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COSS NEWS BULLETINAugust / Hereturi Koka 2014
COSS News is published by The Council of Social Services in Christchurch with the generous support of the Canter-bury Community Trust, the Lottery Grants Board and the Christchurch City Council.
Welcome to the August COSS newsletter. The September 2014 COSS newsletter deadline will be Monday 25th August. If you have an item that you would like to see in the newsletter you can email that to [email protected]
COSS COMMENTKia ora koutou
With great excitement COSS welcomes our new office worker Lynne Trowbridge to the team. Many of you will know Lynne from her former role as manager of Home and Family and we’re delighted to have someone of Lynne’s calibre and non-profit experience working with us. We’ve got lots for Lynne to do, with our move to the new Community House coming up, the AGM preparations happening, and some funding challenges to deal with.
Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 16th September, starting with a light lunch at 12.30pm. Put that date in your diary, further details will be advised once we’ve confirmed a speaker. In the meantime, please con-sider standing for the COSS board – we’re at an exciting time with our new constitution and strategic plan.
We invite remits to the meeting and nominations to the board from members (non-profit groups and organ-isations) that have paid the 2013 – 14 subscription. Contact the COSS office for a nomination form and email any remits for the AGM to [email protected] . Nominations and remits must be received in the COSS office by 22 August.
On that note, many thanks to everyone who responded to our recent call for help and paid their overdue subs or made a donation. That very practical support is so important to us, and now more than ever. The subscription for our current financial year (July 2014 – June 2015) will be set at the AGM and the call sent out for payment towards the end of September. Your sub is important not just to keep us in the black but because it’s ‘untagged’ – it supports our work in advocating and lobbying for social justice, community well-being and non-profit sector wellbeing, which is often not covered by grants.
From the Margins this month we hear about the government’s response to issues of debt as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment seeks your views as to what should be in a Responsible lending Code to guide loan companies. It’s on Thurs 7th August, 12.30pm - 1.30pm in the Aoraki Room, Com-munity & Public Health, 310 Manchester St, Christchurch. BYO lunch, tea and coffee provided. MBIE presenters have asked for RSVPs so they can get a sense of who they’re going to be talking to. Please let COSS know if you’re planning to attend, ph 366 2050 or email [email protected] .
Ka kite, Sharon
COSS NEWS Christchurch 1 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
Striking a Better BalanceThe Salvation Army's 2014 State of the Nation Report
This month sees the final Salvation Army ‘report card’ from its latest State of the Nation report. You can download the full report at http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-media/social-policy-and-parliament-ary-unit/latest-report/striking-a-better-balance
HOUSING RESULT
HOUSING AVAILABILITY
Another year and the shortage of affordable housing in Auckland gets deeper as central and local government only meddle with laws and regulation to address the problem. The Government’s faith in using less regulated land markets to address the problem is due to be tested over the next year. The Christchurch recovery appears to be underway, although there seems to have been no real interest in finding out who is being housed or re-housed.
D
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Housing affordability for most New Zealanders that live outside of Auckland and Christch-urch does not appear to be getting worse, and may even be improving. It is important that the Auckland and Christchurch stories do not obscure this experience. The Auckland situ-ation is clearly one of supply, and the Christchurch situation is probably one of adjustment.
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HOUSING RELATED DEBT
It may be that New Zealanders are reverting to their old ways of piling debt onto housing. The $10 billion increase in housing debt during 2013 reverses the slow improvements of the previous two years, which is disappointing. This debt picture might just be an Auckland story, however, as housing markets outside Auckland and Christchurch appear quite stable. The concentration of such a trend in Auckland would be concerning given the in-creased vulnerabilities it creates.
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KEY A: Excellent progress B: Encouraging progress C: Limited or modest progressD: No progress or going backwards F: Failing
Housing costs key as inequality remains highLatest inequality figures show that income inequality has increased again in 2013: the incomes of the low-est half of income earners are going nowhere, having seen no increase in the past five years, while the top half have increased their incomes.
Housing costs are also having a huge impact on people’s incomes, says New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) policy advisor Paul Barber. Half of all the people receiving the accommodation supplement are paying more than 50% of their income in rental housing or mortgage finance costs.
The impact of housing costs on people bears out the experience of the social services in NZCCSS net-works. People are being driven into homelessness because of the lack of affordable rental housing, espe-cially in Auckland and Christchurch. People sleeping in cars because there is no housing available, and families paying $400 a week to live in sub-standard caravan parks, are evidence of the housing chaos for many low income families.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 2 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
“New Zealand’s housing sector is a glaring example of the negative effects of income inequality,” Barber says. “It literally divides us geographically. Our health is damaged by poor quality, over-crowded houses. Maori and Pacific communities are more affected than others, reducing their chances to get ahead in life.
“The present programme of “housing reform” isn’t making the promised difference for the most vulnerable in our communities. We are yet to see more houses for those in the lowest third of the housing market. And the next two years offer little hope of change. Housing Minister Nick Smith concedes the problem needs years to be resolved – cold comfort for those sleeping in cars and caravans right now.
“While it’s still early days to assess the changes to housing needs assessments and access to the income-related rent subsidy, we can’t help but note that of the $95.7 million allocated to the Ministry of Social De-velopment to implement changes to housing assessment, only $8 million is for financial assistance to ac-tual tenants. The Social Housing Fund has received a miserly $10 million for new houses.”
“We need housing policy that empowers not marginalises . The current investment is simply too little to make any significant impact to reduce poverty and inequality. That’s a lost opportunity.”
The background to this inequality problem is that, over the past 30 years a huge gap has opened up between the rich and the rest in New Zealand. The incomes of the top 10% and 1% have doubled while everyone else has seen very little increase.
Most of the damage was done in the mid-80s to mid-90s, and despite some improvements in the early 2000s, we are now back to record high levels of inequality. The latest income inequality figures announced today confirm that there is no sign of the gap in incomes closing.
More than half of New Zealanders’ wealth is held in property, so the inequalities in the housing market have a huge impact on overall inequality in this country. With wealth inequality typically twice that of in-come inequality, huge divides are opening up in our society.
“Housing is vital to wellbeing”, Barber says. “Lower rental costs allow people to spend more on other es-sentials like food, clothing and heating. If we do social housing well, then everyone benefits from the more equal and cohesive society that results.”
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1407/S00156/housing-costs-key-as-inequality-remains-high.htm
© Scoop Media
Leadership, Learning and WellbeingMargy-Jean Malcolm
The typical self- effacing kiwi response to the ‘leadership’ word is “Who me? I don’t think of myself as a leader!” What assumptions are we making about ‘leadership’ when we write ourselves out of the leader-ship story? The "leader" word often brings to mind strong, decisive, visionary individuals. Yet leaders need to comfortable with being vulnerable as much as being strong. They need to ask good questions as much as being decisive in their answers. They need to be good at facilitating groups to develop shared vision, as much as leading out front with their own vision. As Christchurch people have shown so well: at the heart of leadership is our individual and collective capability to keep learning and adapting amidst com-plexity. Collective sector and community wellbeing has depended on capability to keep learning: to notice, reflect, inquire and make sense of our context, our practice and our collective wisdom to inform action in a constantly changing environment.
Some of the people who acted with great courage and were acknowledged as heroic leaders in the earth-quake rejected the ‘hero’ label, saying “I just did what any citizen would do for someone in need”. Ulti-mately community leadership is about supporting the potential for that kind of ‘active citizenship’ of every-one. There is strength in our humble kiwi discomfort around the ‘leadership’ word – and an opportunity to reclaim its meaning as first and foremost enabling the ongoing learning of living systems like local com-munities, community organisations, and ourselves.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 3 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
My own research suggests there are three powerful interactions needed to support our learning as leaders or active citizens: connections with peers, new ideas and practice opportunities. Peers might be people working in similar or different situations, teachers, mentors, coaches or role models who become fellow travellers on a shared learning journey. Bumping into new ideas and experiences, different perspectives, new research or fresh thinking help us keep reflecting on our assumptions, attitudes, skills and actions. And then we need plenty opportunities to practice what we are learning and thinking about. That usually includes being stretched outside our comfort zones to experiment with new behaviours and approaches. The wellbeing of ourselves, our sector and the communities we work with is enhanced with effective learn-ing. We feel re-energised from meaningful relationships, new ideas and an expanded sense of possibilities for our leadership practice from whatever our role.
Our Unitec learning community is one place where we intentionally support people working at the flaxroots of community development and community organisations with learning ‘time out’ that is always linked back to their practice. If you are keen to join us, then the perfect place to start is with our Values Based Man-agement and Leadership in Not for Profit Sector course: 15th – 17th October and 11th – 13th November, here in Christchurch. Treat yourself to some refuelling for your wellbeing! For more informa-tion on the whole programme exploring the fundamentals of leading and managing in complex community settings:
Contact Margy-Jean Malcolm, on [email protected] or 021 832 976 or 03 474 1990 to discuss any questions about the courses, enrolment, or scholarships to subsidise your fees
Go to Unitec’s website www.nfp.unitec.ac.nz for more detail about the courses, locations, scholarship application forms and enrolment forms
Come to Robert Harris Café at the YMCA on Hereford St (opposite the Christchurch Botanical Gar-dens) on August 20th, 12 noon – 1.30 pm and have a chat with Margy-Jean and Garth, two of the tutors!
Survivors of Sexual Violence Trust closesThe Board of Trustees of the Survivors of Sexual Violence Trust at the Monarch Centre have made the very difficult decision to close our services because we could not access ongoing funding. We did not meet MSD criteria for funding in that we did not have ongoing funding to be solvent.
We give heartfelt thanks to our skilled and dedicated staff Paula and Renee, our Counsellor Toni, and our many volunteers for Safecare. We hope Safecare will carry on supporting the victims of sexual violence in Christchurch. MSD are working with other agencies in the field to this end. Most of our services stop on the 4th July 14 and we will finish off our counselling clients by the end of July.
Our decision to close was a sad one but we now want to focus on, and celebrate, the 22 years of service to the community, supporting victims of sexual violence. We appreciate you all and the support we have had from folk in our networks over the years.
On behalf of all at SSVT,
Heather Smyth,Chairperson.
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NZ Counsellors Concerned at Closure of Christchurch Agency The New Zealand Association of Counsellors has strong concerns about recent changes to government funding criteria which has prompted the closure of a Christchurch sexual violence support service.
NZAC Canterbury spokesperson Sarah Maindonald says longstanding counselling agencies in Christch-urch are affected by the recent changes to MSD funding.
“Monarch, START and Rata counselling services have been significantly affected by these changes with Monarch, which delivers the SafeCare service, now having to close its doors.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 4 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
“This is of great concern for youth and families in Christchurch needing counselling for victims of sexual vi-olence. This government has pledged to attend to the effects of child abuse in this country but how can our children and women heal if these services aren’t readily available?”
“Monarch has offered a robust and professional service to women victims of domestic and sexual violence over 22 years and their SafeCare work they provide to the police is critical in terms of keeping women safe post crisis.”
Police referred up to four cases a day to SafeCare in Christchurch which has seen a 40 per cent rise in the number of reported sexual assaults since 2010.
“Given the post-earthquake context in Christchurch, this is the last thing the community needs. To have an agency which has served women and child victims of sexual violence for the past 22 years close its doors is absolutely negligent.”
The NZAC says it is committed to safe, ethical and professional counselling services and would hope any service offered to women in the future would ensure appropriate professional membership, training and su-pervision in this specialist area.
© Scoop Media
Counting the contribution of the not-for-profit sectorCommunity and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew and Statistics Minister Nicky Wagner are welcom-ing Statistics New Zealand’s decision to update its official measure of the not-for-profit sector.
“Community groups are the backbone of our sports and social groups, emergency service organisations, conservation, and the arts and cultural sector. These institutions, and the people who are part of them, make a significant contribution to New Zealand society and the economy,” says Mrs Goodhew.
Statistics NZ last released official statistics on the not-for-profit sector in 2007 with the Non-profit Institu-tions Satellite Account: 2004.
The report found there were 97,000 not-for-profit organisations in New Zealand, contributing $6.95 billion or 4.9% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. At that time over one million people did some voluntary work, and over 105,000 people did paid work for a not-for-profit.
“As the Satellite Account is based on data collected a decade ago it is now timely for work to begin on up-dating it using recent data from a range of sources," says Ms Wagner.
“Due to the diversity of the not-for-profit sector it is estimated that the project will take around 18 months, but it will be easier to determine the release date once work is further along.
“Statistics NZ will keep the not-for-profit sector informed on their progress.”
“I commend Statistics NZ for taking on this fairly large, but important review. The update will give a more accurate picture of the size, structure and economic contribution of non-profit institutions, including how many there are, how many people they employ, and the level of volunteer input,” says Mrs Goodhew.
New national body for community sectorTwo national community sector umbrella organisations have unveiled a proposal to merge and create a new body linking together the community and voluntary sector. The community sector is huge – most re-cent numbers include nearly 100,000 organisations, with 105,000 staff and 270 million volunteer hours per year, generating 4.9% of NZ's GDP.
The two organisations - ANGOA and Social Development Partners - have been in discussions since November last year. They have now issued a formal proposal for their amalgamation to more than 200 members of both organisations, as well as to other partners and interested organisations across the com-munity sector.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 5 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
The group says that they are committed to ensuring the amalgamated entity responds to the core function of promoting and strengthening the community sector.
Chair of ANGOA, Marion Blake, says it will be a forum for the sector, practical support for the sector, and a public voice for the sector. "The new body would work to build a robust community sector, to advance na-tional wellbeing and to strengthen the collective voice of the sector."
Both ANGOA and Social Development Partners have been well-respected bodies in the community sector over many years. "We have a great history of work to support our sector," says New Plymouth-based, So-cial Development Partners' President, Simon Cayley.
"When organisations can look back on decades of history they have a right to claim a great deal of wisdom. However, they also need to remain mindful that society and the needs it faces will have changed signific-antly over this period."
"This new body will build on and go beyond that work to build a strong sector and strong communities."
"The decision by ANGOA and Social Development Partners to join together demonstrates not only our de-sire to take our combined wisdom into the future, but also to do so within a new and vibrant structure that will be relevant to the sector of tomorrow," says Cayley.
The new body would be a Charitable Trust, governed by a Trust Board. There will be a series of online dis-cussions and face-to-face meetings over three months. AGMs will be held in September and October to decide on the new body, which could be in place by the end of December.
HAVE YOUR SAYCOSS alerts readers to consultation processes or lobbying initiatives that we think are of particular relevance to the social services sector or to non-profit organisations. However you can keep an eye out for issues of importance to you or your organisation by regularly visiting the following websites:
Christchurch City Council consultations: http://www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay/index.aspx
Central government consultations: http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/BusSum/0/c/6/00DBHOH_BSC_SCALL_1-Bills-before-select-committees.htm
District Plan Review, next phasePriority chapters of the Draft Proposed District Plan will be publicly notified on 27 August 2014. There will be 30 working days for public submis-sions. Drop in sessions will be held around the city – the dates and venues for these sessions will be posted soon on: www.ccc.govt.nz/district-planreview
From 27 August more information will be avail-able at www.districtplanproposed.ccc.govt.nz
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Responsible Lending CodeBuying goods on credit or taking out a personal loan can be useful, but getting into financial trouble because of irresponsible lending and bor-rowing can be harmful to consumers and their families.
The Government is changing laws that cover con-sumer credit, the main one being the Credit Con-tracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. The changes to this law aim to:
ensure that businesses lend to consumers and manage consumer credit contracts re-sponsibly by following ‘lender responsibility principles’, and
better protect vulnerable consumers.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employ-ment is developing a Responsible Lending Code to help lenders follow the lender responsibility principles. It wants the Code to work well in prac-tice – it needs to protect borrowers, without pla-cing unnecessary costs on lenders who already have good systems in place.
The Ministry would like to hear your views on what should be included in the Code by 13 Au-gust 2014.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 6 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
More information can be found at http://www.con-sumeraffairs.govt.nz/legislation-policy/changes-to-credit-laws
Forum: COSS is hosting staff from MBIE at a forum to discuss the Code on Thurs 7th August, 12.30pm - 1.30pm in the Aoraki Room, Com-munity & Public Health, 310 Manchester St, Christchurch. BYO lunch, tea and coffee provided. RSVP to COSS, ph 366 2050 or email [email protected].
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Draft Residential Chapter – Christchurch Central Recovery Plan
A vision and framework for residential develop-ment within the city’s four avenues, and initiatives to stimulate development. Have your say on this draft. To view the document go to www.ccdu.gov-t.nz/the-plan, or visit CERA, HSBC Tower, 62 Worcester Boulevard or a Council Service Centre or Library for a hard copy.
To comment, you can do the survey on the web site, or email [email protected] or post com-ments to A Liveable City, CERA, Private Bag 4999, Christchurch. Submissions close 13 Au-gust.
RESOURCES FOR YOU, YOUR COMMUNITY OR YOUR CLIENTSThe Salvation Army
Christchurch City Community Ministries Hope CentreTerm 3 coursesStretching the Dollar:6 sessions. Subjects covered include Simple Everyday Cooking Ideas, Growing Veggies and Herbs, Smart Shopping, Practical Sewing and Al-terations, Simple Budgeting Skills.Starts Monday 4th August, 10.00am—12noon Childcare available
JobSearch Skills :6 sessions - Skills for those wanting to return to the work force—topics covered include CV, Inter-view Skills, Finding That Job etc.Starts Friday 22nd August, 10.00am—12noon Childcare available
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Group:4 sessions covering topics—Dealing with Dis-obedience, Managing Fighting & Aggression, De-veloping Good Bedtime Routines, and Hassle-free Shopping.Starts Tuesday 2nd September, 12.30pm —2.30pm. Childcare available
Cost: Gold coin donation per session is appreci-ated
For further information and to register phone 366 8128
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Men Building Stronger Relationships
This group is for men who want to build stronger relationships with partners, family, or friends. You will have opportunities to learn to deal with conflict better, communicate more effectively, gain greater understanding of yourself, and bring new life to the way you relate to others. We will use a range of action methods and group discus-sion.
When: Eight Monday nights, 15th September – 10th November (not Labour Day), 2014, 6.30 – 9.00pm (please arrive at 6.15 for a 6.30 start)
Where: Avebury Hse, 9 Evelyn Couzins Ave, Richmond, Chch
Cost: $60 –unwaged or low income, $120 –waged
To enrol and for further information contact:Marcel - Phone / Txt 0274774439 or email [email protected] Simon - Phone/Txt 0272767612 or email [email protected]
Limited spaces available Workshop LeadersMarcel van der Weerden has worked as a counsellor, residential care worker, and group worker over the last twenty five years. He has a particular interest in work-ing with men and currently works as a counsellor at START and in private practice. Marcel is an advanced psychodrama trainee with the CITP.
Simon Gurnsey is a senior psychodrama trainee with 25 years experience in the method. He has been in-volved with men’s groups for many years. He assists organisations to develop their social networks.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 7 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
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Positive Ageing Expo – Monday 29 September, 9.30am - 2.30pmAt Papanui High School, Langdons Rd. Organ-ised by Age Concern Canterbury to celebrate In-ternational Day of Older Persons. Over 115 ex-hibitors.
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Blokes BookThe Canterbury Men’s Centre has a new supply of its popular Blokes Book. Agencies are invited to call around to 357 Gloucester St, just east of Fitzgerald (stay for a cuppa!) and help yourself to as many booklets as your service requires.
Outside office hours: The Men’s Centre will leave 4-5 boxes outside the office door Monday to Thursday night to make it easy for you. There are
135 in a box. Karl and the counsellors would be happy to show you around if you haven’t been at the Men’s Support Hub before.
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Maori Artists WantedThe Eastside Gallery at Linwood Community Arts Centre is seeking Maori artists to exhibit in its an-nual Maori Art exhibition - Te Whare Maire O Nga Punawerewere. This important exhibition is due to open on 8th September. There is no charge to take part, and the gallery charges a 10% commis-sion on sold artwork.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in taking part in this exhibition, please contact the Gallery Co-ordinator, Shirley Scarlett, at Linwood Community Arts Centre, 388 Worcester Street, Linwood, Christchurch, tel. 981-2881, or email [email protected]
RESOURCES FOR YOUR ORGANISATION OR GROUPChristchurch Bridge Club Facilities for HireOur modern, architecturally designed club rooms are centrally located in Nova Place, off Barba-does Street. The lighting and acoustics are excel-lent and the space can be divided up for multiple use.
Conferences, Seminars, Meetings, Special occasions
Located within the CBD Accommodate up to 300 people Free parking Disabled facilities Full kitchen facilities Whiteboards / Data screen / Lectern Audio system / TV / WiFi
Contact details: Phone: 366-1516, 21 Nova Place, PO Box 34-004, Christchurch, 8540
Email: [email protected] Website: www.chchbridge.co.nz
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Updated deprivation indexes NZDep and NZiDepThe latest deprivations indexes, based on 2013 census data, were released in May by University of Otago researchers. The NZDep indexes, which were first released in 1991, show socio-economic position and wellbeing. The maps, raw data and related explanatory information are
available from the Department of Public Health, University of Otago.
Links and more information are at http://www.ot-ago.ac.nz/wellington/research/hirp/otago020194.html
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Office space in Christchurch Community HouseThis is an exciting opportunity for your organisa-tion to be closely involved with the Trust by be-coming a tenant in the new central Christchurch premises currently being fitted out at the former Christchurch Star building located at 301 Tuam Street. We have a range of options available, in-cluding either open plan or enclosed office space.
Christchurch Community House Trust is a group of non-profit organisations committed to making a difference through modelling a strong connected community.
We support each other and the wider sector by contributing to the life and work of the Trust, shar-ing our knowledge and expertise, being open to continuously learning, working more effectively and providing better services to the people we work with.
Please contact Mike, ph 365 3139 or email [email protected] to learn more about this exciting opportunity and how you can get involved now!
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COSS NEWS Christchurch 8 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
2013 Community Profiles The Strengthening Communities Teams of the Christchurch City Council have been compiling Community Profiles since 2011. The 2013 Com-munity Profiles are now available online at http://www.ccc.govt.nz/cityleisure/statsfacts/com-munityprofiles/index.aspx
The Community Profiles of ward areas and differ-ent metropolitan groups in Christchurch were first created in August/September 2011 in order to de-velop better understandings of the city’s popula-tion.
The profiles build a detailed picture of what Christchurch communities went through pre and post-quake and are helping determine what needs to be done going forward to build resilience and strengthen functionality across our com-munities. They include core demographics, ana-lyse community infrastructure, identify pre and post earthquake issues and map community resi-lience.
Forty-seven zones across the eight Christchurch Community Board wards and six city-wide sector groups were documented and mapped, with all this information now available to the public. New profiles will be created annually for the next 12 years, which will highlight year on year change, trends, projections and progress.
The 2013 profiles are a record of the community at the point in time they were compiled (Novem-ber 2013), so some information may now be slightly outdated.
The 2013 profiles comprise six sections:
1. Locality: a map and geographic description that includes major built or natural features in the area.
2. Key Demographics: graphed facts and trends about residents and householders in the area from the latest Census.
3. Community Infrastructure Mapping: illustra-tions of the types of support provided by local community sector organisations.
4. Community Resilience Mapping: a diagram that rates resilience or strength with indicators: community support, volunteering, connected-ness, participation and preparedness.
5. Community Environments: a summary of the social, economic, built, and natural environ-ments.
6. Key Issues Identified: a discussion starter list of identified issues for future work.
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The Billies - enter now!There is lots of great learning and research being done by Tangata Whenua, Community and Vol-untary organisations. Yet, we don't often stop to celebrate this.
This is what The Billies Award will do: recognise organisations doing their own great community-based learning, improvement or research.
A $2,000 cash prize will be presented to the win-ning entry.
Entering is simple: send a three minute video (or a three page story), which shows how learning or research by your organisation started by recog-nising strengths (not gaps or deficits), and led to positive outcomes.
Closing date: 5pm Monday 11 August. Find out more at http://www.communityre-search.org.nz/the-billies/
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Dynamic Community Learning AwardsCelebrating amazing initiatives in Canterbury and ChristchurchEntries welcome from organisations strengthen-ing communities through innovative learning and Adult and Community Education (ACE) initiatives. With a closing date of 11 August, the Award will be presented as part of the Launch of Adult Learners Week in Christchurch, 8 – 14 Septem-ber 2014, that will be opened by Mayor Lianne Dalziel. For a copy of the entry form or for more information either contact: [email protected] or download from the ACE Aotearoa website: www.aceaotearoa.org.nz
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Building a better understanding of how families are faringThe Families Commission / Social Policy Evalu-ation and Research Unit is consulting on draft frameworks to measure and monitor family and whānau wellbeing to see how they are faring over time.
The frameworks feature in this second annual Families and Whānau Status Report, which looks at family trends, attitudes and aspirations within the wider economic and social context in which families and whānau function.
This year’s Status Report shows how current demographic trends such as smaller family sizes,
COSS NEWS Christchurch 9 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
increased longevity, relatively high fertility levels, higher rates of household formation and dissolu-tion, is changing the structure of families and whānau in New Zealand.
The Report and Summary are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.familiescom-mission.org.nz/publications/research-reports/fam-ilies-and-wh%C4%81nau-status-report-2014
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Our FuturesOur Futures is a report released by the Royal So-ciety of New Zealand on the results of reviewing the rapidly changing New Zealand population. The report aims to stimulate discussion about the implications of the 2013 census for understanding the changing nature of New Zealand society. You can access the report at: www.royalsociety.or-g.nz/expert-advice/challenging-issues/our-futures/
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Safe Sleep Day: Friday 5th December 2014Whakawhetu National SUDI Prevention for Māori wish to announce, Safe Sleep Day 2014, has been set for Friday 5th December 2014.
Thank you to the many partners across the coun-try who helped support and promote Safe Sleep Day 2013. We hope to continue the successes of 2013 by continuing with our commitment and working to ensure that ‘Every sleep is a safe sleep, for all babies’.
Further information will be sent out in due course. If you have any questions please feel free to con-tact Jeanine Tamati-Paratene at [email protected] or [email protected]
For more information: www.safesleepday.org.nz
Governance ResourcesProduced by the North Shore Council of Social Services
UPDATED The Treasurer's Resource Manual Ref 109, $20
Five sections cover the Treasurer's Role, Finan-cial Record Keeping, Budgets, Legal Responsibil-ities and an extensive glossary.
http://www.nscss.org.nz/committee-topics-treas-urer%E2%80%99s-resource-manual
UPDATED Role of Chairperson Ref 304, $15
Sets out duties, meeting procedures both formal and informal, running meetings and dealing with
difficult situations. Also includes useful tips for te-ambuilding and group dynamics.
http://www.nscss.org.nz/committee-topics-role-chairperson
UPDATED Role of Secretary Ref 305, $15
Covers preparing for meetings, taking and circu-lating minutes, writing reports, handling tabled re-ports, Privacy Act requirements and general sec-retarial duties. A must for any new Secretary.
http://www.nscss.org.nz/committee-topics-role-secretary
Order any of these resources online at http://www.nscss.org.nz/publications/community-re-sources
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The Health of Māori Adults and Children, 2011–2013This four-page report presents key findings on the health and wellbeing of Māori adults and children (2011–2013) and shows trends since 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS). Download the report at http://www.health.govt.nz/publica-tion/health-maori-adults-and-children-2011-2013
New NGO/SME Industrial-organisational Psychology Service from Massey Univer-sityFriday mornings 8.30 am to 10.30 am with initial free consultations of 30 minutes either face to face or via Skype/phone. Designed to ease the pressure points in your organisation. Subsequent sessions $70 per half hour.
To find out more: www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/departments/school-of-psychology/psy-chology-services/albany/io-psych-service/io-psych-service_home.cfm
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AGNA Compendium of Toolkits and Guides to strengthen civil society organ-isationsThe Affinity Group of National Associations has brought practice tools together. Accessible on the ANGOA website: www.angoa.org.nz/other-re-ports-2/agna-compendium-of-toolkits-and-guides/
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New research summaries on violence and child abuse
COSS NEWS Christchurch 10 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
The Global Programme to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls project has published five new documents summarising the current state of knowledge on what works to prevent viol-ence. The project aims to build knowledge on what works to prevent violence against women and girls. It seeks to identify effective prevention strategies by addressing the root causes or es-
tablished risk factors for violence. The project specifically addresses intimate partner violence (emotional, economic, physical, sexual), non-part-ner sexual violence, and child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual).
Read more at http://nzfvc.org.nz/?q=node/1742
FORUMS / TRAINING / DEVELOPMENTElection 2014A series of talks at WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
Fridays 10.30am – 12 noon.
8 Aug: What can voters expect from Election 2014? Assoc Prof Janine Hayward, Dept Politics, University of Otago.
15 Aug: Political language and the election. Geoffrey Ford, Canterbury University.
22 Aug: Youth politics in and beyond parliament. Sylvia Nissen, Canterbury University.
Enrol online at www.cwea.org.nz or ph 366 0285. Gold coin donation.
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Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch forum:
"Christchurch - A Resilient City?"Guest speaker: Mike Gillooly
Monday 18 August, 8 pmWEA, 59 Gloucester Street Christchurch
We have asked Mike to explore the topic in the context of the vision of Christchurch people that emerged from "Share an Idea", focussing on Strong Sustainability <phase2.org> and the links across the four well beings - social, environ-mental, economic and cultural.
Mike Gillooly is the Christchurch City Council's Chief Resilience Officer, appointed as part of the 100 Resilient Cities Network - a global initiative funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. He has over twenty years’ experience which includes cross sector project management spanning the private sector as well as local and central govern-ment. For the last eighteen months he has been the land drainage operations manager for the Christchurch City Council.
The AGM of SOC will be held at 7.30 pm. All Welcome
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Free seminar from the Funding Informa-tion Service Funding Information Service in conjunction with Waimakariri District Council is holding a workshop to focus on the FundView (funding database for community groups) and BreakOut (funding data-base for scholarships etc; for individuals) facilities and how they can be best utilized.
Do you need: funding for your community, voluntary organ-
isation or club? money to study, research, or for your profes-
sional development?
Find the best funding matches from over 1200 grants to pay for your administration costs, build-ing redevelopment, salaries, volunteer expenses, equipment, furniture and more! Or choose from over 4000 scholarships and grants for students, professionals, researchers, sports people and artists.
Rangiora Public Library (141 Percival Street Monday 18th August 2014 from 1 to 2.30pm
Contact the Rangiora Public Library to register to attend (www.wmk.govt.nz or 03 311 8901). Visit the Funding Information Service website for more information if you are unable to attend.
Mana Whenua course at CPIT Mana Whenua is an introduction to local histories and culture takes a holistic approach to learning the unique history of the Ngāi Tahu region.
Learners are taken on a journey as they explore creation tradition, world view and culture and how this has guided the ancestors of the South. Ana-lysis of historic events, waiata and narrative provide context for understanding their early ac-tions and more recent interactions with the Crown.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 11 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
This course has zero tuition fees, thanks to a partnership with Ngāi Tahu.These wānanga will be facilitated by Hana O’Regan.
Here are the upcoming course Dates and ven-ues: Friday 8th to Sunday 10th August at CPIT Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October - venue
TBC Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November -
Wharenui opening at Arahura Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December at Mo-
eraki
Enrol or find more information at http://www.cpit.ac.nz/study-options/qualifications-and-courses/course-display?course=187374&title=Mana%20Whenua%20-%20Local%20Histories%20and%20Culture You can also call 0800 24 24 76.
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New Zealand Diversity Forum Christchurch, 24-25 August 2014Celebrating its 10th year, the annual New Zeal-and Diversity Forum continues to bring together communities, central and local government, the public sector, the voluntary sector, business, civil society and young people from around the coun-try to promote harmonious race relations in Aotearoa.
Returning to Christchurch, the forum’s theme is Migrant and refugee employment: Valuing di-versity is a key issue, given the rebuild being un-dertaken in the region and increased recruitment of migrant workers to help drive the rebuild.
The 2014 forum remains a platform to share ideas and good practice on fostering cultural di-versity, promoting racial equality and encouraging positive race relations at a national level.
We look forward to seeing you there! It’s free to register this year but we do need to know how many people will be attending for catering pur-poses. To find out more and to register visit www.hrc.co.nz
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Bachelor of Social Work, Open Polytech-nicA third intake for social work students has been announced for Trimester 3 2014 which runs from 10th November-27th February. Applications
open August 11th 2014. The deadline for this in-take will be September 19th 2014.
More information at http://www.openpolytech-nic.ac.nz/subjects-and-courses/op7400-bachelor-of-social-work-level-7
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Just Action 2014: In Our Backyard How do we live justly in our own community? This year Just Action travels to four main centres to help us think about our own backyards. Be in-spired and challenged by our guest speaker from the UK and locals who are making a difference.
Christchurch: Saturday 23 August.
For more information and to register go to http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/our-community/calen-dar/just-action-our-backyard
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Learn Smart Ways to Bring in More Funds for Your Nonprofit 11 September | Copthorne Commodore Hotel | Christchurch
If your organisation is ready to rev up its visibility plus smash its fundraising targets, register now for the 360 Degree Not-for-Profit Training Day. It’s an incredible investment in the future of your organisation.
Hosted by the Fundraising Institute of New Zeal-and (FINZ), this event will give you the building blocks to develop and implement your fundraising strategy. View the schedule and register at www.finz.org.nz/360 or call 0508 64 FINZ
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Child Protection Studies Programme8 – 12 September 2014
The Child Protection Studies Programme is the only specialised, NZQA accredited (level 3) child protection training on offer in NZ. It provides stu-dents with a broad base of skills, and just as im-portantly the confidence to act effectively when children have been abused and to intervene early when a child is at risk.
The content covered in the programme is com-prehensive and practical, and is designed to en-hance the skills of those who have a responsibil-ity or role in the safety of children.
Child Protection training is relevant and important for anyone who works with, is exposed to, or cares about children, including;
COSS NEWS Christchurch 12 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
Those who are new to the field and want to establish a sound, basic understanding of Child Protection.
Those who have a responsibility or role in the safety of children.
Managers and leaders responsible for policy development and the safety and wellbeing of their workers.
ACT NOW so you can confidently and effectively contribute to a safer community in your area.
More information from http://www.childmatters.or-g.nz/39/training-programmes/programme
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Strengthening the Youth Sector Annual Hui 9am to 3.30pm, Friday 26th September 2014, Lincoln
The programme is being developed but will in-clude keynote speakers, workshops and reporting back from the work streams. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to give input into the further development and direction of the project.
Programme and registrations coming soon! When registrations come out get in quickly as there will be limited spaces!
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SSPA National Conference 2014:
Collaboraction and Innovation for Vulnerable Children and Whānau
9 – 10 October 2014, Invercargill
The programme focuses on collaborative action and innovation to achieve the best outcomes for vulnerable children and whanau. A great line-up of keynote speakers and an interactive Panel Session with key child-focussed agencies are on this Conference’s menu. 16 workshops are streamed under four learning areas: Practice, Innovation and Collaboraction, Special Interest, and Management.
Registration Prices (include Conference Dinner ticket): SSPA Members Early Bird Full 2 Days - $255+GST Non-Members Early Bird Full 2 Days - $295+GST SSPA Members Full 2 Days (after 1 Sep) - $300+GST Non-Members Full 2 Days (after 1 Sep) - $350+GST
You can access the conference programme, speakers’ bios and registration on: http://sspacon-ference.org.nz/home.php
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Social justice in communities – What is it? How can we build it?How can we sustain it?23/24 October 2014, Christchurch
A conference jointly hosted by Community Net-works Aotearoa (formerly NZCOSS) and the NZ Council of Christian Social Services.
Social justice is vitally important in Christchurch as it is rebuilding and redeveloping; it is equally important in all of our communities. It does not happen by accident but is the result of deliberate and inclusive decision-making.
Inspirational speakers from Christchurch, else-where in New Zealand and Australia will share their experiences in working within communities to bring about self-determination, inclusion and empowerment for community members.
This conference will strengthen participants’ com-mitment to social justice, it will inform them of how socially just communities have been de-veloped and will inspire them to work towards this ideal in their work and communities.
For more information see http://socialjustice.or-g.nz/
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Resilience, Change and the Third Sector12th Biennial Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research Conference
18-20 November 2014, Otautahi/Christchurch.
The changing policy environment, increasingly complex regulatory demands, shifting funding op-portunities, diverse stakeholder expectations, new technologies, emerging population and so-cial trends, can all buffet the sector around. How can the sector maintain its integrity and be a force for change in society?
Put the Conference dates, 18-20 November 2014, in your diary now so you don’t miss this ex-citing event.
“Resilience, Change and the Third Sector” is sponsored by Australia and New Zealand Third Sector Research (ANZTSR) http://www.anztsr.org.au and Tangata Whenua, Community & Voluntary Sector Re-search Centre (Community Research) http://www.com-munityresearch.org.nz , and hosted by Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology http://www.cpit.ac.nz. General inquiries about the Confer-ence to: [email protected]
COSS NEWS Christchurch 13 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
FUNDINGLike Minds, Like Mine Community Partnership Fund The Fund will support innovative community pro-jects that reduce stigma and discrimination and increase social inclusion for people with experi-ence of mental illness.
These projects will work towards changing social structures, cultures and policies so social inclu-sion can occur more easily. The Fund is not de-signed to provide direct services to people with experience of mental illness.
Successful projects will align with the Like Minds, Like Mine National Plan 2017-2019 http://newslet-ter.hpa.org.nz/t/r-l-xuultc-irlkljjuik-e/ and will occur in workplaces and community-based settings where social exclusion may occur.
The most effective way to create social change is for communities to work together. Projects should demonstrate partnership, using cross-sec-tor expertise, and include people with experience of mental illness in a leadership capacity.
Application for the Fund is a two-stage process.
In stage one you must register your interest by completing the Application Form. Stage one ap-plications must be received by 12 noon, Friday 29 August 2014.
Successful applicants will be invited to apply for stage two by submitting a full project plan. This process will start in September and will be com-pleted by November.
For the application form and more information see http://www.hpa.org.nz/likemindscpf or email [email protected] . An information session will be held in Christchurch on Wednes-day 6 August, 1.30 to 3.00pm in the Oak Room, Hagley Netball Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue.
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Waitangi Day Fund Applications for the 2015 Commemorating Wait-angi Day Fund are now open.
The 6th of February next year marks the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty at the Waitangi grounds. To acknowledge the an-niversary, the criteria of the Fund have been ex-tended to include events that may fall on the date the Treaty was signed in other areas in New Zeal-and.
Applications to the fund can be made for events that are themed on the commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and that:• promote nation and community building;• encourage wide community participation;• promote a cultural experience;• take place on or near Waitangi Day (6th of Feb-ruary), or on a date related to when the Treaty was signed in other areas.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 19 Septem-ber 2014. More information is available on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website:http://www.mch.govt.nz/funding-nz-culture/ministry-grants-awards/commemorating-waitangi-day-fund.
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Ministry of Youth Development FundingServices for Young People Fund
We provide funding to community-based services for young people aged 12-24 in New Zealand. These services provide opportunities for young people to connect with their communities, gain confidence and learn new skills.
Small Communities Youth Grant Fund
The ‘Small Communities’ Youth Grant Fund aims to support young people from New Zealand’s is-land communities to apply for grants of between $2,000 - $5,000 for youth-led initiatives and activ-ities for and by young people aged 12 to 24 years.
Canterbury Youth Initiatives Fund
The Ministry of Youth Development has estab-lished the Canterbury Youth Initiatives Fund to support the delivery of a series of events and initi-atives developed by, and targeted at, young people across the greater Christchurch region. The fund is being established in response to some of the findings from the CERA Youth Well-being Survey 2013.
Find out more about these and other funds at http://www.myd.govt.nz/funding/
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CERA Funding: Rotary has been asked by Cera to help strengthen communities and they have a web site at www.rotaryneighbourhood.or-g.nz
COSS NEWS Christchurch 14 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
They have been established to support locally ini-tiated projects that contribute towards improving wellbeing and building resilient communities and neighbourhoods’. Applicants to the fund can ap-ply for up to $500 for small neighbourhood events and up to $4,000 for larger community events.
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The Working Together More FundThe WTMF has been supporting collaborative ini-tiatives and mergers since 2009.this fund sup-ports not for profit organisations that want to part-ner up with at least one other business group or community organisation – or be seeking funding to explore potential partnerships. The WTMF committee meets three times a year to assess applications. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 31 October 2014
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Community Internship ProgrammeThis programme provides a chance for experi-enced professionals to contribute to a community organisation and to increase understanding and co-operation between the private, public and community sectors. It funds hapū, iwi or com-munity groups with clearly identified needs to em-ploy skilled professionals as interns for 12 months part-time or three to six months full-time.
Applications for the 2015 CIP close on Septem-ber 11th. The programme is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs. Further informa-tion can be found at www.communitymatters.gov-t.nz or by calling 0800 824 824.
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The Fletcher Trust is pleased to receive ap-plications for assistance from groups working in the areas of education and youth development. There is no formal application form. Instead, or-ganisations are invited to put their case for con-sideration forward in their own words. As The Trust meets quarterly, applicants can usually ex-pect a prompt response.
Every application is treated on its merits, but the Trust's main aim is to support education and youth development programmes. In particular, applications for 'start-up' funding are welcome as the Trust recognises how difficult it can be to launch even the most worthwhile project. The Trust accepts one application per 12 months from any organisation. If you do receive a grant, funds must be used within one year and evidence of
this may be required. The Trust will not provide funds for national appeals or appeals by a second party, or for investment, salaries, wages, individu-als or travel.
Website address is: http://www.fletchertrust.co.nz/applications.php
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Canterbury Community Trust have renamed their sectors and moved some groups from their old sectors to new sectors. If you are unsure of which sector group you are now in please contact the Canterbury Community Trust.
Education Sector – organisations that support learning opportunities in the community. Closes 20th August
Community & Economic Development Sector – Organisations that support community develop-ment through their services, activities and eco-nomic initiatives. Closes 20 September.
Environmental – organisations that promote and support environmental activities. Closes 20 September.
Sport & Recreation Sector – Organisations that support participation and engagement in sport, recreation activities or hobbies. Closes 20 November.
For further information ph 335 0305 or call free 0508 266 878. Email [email protected] . www . - commtrust . org . nz
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The Learning Fund J R McKenzie TrustThe Learning Fund makes small grants (up to $500) towards the costs to access the learning opportunities where sharing happens. If there’s a conference or a training session which is relevant to this work, but you can’t afford the registration fee or you’d like to visit another organisation do-ing this kind of work and need financial help to get there. To find out more go to www.jrmcken-zie.org.nz/learning-fund
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The Tindall Foundation provides funding for providers of services to young children, families, youth development, Maori and minority ethnic groups, adult literacy, budgeting or community services and development. There is no closing date. See the Tindall Foundation website at www . tindall . org . nz or call (09) 488 0170, email [email protected]
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COSS NEWS Christchurch 15 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
Need Help Now Fund - Canterbury Com-munity TrustCanterbury Community Trust have established this fund to support the post-earthquake com-munity and social infrastructure of Canterbury by dispersing $2 million within 12 months. One
Need Help Now fund is up to $50,000 for stretched organisations experiencing greater de-mands and new delivery challenges, and a second Building Communities fund is up to $5,000 for wellbeing activities and events. Ap-plication forms available on: www.commtrust.or-g.nz
Lottery GrantsCommittee Application opening
dateApplication closing
dateMeeting date
National Community Committee 1 October 2014 26 November 2014 7 – 11 April 2015Regional Community Committees 1 October 2014 26 November 2014 7 – 11 April 2015Community Facilities Fund 10 December 2014 18 February 2015 24 – 29 May
2015World War One Commemorations, Environment and Heritage Commit-tee
10 December 2014 18 February 2015 24 – 29 May 2015
Marae Heritage and Facilities 10 December 2014 18 February 2015 24 – 29 May 2015
COSS NEWS Christchurch 16 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
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When bad men combine, the good must asso-ciate; else they will fall one by one, an unpit-
ied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.
Edmund Burke, 1770
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The Council of Social Services in Christchurch IncTe Kaunihera Kaupapa Oranga ki Otautahi
Charities Commission Registration No: CC26511
Ph 03 366 2050 Email [email protected]
Membership: Membership entitles you to the monthly newsletter, voting and nomination rights, attend-ance at meetings, advocacy and the right to bring concerns to the attention of the Board.
Subscription: Non-members may subscribe to the newsletter for the same cost as membership.
Donations: Many community groups these days are facing a cut in funding. Any donations will help to en-sure that COSS will continue to provide information and a voice for community groups.
Annual Membership / SubscriptionOrganisations (Income $75,000 or more) $55.00 (Income under $75,000) $40.00
Individuals (Waged) $25.00 (Unwaged) payment at Member’s discretion
COSS NEWS Christchurch 17 August / Hereturi Koka 2014
If finance is the only barrier to membership, fees can be waived. Please contact the office.
COSS NEWS Christchurch 18 August / Hereturi Koka 2014