poole and occasionally with Wellington Regional Council and central government agencies.

 FWPRA has in the past two years become very hands-on in local democratic issues, initiating a community consultation process for the Wellington City LTCCP months ahead of the Council and providing that body with an in-depth series of recommendations that reflected a robust effort to gauge community opinion.

Contact details:

Tom Law - fwpra@residents.org.nz

Phone: (021) 791 337

www.residents.org.nz/fwpra.htm

Council Watch

 The mission of Council Watch 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 site is funded solely through the Draco Foundation (NZ) Charitable Trust, a non-governmental organisation with the sole aim to raise awareness of- and involvement in the democratic process amongst the citizens, organisations, and communities of New Zealand. In doing so the Draco Foundation undertakes research and engage in public debate on the results, and provides training and education to communities.  The Draco Foundation is committed to transparency in all its dealings; equity and fairness in the treatment all people and organisations; and integrity, honesty and credibility in all transactions.

Contact details:

Jim Candiliotis - jim.candiliotis@councilwatch.org.nz

PO Box 26 110, Newlands

Wellington, New Zealand

Phone: (04) 970 6481

www.councilwatch.org.nz

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.

Contact details:

David Robinson - davidjrobinson@xtra.co.nz

113 Creswick Terrace, Northland

Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

Phone: (04) 475 9275

Fax: (04) 475 8175

www.scpi.org.nz