This Forum Celebrating Matariki and the Voices of the Third Sector was convened by OVTRK to obtain feedback, from the city’s Third Sector (Not-for-Profit / Non-Government) Organisations (TSOs), on the 2015 research and consequent report by Dr Chrys Horn, Sarah Wylie, and Jane Mountier. The report was commissioned by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).
Approximately forty individual community leaders, from in excess of 50 organisations attended and participated in group discussions and a plenary session. These were structured around the four major well-being topic categories: social, economic, cultural, and environmental. The Forum focused primarily on the “Priority Actions” (as outlined on pages 29 and 30 of the published report).
After a short introduction reference was first made to the
* Story collection initiative *
Those present were given the opportunity to express interest in their stories being made visible on the OVTRK blogspot <onevoicetereokotahi.blogspot.co.nz>.
A start has been made in following up with those who put their names on the list.
An update was given about the availability of the
* Copies of the report Third Sector Recovery in Post-earthquake Christchurch *
by Dr Chrys Horn, Sarah Wylie and Janet Mountier.
Free hard copies of this CERA report have been printed by CCC and still are available at the Migrant Centre (166 St Asaph St), Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi Christchurch Community House (301 Tuam St) and the WEA Centre (59 Gloucester St).
* Group discussions and plenary session at the Forum *
These were structured around the four major well-being topic categories: social, economic, cultural, and environmental, focused primarily on the “Priority Actions” (as outlined on pages 29 and 30 of the published report).
* Notes from the Forum plenary session *
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.
The work done to bring these issues to wider attention by Dr Chrys Horn and her team was appreciated by the participants and acknowledged as a comprehensive analysis of the sectors priority needs over the next few years.
Since the Forum
OVTRK has been informed of further actions:- A possible "environment and conservation network" is establishing in Christchurch led by Forest and Bird - they have intimated their interest in connecting with OVTRK.
- 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.
Background to One Voice Te Reo Kotahi
One Voice Te Reo Kotahi (OVTRK) gives a voice to organisations that have not been formed by Government or Commerce. It was established in 2011 as a non-profit (Third) Sector voice. For some the focus was on the Recovery from the earthquakes and the consequent 'Rebuild' of the fabric of the city's community-initiated (Third Sector) groups, for others it is on the desire for a more cohesive Sector. A broad range of Third Sector Organisations (TSOs), including those involved in the sport, culture, environmental and social well-being areas have taken the no-cost opportunity to put themselves on the OVTRK register. People involved in those TSOs, who agree with the OVTRK kaupapa, can serve on an Organising Group with tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti co-Chairs. OVTRK speaks from, not for, the Sector.For those interested about the difference in roles of Social Equity and Well-being Network, SEWN (formerly Council of Social Services) and OVTRK here is the clarification that the two networks have worked together to write.
Current focus of OVTRK
This is the presentation we are using to highlight current priorities:- advocating for the value of Third Sector Organisations (TSOs),
- promoting Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based multicultural future, and
- creating communication conduits for Third Sector voices to be heard in the government (local, regional and national) earthquake Regeneration phase.
