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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. |
