Sector Report & Actions

Sector Report and Actions


Update 8 June 2020


As we move forward from lockdown here are a few things that are of likely relevance to Canterbury's third sector organisations (TSOs).

1. Online survey about how COVID-19 has impacted TSOs around Aotearoa

The survey hopes "to shine a light on the community sector’s collective contribution to community wellbeing, to take stock of what is needed, and to shape our future."

Canterbury-specific results will be available from this survey

Survey prepared by Hui E! Community Aotearoa, Volunteering New Zealand, the Centre for Social Impact, and Philanthropy New Zealand

To complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SNXLXM3

Responses close 5pm on Friday 12 June.

2. Online survey about how COVID-19 has impacted TSOs in Canterbury

Survey prepared by SEWN

SEWN can use the information to provide feedback and advocate on behalf of the sector, and determine what additional supports might be needed.

To complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WXXK3HS.

The survey deadline is now Friday 12 June.

3. Christchurch Otautahi Draft Annual Plan

The Draft Annual Plan will soon be open for consultation. The proposed Plan may have impact on TSO resourcing.

Draft Annual Plan here

CCC news with summary of info proposed in Draft Annual Plan.

Open for consultation 12 - 29 June

4. SEWN is hosting an online discussion about the future funding needs of the sector

1-2pm on Tuesday 23 June

Register via this link

5. New Zealand Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit

The Summit had been planned to take place in Christchurch in 2021; however, as the world has changed substantially since that plan was made there will be a series of online and face to face events rather than one event. Read more here.

To be put on the list for contact or for more information, contact Matt Morris, Sustainability Advisor, University of Canterbury matt.morris@canterbury.ac.nz



NOTE: These Updates are in addition to OVTRK mahi as posted on OVTRK Home page and are listed in chronological order since the 2016 Matariki Forum


Update 25 October 2018

Benefaction
This is a social impact consultancy, empowering Kiwi businesses to tackle issues in a way that is good for business and the community.
We help businesses to work collaboratively with Third Sector Organisations, forming and overseeing long-term, cross-sector partnerships.
To find out more about how we work with third sector organisations, check out this link:
Email: James Tapper: james@benefaction.co.nz Phone: 64 27 338 4826 www.benefaction.co.nz
Free Training Seminars for Not For Profits
Sponsored by Canterbury Community Business Trust thanks to funding from Rata Foundation these free seminars are on a range of topics.
They will all be held at 442 Tuam Street, Christchurch
Office For Holistic Urbanism (OHU) has a new home base
This November, Iconic Art Deco Post Office Building on the corner of High and Tuam streets, is to become Ohu's new home base! For further information: see https://ohu.nz/
Speak Up-Korerotia
This is a human rights radio show/podcast is a great way for TSOs to keep informed. It airs first on Canterbury's community access radio station Plains FM and aims to address 'human rights' very broadly, including ethnic, cultural, gender, gender identity, disability and environmental rights. The following topics have been discussed so far in 2018: "The public intellectual in the nuclear age," "Art and social responsibility," "Euthanasia: Voices for and against," "Race / Disability," "Food waste," "Youth suicide," "Child poverty and the Budget 2018," "Homelessness," "Ta moko," "Indian communities in Aotearoa," "Suffrage 125" and "DANCEability." All Speak Up-Korerotia shows can be accessed via SoundCloud, AIR and iTunes, and we have Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN)
Sharon Torstonson will be stepping down as Kaituiora on 30 November - “It’s been the most amazing job and I feel very privileged to have worked with all the incredible people and done all the exciting and challenging things that I have. I hope to be able to continue to contribute to the SEWN mahi in other ways, but in the meantime I’m looking forward to a summer on the deck and in the garden.” Everyone at SEWN is delighted to welcome new Kaituiora Liz Hawes to the team. Liz has vast experience in the community and is passionate about social justice. Many of you will know Liz as she has been involved in a wide variety of areas and roles that include sexual violence, AOD, youth, children’s and disability sector. She also has a long history of community work training and capacity building with grass roots groups. Liz will be starting on 1 November and spending the month with Sharon. From 1 November Liz will be managing the kaituiora@sewn.org.nz email account and that’s the best way to contact her. Sharon will be continuing the sharon@sewn.org.nz email for projects she is hoping to make happen – mainly CDEM and climate change.
SEWN Report on the impact on Non-profit / TSOs of having to move
Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (SEWN) recently supported some post-graduate students from the Geography Dept at the University of Canterbury with a research project. The project looked at the impact on non-profit / third sector organisations of having to move from the central city to new locations as a result of the earthquakes. To access the REPORT click here.
More information from SEWN - phone 03 366 2050 / 027 224 0108 / www.sewn.org.nz
Sport Canterbury’s Healthy Families Christchurch Systems Innovator
Holly Griffin took on this role in September. The role is to hold a helicopter view of the health prevention system in the Christchurch region, and to navigate local systems and structures, identifying and acting on opportunities for scale and impact. It is not to deliver services, but to create opportunities and initiatives through scalable, system-level experiments, design challenges and prototypes utilising a systems approach to the reduction of risk factors for major health loss and improving equity. More information from www.sportcanterbury.org.nz
Hapori 2019 Community-made Conference!
The NorthWest Collective are thrilled to offer a one-day conference for Not For Profit managers and leaders of small to medium groups. The Collective is a group of small-medium sized community organisations in Christchurch. With Rata Foundation support they addressed questions like Are you tired of conferences that are full of ideas that are impossible to implement with your limited resources? Do conferences seem not to address the real issues that exist in your world of work? Check out and share their promo!
The Phillipstown Community Hub
Initiated in 2015, the Hub is at the former Phillipstown Primary School, 39 Nursery Road, ChCh. Over these 3 years it has become home for 11 groups and organisations and more than 70 organisations have been using premises to deliver their programmes and activities. At the time of writing, more than 45 community groups are meeting at the Hub. Viviana Zanetti is the Phillipstown Hub Coordinator Te Whare Whānau Whānui. For more information: Ring 03-5952023, visit the website http://phillipstown.org.nz/, or https://www.facebook.com/PhillipstownCommunityHub/
Volunteering NZ annual State of Volunteering Report
The 2017 State of Volunteering Report takes stock of the volunteering landscape has recently been released by VNZ.
ECO's Canterbury Network
In Christchurch, ECO's local network for environmental groups and activists is convened by Executive Member Diana Shand and Colleen Philip, the Chair of ECO member group SOC (Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch). This Tuesday Diana represented ECO in the workshop focusing on the Environmental Education for Sustainability Strategy 2017-2021, generating ideas, building connections and developing a coordinated approach to EEfS in Canterbury. In mid September, one of ECO Canterbury's regular Forums brought together local members and local government and institutions to look at the bigger picture of what steps are being taken to build Biodiversity Health in Canterbury. This was a very well attended meeting.
See the ECO Canterbury Environmental Network ECO Canterbury Calendar for environmental and sustainability events in Canterbury. To list your events on the calendar email: info@ecocanterbury.org.nz
Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch, SOC
SOC has let us know us that they have engaged Michelle Whittaker who will do a ‘stocktake’ of sustainability focussed organisations, groups, projects i.e what is going on in this space in Christchurch and environs. This is a baseline study or survey which will help inform SOC's decisions about their work. For more information email info@sustainablechristchurch.org.nz
The Christchurch EnviroHub
The EnviroHub has recently welcomed its new Implementation Manager Shannon Gilmore. The previous Implementation Manager Sophie Allen has moved to a position at Waimakariri District Council. Shannon has a conservation ecology background and completed her Masters in 2016. As a long standing volunteer in the environmental space (with Greenpeace, 350.org and Generation Zero to name a few) she places high value on the mahi of volunteers and is excited with the position and looks forwarding to meeting you all. Michael Reynolds, a current EnviroHub trustee has recently stepped up to fill the role of Chairperson. You may have met him as the Food Resilience Network Coordinator and as manager of the Roimata Food Commons in Woolston. The Hub’s Vision is environmental well-being in Greater Christchurch by providing a welcoming space to connect, support, educate, and inspire - upholding kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga. initially with a virtual platform. Watch out for notice of a get-together for the wider networks before the end of the year. For more information email info@chchenvirohub.org.
ECan Networking For the Environment
The seventh of these Hui - Celebrating Volunteers - is on Wednesday, 5th December 2018 in recognition of the UN International Volunteer Day. You can come to all or part of the day as your schedule permits: 8:30-9:30am Tour of a Community project near the venue 9:30am-12:30pm Networking, 12:30-1:00pm Lunch. ECan Community Partnerships Coordinator Alison Bower invites you to email Alison.Bower@ecan.govt.nz, or call 0800 324636 if you have ideas and/or questions.
CCC Changes recently announced
Positions Disestablished: Community Advisor – Older Adults/Citizens with Disabilities; Community Advisor – Children and Young Persons; Community Support Manager; Community Advisor – Multicultural; Metropolitan Community – Advisor; Community Development Advisor – Safe Cities; Community & Democracy Advisor
Positions Established: Community Governance Team Manager; Community Partnerships & Planning Manager [Claire Phillips has been given this position]; Principal Strengthening Communities Advisor; Strengthening Communities Advisor; Policy & Project Advisor; Project & Events Coordinator part-time (0.5FTE) subject to FTE resource. For more information email Claire.Phillips@ccc.govt.nz

Update 2 March 2018


NFP Toolbox http://www.nfptoolbox.org.nz/
This Toolbox was put together with support from the Rata Foundation by a group from Aspire seminars, Christchurch Community Accounting, Infoxchange, Christchurch Community House, Volunteering Canterbury), SEWN), and Community Law Canterbury.
At the launch on 26 January it was acknowledged that the not-for-profit sector is different.
"Nobody understands that quite like another not-for-profit organisation, so who better to turn to when you need advice, resources or support to help get you started or keep you ticking over smoothly".
They would love you to take a look at it and let them know
• how useful you find it
and
• any other not-for-profit providers that you think should be there.

Christchurch Community Accounting (CCA)
CCA runs a number of training sessions through 2018 for people involved in governance, administration and management of not-for-profit organisations. This includes Charity reporting, treasurer induction training, grant accounting and others. CCA will also provide specific training sessions for Boards/Committees on request. For the programme see here: http://commaccounting.co.nz/training/2018-workshops/

CLARIFICATION about the
ECO Canterbury Network
Networking for the Environment forums that ECAN convenes
Christchurch EnviroHub
Convenors all see such activities to be different but complementary.
This is how the functions are described by convenors:
ECO (Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ) Canterbury Network
This is the Network of Third Sector Organisations committed wholly or partly to work in various aspects of environment and conservation, who want to work together to identify gaps, overlaps and/or a common voice that may be independent of political, governmental, statutory and/or commercial imperatives. ECO Canterbury can elicit and coordinate responses and submissions (as, for example, MfE's request for NGO views on the ECAN Act), a function not possible or envisaged for the NFTE or Envirohub.
ECO Canterbury is coordinated by Diana Shand who serves on the ECO Executive Committee. Currently, ECO, One Voice – Te Reo Kotahi (OVTRK), North Canterbury Branch of Forest and Bird) F&B and Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch (SOC) are leading this initiative.
Contact: diana.shand@xtra.co.nz/ Cell 021 471 989
You can advertise your organisations notices, for environmental and sustainability events in Canterbury on ECO Canterbury Calendar - to list your events email: info@ecocanterbury.org.nz
Sign up to ECO’s weekly Tieke newsletter.
The Christchurch Enviro Hub
This a proposal (which arose from the ECO Canterbury Network forum) to create a welcoming hub (a physical space) to educate, connect and inspire, upholding manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. Our vision for this hub is to foster environmental well-being in Greater Christchurch through supporting environmental organisations. Facilities for the proposed hub include event and public 'bumping space', co-working and educational space, facilitated by a hub manager. The Christchurch Enviro Hub will be a charitable trust for the benefit of the Greater Christchurch community. Trustee meetings are open to interested people.
Contact: Implementation Manager (currently Sophie Allen until March 2018)
email: info@chchenvirohub.org
facebook: www.facebook.com/christchurchenvirohub/

The ECAN Networking for the environment in greater Christchurch (NFTE)
This is a programme primarily supported by Environment Canterbury through their Community Partnerships Coordinator, Alison Bower. It is a series of events (4 per year) that bring together people from environmentally focused Third sector organisations, Government and Philanthropic organisations with the objective to build relationships and share knowledge. A Steering Committee of representatives from all three sectors select the topics based on input and feedback from the whole group.
Contact: Alison Bower, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Environment Canterbury
Phone: 027 242 9341 email: Alison.Bower@ecan.govt.nz

TAUTOKO NETWORK : Supporting the Community Sector
Volunteering Canterbury is pleased to announce upcoming events
As an example:
Thursday 1 March 2018, 1.00pm to 2.00pm (feel free to bring your lunch!
Topic: Volunteers: Who's liable when something goes wrong?
Presenter: Susan from Community Law
Venue: Community Law Canterbury, 198 Montreal Street (enter off Walker St)
RSVP: outreach@volcan.org.nz Free event
More information from Glenda Martin, Outreach and Marketing Manager
Phones 03 366 2442, 027 270 7504 email: outreach@volcan.org.nz www.volcan.org.nz
Volunteering Canterbury 301 Tuam St Christchurch 8011

 

Update 2 December 2017


In May 2017 SEWN held a ‘Taking Stock’ hui to hear from central and local government and funders. Each was asked to reflect on what their organisation was doing that reflected any of the Action Points in the Third Sector Recovery Report 2016. In addition, SEWN has gathered other information into this Sector recovery stocktake Oct17. They are happy to keep updating this and ask that you send anything to sharon@sewn.org.nz.
Another hui will be held in 2018 to collectively decide what next? .... what are our top priorities for what remains to be done? .... how can we make this happen?


In January there will be the launch of the Not-for-Profit TOOLKIT to which many of us have contributed.


The ECO Canterbury Environmental Network is an initiative of local members of Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand (ECO), and open to all like-minded not-for-profit, non-government, non-party political Canterbury organisations committed wholly or partly to work in various aspects of environment and conservation.


The EnviroHub is part of the Network and will be a physical base for groups to use.


Rosalee and the Zero Carbon Act team in Christchurch call for further support for the campaign to #BackTheAct. You can


Our Planet. Our Struggle. Our future.
- CIVICUS and Pacific Island Association of NGOs (PIANGO) - 4-8 December, Suva, Fiji
DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYONE GOING FROM CHCH?
International Civil Society Week (ICSW) is a key global gathering for civil society and other stakeholders to engage constructively in finding common solutions to global challenges. For the first time in more than 20 years of global convening, CIVICUS will hold its flagship event in the Pacific region. For further info please visit http://www.civicus.org/index.php/icsw-2017.
Danny Sriskandarajah is the new Secretary General of CIVICUS - see 30thingstothinkabout.org

You can participate in the gathering virtually HERE.


Update 29 August 2017


1. Launch of the ECO Canterbury calendar

The ECO Canterbury Environmental Network has been formed to bring Canterbury environment conservation and sustainability groups together for mutual support and information sharing. We are building our network from Christchurch out across the region. The Network is an initiative of local members of Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand (ECO), and open to all like-minded not-for-profit, non-government, non-party political Canterbury organisations committed wholly or partly to work in various aspects of environment and conservation. Spread the word to community groups who can join us to make this even better. Join Us!

The need for a calendar, one place where we can register our events and look for those of others, and avoid double-booking, has been identified as important and our first collaborative project.

The calendar is to be launched on 1 September.

If you are not already a member and you are a community organisation working for the environment and conservation, join the Network to have automatic access to the calendar. Our administrator (info@ecocanterbury.org.nz) will also put up dates of general interest like Conservation Week and Arbour Day, and non-community groups can apply to have their activities on the calendar.

2. Christchurch Enviro Hub next steps

A working group has been formed to bring back a Christchurch environment centre - the Christchurch Enviro Hub. Environmental organisations can register their support with us if it supports the Trust's vision; and/or would be interested in visiting or using the Hub when it is open. Registered organisations will be able to (if desired) vote in any elections held and help develop the strategic direction and planning of the Trust. This involves no cost or commitment.

Email your details to info@chchenvirohub.org to register your interest.

3. Networking for the environment in Greater Christchurch organised by ECAN for TSOs

The  notes and presentations for the third in the series of the NETWORKING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT workshop on 3 August are now available at the ECan website. Search on at the ECan home page or click here.

The next one will be in September/October. CONTACT Ali Bower

4. Call to supporters of the Living Economies Expo
- from Margaret Jefferies <margaret.jefferies@clear.net.nz>

This is the trailer for the video record of the Living Economies Expo, from April 2017.

Individual recordings of most of the talks will be through the post-production process soon, so those who were unable to attend can still receive the content.

You Tube says 10,000 views and 1000 subscribers to our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOo0DsG9s-Q&feature=youtu.be
are needed before the rest of the content can be made available.

Please share the video link through all available networks (email, facebook, list-serves etc) so that we can reach these targets as soon as possible.

5. Christchurch Multicultural Council announces:

CultureFest - Lincoln Sunday 1 October 11am - 4pm
Showcasing everything great about our growing diversity, as well as our own NZ culture.

.....and.....

One World One Christchurch - Sunday 9 September 2 - 10pm
Celebration of Migrant and Refugee Cantabrians.

6. Call for volunteers at the Harbour Co-op in Lyttelton

Drop in or give us a ring or Contact Us to enquire about a role. Become one the of family! Plus it’s always more fun to work with friends and it’s an opportunity for Owners and the greater community to contribute to the daily running of the shop. 1-2 hour shifts are most productive, though basically any amount of time, no matter how small is helpful.

7. Wikihouse has first customer

Sue Wauchop has funded the remaining development on the 40m² Starter Home, and they will erect this structure on a temporary site in central Christchurch in late 2017. As a largely volunteer based, social enterprise they are looking for funding support to arrive at a point of ongoing financial sustainability. They are on the look out for anyone who is keen to follow Sue as an early adopter, and join us in bringing fully tested WikiHouse solutions to New Zealand - for more information about their Early Testing Programme please email earlyadopter@spacecraft.co.nz

8. SEWN announces Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA) conference:

Empowerment & Success: a Positive Path for the NGO Sector
26 & 27 October 2017

CNA is the national body of Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN).

In conjunction Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS), CNA invites you and your networks to the Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, Henderson, Auckland. 

They promise it will be invigorating and inspiring.

For further info about the conference and to register please visit:
http://empowerment.nz

9. TSO "Wise Response" delivers at Parliament on urgent action Climate Change

Sir Geoffrey Palmer, patron of the Wise Response Group, told a function at Parliament yesterday that... We can solve awfully difficult problems if want to do so. It isn’t beyond the capability of the New Zealand Government to do that if is committed to do it, but it isn’t. That’s the issue we face.

The Climate Consensus Coalition Aotearoa (CCCA) statement and action plan, developed by Wise Response with the support of other TSOs and others, like public policy expert Professor Jonathan Boston, calls for a structure in which New Zealand sets carbon budgets to achieve deep emissions cuts.

It also wants a climate change forum to develop public consensus on climate policy, and a climate change adaptation and mitigation fund akin to the Earthquake Commission to help to pay for the now-inevitable costs of adapting to the impacts of climate change, including the relocation of many coastal homes.

 

Update 17 July 2017


1. Update from Christchurch Enviro Hub

- Let's bring back an environment centre to Christchurch!

The Christchurch Enviro hub has kicked into establishment mode, and seeking expressions of interest for 'Establishment Trustees' to oversee the proposal to become a reality. If you have an environmental heart and relevant skills (e.g. project management, funding, green building, know how to have fun) or can think of someone else perfect for the role - contact Terra Dumont (Working Group - CEH Implementation Manager at info@chchenvirohub.org or 0276433899) before the 31st July. Check Facebook page www.facebook.com/christchurchenvirohub/

Also please note the change of venue for the ECAN Networking Event August 3rd to Te Hāpua Hao (Lounge): Halswell Service Centre 341 Halswell Rd - for details see this invitation.

2. Report from ECO Canterbury Network 
In addition to the update from the Enviro Hub (see above) the meeting discussed the launch of a calendar that has been developed for members of this Network to post their activities. Initially the posting of activities will be through a moderator. There is the option to automatically harvest events from Facebook and Google calendar. The cost to the Network to host the site will be approximately $150 per year and it was suggested that members pay a small fee to cover this. More information on the calendar and its launch can be found here.


The next meeting of the ECO Canterbury Network will be early September - date to be announced.



3. Report from Taking Stock Forum 23 May 2017



- a forum to learn about central and local government’s and funders’ initiatives that support Sector recovery



This forum, convened by Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN), was held as part of a stocktaking exercise in relation to the CERA-initiated report Third Sector / Not-for-Profit Sector Recovery in Post-Earthquake Christchurch. You can read the report from the forum here. 



4. Migrant Times news 



As the Canterbury Migrants Centre - the publisher of The Migrant Times - has ceased operations, the Migrant Times newspaper is on a break right now.



Till such time we find a new home for the community initiative, please click here to browse through our print issues of last one year.



Or scroll down our homepage to read our featured online stories.



 5. ComVoices briefing the sector for the Election 2017

 ComVoices, a network of community organisations, has prepared an election year briefing for political parties.

Called Communities Count, it sets out things the network believes politicians need to know about the sector and how to working together better to make a difference.

Their focus for the political parties is on three issues: first, the urgent need for more government funding; second, the principles which should govern the way data is collected and managed; and third, the need for a more efficient and less time-consuming approach to working and entering into contracts with government.

 6. Registered charities and their ability to "advocate for causes"

 There was recently an interesting item on the Charities Services blog that talked about the boundaries within which a charity may advocate for a cause. Here is an excerpt which may entice you to read more:
Charities have a key role in civil society, including in election years, but it is important they understand their obligations. In an election year, it is particularly important for charities to understand what is acceptable, and what may be an issue under charities law.

 I have previously explained how a charity can “advocate for causes” and remain registered as a charity.

 After recent decisions of the Charities Registration Board (see below), some charities may feel worried about speaking up about issues that are important to them. We want to make clear that charities can speak up and it’s important they do!

Read more here.

Forum on 29 June 2017

 

Celebrating Matariki and the Voices of the Third Sector

and
making connections for us and our children after us
In spite of several apologies, due to several major events coinciding with the Forum, 66 people gathered to reflect together on our Third Sector combined successes and challenges, and in the achieving of links between the four well-beings (economic, social, environmental and cultural).
After sharing kai, we heard four wonderful presentations from each of these four well-beings presenters, summarising themes emerging from the Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) involved in OVTRK.
Here, with an introduction of the presenters, are the links to those:
ENVIRONMENT
Colleen Philip is a Christchurch East resident, a Friend of ECO, a founding trustee of the Waimakariri Environment and Recreation Trust and Chairperson of the North Canterbury branch of Forest & Bird. She ran a campaign to have kea named NZ Bird of the Year in 2016. She emphasised that this speech reflects her personal views; that she is not speaking on behalf of any organisation. She shares her passion for our natural heritage, her concern at all we risk with allowing the current crisis in nature in NZ, and some of the solutions being proposed from within the environment sector.
SOCIAL
As Kaituiora of the Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (formerly COSS Chch) Sharon Torstonson was able to draw on a rich field of experience and wisdom that the social services third sector groups hold.
CULTURAL
Maria Fresia explores the inclusion of CALD (Culturally and Linguistic Diverse) communities in our region and their right to equal access to information, communication, and services through the lenses of CLING.
CLING (Community Language Information Network Group) was formed in 2011 and includes members from the third sector, local and central government, and health sector. Over the years the group has developed a strong, productive and mutually satisfying collaborative approach.
ECONOMIC
Margaret Jefferies is Chair of Project Lyttleton and a board member of Living Economies. To this work she brings her strengths of visioning; dreaming new possibilities, inspiring, and welcoming people into these futures: and manifesting, through a values base, consequent systems into our communities e.g. Time-Banking.
Following the presentations, discussion at 9 tables produced much food for thought. A list of points was recorded:
The One Voice Te Reo Kotahi (OVTRK) Organising Group will be following up the Forum with the Greater Christchurch Partnership Group. A particular focus will be on how the statutory bodies can show that they value Third Sector voices; and in what way those can be part of deliberations on Strategy and Policy for Greater Christchurch. Noting the limitations of the market approach to planning, OVTRK is particularly interested in finding out how we can be assisted to develop Third Sector valuation methodologies, oversee our own performance, and be involved in Strategy and Policy.
Helen Leahy from Te Putahitanga spoke briefly of the Whanau Ora Outcomes that may be a useful model:
Let’s keep in touch!!
And do remember that people involved in Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) that are committed to the kaupapa of One Voice Te Reo Kotahi can serve on the Organising Group: email tsovoices@gmail.com.

Update 3 June 2017


Migrant Centre Update – from George Clark
It is with sadness that we announce that the Centre Trust will close operations from 26 May 2017. The Trust will remain functioning for a further month and meet commitments.
The staff and governance of the Trust wish to thanks all those who have supported the Centre over the eras and convey to our migrant client base our best wishes for the future. It has been a pleasure and priviledge to work with you all.

23 May 2017 Forum organised by SEWN on resourcing the Third Sector
After presentations from several funders there was a very useful discussion – SEWN will be providing a summary and this will be added to this Update as soon as it is received.

OHU supporting exciting developments
OHU Foundation supports communities to collectively own what they create together, including financial, legal and social structures.to develop assets which will sustain and strengthen them, generating both social and economic value. More information from Brie Sherow OHU DEVELOPMENT http://www.ohu.nz

ECO Canterbury network Update - from Diana Shand
ECO (Environment and Conservation Organisations of Aotearoa NZ) has been working with environment and conservation groups in Canterbury for over 40 years, and in 2016 was approached and asked to lead the initiative to bring all Christchurch cum Canterbury environment/conservation groups together in a Third Sector network.
Three very good meetings have been held since the beginning, when there was a call to investigate two major ideas raised by One Voice Te Reo Kotahi (OVTRK) in July 2016 and an Environment Canterbury-facilitated ‘Networking for the Environment’ meeting held in November 2016 of about 60 organisations including local government.
Here are two current developments:

  1. Canterbury Environmental Networking Calendar: The first project is to develop a Canterbury calendar of environmental activities (meetings, conferences, workdays, seminars and other such events). The working party, led by Dave Evans, has progressed this quite some distance and the proposed calendar looks very accessible, clear and useful. Watch this space. For detail contact Dave Evans dave.evansii@gmail.com m.021 0437128 h. 03 366 0628 SOC Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch
  2. Enviro hub/Environment Centre: The second project is to investigate a reformulation of what was the earliest (1976) Environment Centre in the country, which faded away as recently as 2009. Sophie Allen has been following up on the call for a catalytic co-working and informal ‘bumping space’ for environmental organisations in the greater Christchurch area. The proposed centrally-located ‘Enviro Hub’ could connect and inspire – providing a co-working space and building a platform for innovation and environmental leadership in our transforming city. The ‘Enviro Hub’ would have spaces for meetings and interactive ‘bumping spaces’ available to the full range of environmental, sustainability and conservation groups and could even to open to environmental businesses and consultants. It is envisaged as a place where organisations can focus on their environmental education or campaign work. It could be in an existing building or another concept is a purpose-build building in the Christchurch Residential Red Zone. More detail from Sophie Allen of Working Waters Trust who is leading this project work group and would be glad to hear from anyone interested in getting involved, or in funding, or suggesting a venue. Sophie Allen Projects Manager, Working Waters Trust ph. (03) 355 4780 m.022 315 0981 e:sophie@workingwaters.org sofiarna@gmail.com http://workingwaterstrust.org

In addition readers may be interested in ECan’s Networking for the Environment events. Here is the link to the summary notes and comments which are now loaded onto the ECan website https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/our-natural-environment/networking-for-the-environment. The next Networking for the Environment in greater Christchurch event will be on Thursday, 3rd August 9:00am-1:00pm at the Fendalton Library. The event will be hosted by CCC and the topic will be funding. For more detail contact Ali Bower, ECan Community Partnerships Coordinator.

Living Economies Expo Update – from Margaret Jefferies
People who attended this Expo, held in Lyttelton between March 31 and April 2 2017, came away energised and inspired to make change.

The podcasts of the expo presentations are now complete and active on the PlainsFM website. Here is the link: http://www.plainsfm.org.nz/Programmes/Programme-Details.aspx?PID=0454b139-aa11-442d-8479-8f585336c885

The purpose of the event was to seed systemic change. The realisation that our systems are not working is fairly widespread: see the increasing coverage in our media of topics such as climate change, water quality, housing shortages, a failing health system, the growing divide between rich and poor, decrease in the diversity of species, questionable political leadership worldwide and of course the connector of all these issues – our current highly dysfunctional monetary system.

It was hosted by the Lyttelton Harbour community: the school, the local timebank and local businesses and Council. A lot of the food was gifted by groups like Koukourarata marae and Cultivate.

There was a variety of ways to pay the registration fee. One included paying partly in dollars and partly in doing work for the event.
Stephanie Rearick from Madison County US introduced people to the concept of Mutual Aid Networks. As a result MANA (Mutual Aid Network Aotearoa) is starting to be formed.

The evidence brought forward at the Living Economies Expo and highlighted by international commentator Dr Nafeez Ahmed who was skyped in at the end was that yes, we need change at a government/national level and regionally, but where the significant change will happen is at a community level; getting to know our communities, solving issues collectively, using tools such as timebanks, savings pools, co-operatives, sharing stuff like transport and equipment - all are important in building a strong community that is closely interconnected and hence resilient in the face of what could be a catastrophic future.

Third Sector voices are at the table in the Review of Healthy Christchurch -

This review has come about as the post-quakes refresh of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy and the development of the Resilient Greater Christchurch plan have led to a strengthening of regional relationships and collaboration. In addition, many of the Healthy Christchurch signatories have always worked in Selwyn and Waimakariri as well as Christchurch, and the current Healthy Christchurch leadership feel that this is a good time to look at whether the three regions could "align their work in the health and community space". The Greater Christchurch Partnership identified Healthy Christchurch as a lead for the 'Health & Communities' stream of the Urban Development Strategy, along with the Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils.
An interim group will formalise a decision about whether to expand the Healthy Christchurch network or not. It will also develop Terms of Reference for the next Advisory Group, develop a high-level work programme and continue to engage with signatories throughout its processes. Its membership includes many of those who were part of the Healthy Christchurch Advisory Group.
SEWN's Sharon Torstonson is working on enabling participation of third sector signatories as appropriately provided for throughout this work.
Like the existing initiative, an expanded network could still lead new projects, be a vehicle for communication and consultation with communities, and may provide may a mechanism to be a voice at decision making tables around the region.
NOTE: The Urban Development Strategy has become the Greater Christchurch Partnership.

Update 6 February 2017

  • ECO Canterbury Regional Hub - for environment and conservation interested organisations. Discussion forum afternoon of Saturday 18 February 2017 Venue WEA, 59 Gloucester St, Christchurch

Fill in the Doodle poll "ECO Cant Regional Hub - discussion forum" if you can or cannot attend. Please fill your name and response and don't forget to "save". The link to the poll is: http://doodle.com/poll/y5qbvqyk6bfahhqz
    PROPOSED AGENDA Saturday for mid - late afternoon 18 February 2017
   1. Hub activities
    (i) Calendar of Environmental Activities: the format and action on this?
    (ii) Need for a physical Environment Centre?
    (iii) Research: needs for this or what is being done
    (iv)What do we want from the local government "network offer"
    2. Opportunity for Networking Action -
    Seven Rivers Seven Weeks - Walk for the Planet
    https://www.facebook.com/walk4theplanet/
    3. Panel discussion
     (i) Democratic Consultation and representation...there is strong concern of how organisations are being manipulated in so-called consultations Democracy is being lost...there is corruption of the democratic process.
    (ii) Urban and Red Zone issues What is really happening with Regenerate Christchurch and environment conservation organisation issues? And other urban issues.
    (iii) Ecologic economics - we need a systems change - we cannot go on the way we are.
    (iv) Water issues in Canterbury - overview/update
  • AvON and REGENERATE CHRISTCHURCH (RC)
TSO Avon Otakaro Network (AvON)'s Evan Smith and Sylvia Smyth recently had an article in The Press which is a very useful overview of the approach they are taking to the consultation that has commenced under Regenerate Christchurch on the Ōtākaro​ Avon River Corridor from Barbadoes Street to Bexley. Here is the link to that article:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/88711382/first-steps-into-christchurchs-residential-red-zone.
Chris Mene from RC has written to OVTRK emphasising that engagement of third sector organisations in the development of their planning are priorities for their team at RC. He sees "this ~535hectares of land as an extraordinary opportunity for Christchurch, our province and NZ (http://www.regeneratechristchurch.nz/residential-red-zone/regeneration-planning/) and wants to ensure that health and wellbeing outcomes are present in the 'Draft outline'. RC welcomes submissions from organisations or individuals on the draft outline up until 21 February. OVTRK has suggested that in the first instance he approach the organisers of the EcoHub gathering on 18 February to get in touch with a number of TSOs who will be gathering there.
  • Living Economies Expo - 31 March to 2 April in Lyttelton
This event is bringing together people with great experience in helping communities to grow in healthy ways. If you don’t know about it, go to
https://www.facebook.com/Livingeconomieschch/
  • TSO Ohu <www.ohu.nz> reports on their event Finding Common Ground
Brie Sherow states "There was a really amazing energy in the room..... For those who weren’t able to attend, I wrote a blog post to share a bit about the event and the ideas and plans that were discussed. Ideas included everything from co-housing projects to non-wilsons carparks, renewable energy cooperatives to arts hotels, urban agriculture to a youth services hub..... Please do register for our email list if you’d like to stay informed or get involved in a project that we’re working with"
  • SEWN reports their guiding question:
“What will contribute most to increasing social equity and wellbeing in Greater Christchurch?”
TSO Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN) would love to hear your thoughts on this question and also specifically about where do you think SEWN's stitching can best help strengthen our social fabric.
Email sharon@sewn.org.nz, phone 366 2050, or pop in to Community House for a coffee and conversation.
  • Making climate action meaningful - Communication practices in the New Zealand climate movement
All the results of a research project on communication practices in the New Zealand climate movement are now available at: www.climatevoicesaotearoa.wordpress.com. This research was undertaken by Jonathan Oosterman while completing a Master’s thesis in Sociology at Victoria University in Wellington. It is the first in-depth study on climate communication that draws on perspectives from across the New Zealand climate movement.
  • Government requiring organisations to hand over client information in order to get funding
Clear and strong messages of concern are being expressed from many organisations that service providers who do not provide the personal information of clients to government will be penalised by the removal of any funding to assist those clients.
  • Survey of community and volunteer organisations
The second ComVoices Survey is a must read for those wanting to learn more about how Third Sector Organisations are faring amidst financial pressure, greater volumes for services and increased complexity.

Update 19 October 2016

An Environment and Conservation HUB for Greater Christchurch is being considered, following a meeting held in September. There was general consensus that a hub would be very helpful for environment/conservation groups starting in Christchurch and, if needed, growing outwards. People were supportive of an ECO Canterbury - Regional Hub and also enthusiastic about the possibility of a Regional Gathering, perhaps next March.
It was suggested that another meeting could be called to discuss this further, with information is being shared through Tieke - the ECO no-cost nationwide newsletter. It is emphasised that there not be added pressure on already busy local organisations.  Also, there is no compulsion to join ECO on groups wanting to be involved with this local coming-together.
More information: Diana Shand <diana.shand@xtra.co.nz> or Colleen Philip <colleenphilip@paradise.net>

The Canterbury Migrant Centre has recently reviewed its operations.
They are focussing on three main areas: 
·         Out-Reach Services - which involves the consolidation the expansion of the various and excellent activity based services developed and co-ordinated by Jane Song across Christchurch and now expanding into the greater Mid and North Canterbury area.
·         Communication Services – co-ordinated by Kevin Park involving the development of digital services and communication including The Migrant Times newspaper and web site, the Migrant Hub website and face book services. 
·         Migrant Information  Service - Building on the success of collaboration with Phillipino Culture and Sport and the excellent work of Delia Richards particularly in regard to Phillipino skilled migrant workers in Christchurch for the rebuild. We see the Migrant Information Service being able to provide supported information to migrant people wherever they reside be that in an urban or rural situation. 
More Information: (03) 366-1315 or 027 2488611  Website: www.migranthub.org.nz

Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN) reports that:
The directory project that they are convening to provide 'for the sector, by the sector' resources - legal / financial advice, venues available, purchasing schemes, training, sector information, volunteer recruitment, etc.- to be widely distributed is progressing, but there is nothing substantive to report yet.  
SEWN's focus is to promote and support the role of the non-profit sector in reducing poverty and discrimination and enhancing the social inclusion and wellbeing of marginalised groups.
More information: (03) 366 2050 or email <www.sewn.org.nz>

Social Service Providers Association (SSPA) national conference
CHANGE, TRANSFORMATION AND THE NEW FUTURE  
is in Christchurch 27-28 October 2016 at Chateau on the Park
For more details visit:<https://sspaconference.org.nz/ 

Living Economies (LE) is organising an extended conversation across the various fields - all of which are inter-related - in Christchurch from 31 March to 2 April 2017
Towards a vision:
Imagine a country which respects the living planet; whose people enjoy good housing, good health, wholesome food, a satisfying occupation, free education, a compassionate justice system, and an adequate income: a country with an inclusive democracy grounded in vibrant communities.

This could be Aotearoa New Zealand – together, we can make this vision a reality. 
with the purpose of:
Raising awareness of how the current economic system works, and the interconnectedness of all issues
Connecting all groups working on these issues
Giving a sense of hope and asserting our power to change systemic structures
Building strong voice
Giving those with knowledge and drive the tools for community action.
More information: Margaret Jeffries and www.le.org.nz

 

Update 11 August 2016

Story collection initiative
Those present at 7 July Sector Forum were given the opportunity to express interest in their stories being made visible on the OVTRK blogspot <onevoicetereokotahi.blogspot.co.nz>.

Notes from the Forum plenary session following the Forum group discussions 
The findings and conclusions of these discussions are summarised in this link.  (The numbering of the Priority Actions used by the authors of the Report is duplicated in this summary.)

An environment and conservation network is establishing in Christchurch led by Forest and Bird, and connecting with OVTRK. 

Social Equity and Wellbeing (SEWN) is convening a group of Third Sector Organisations that provide generic resources and/or support to the Third Sector; for example; legal or financial advice, venues, purchasing schemes, training, sector information, volunteer recruitment, etc. The group is in the process of creating a directory of resources 'for the sector, by the sector' to be widely distributed. 

The Migrant Times editor is interested in following up about a searchable website for the Third Sector. He has informed OVTRK that a page is available in his fortnightly publication for upcoming events in the Sector and that there is a page on The Migrant Centre website for stories from the Sector. 

Focus for OVTRK One Voice Te Reo Kotahi  is currently on advocating for the value of TSOs, promoting Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based multicultural future and creating communication conduits for TSO voices to be heard by the five statutory partners in the UDSIC (CCC, Waimakariri DC, Selwyn DC, ECAN and TRONT) in the earthquake Regeneration phase.

 

Forum on 7 July 2016

A Sector Forum Celebrating Matariki and the Voices of the Third Sector was convened to obtain feedback on the CERA research report on the Third Sector Recovery in Post-earthquake Christchurch. That Report is available in hard copy at Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi Christchurch Community House (301 Tuam) St) and the WEA Centre (59 Gloucester St). 
The focus was primarily on the “Priority Actions” (as outlined on pages 29 and 30 of that report). 
Forty individual community leaders, from in excess of 50 organisations attended and participated in group discussions (structured around the four major well-being topic categories: social, economic, cultural, and environmental) and a plenary session.

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