Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Our vision
New Zealand is a great place to bring up children and a place where communities have a
strong role to play. Labour believes that a connected community is a caring one. Our people
thrive when they are able to share their skills, lend a helping hand in tough times and pull
together to make a difference.
Labour encourages that Kiwi spirit of finding local solutions to local problems and using that
„No. 8 wire‟ mentality. That same spirit will be required in tough times and Labour recognises
the vital role played by the community and voluntary sector to create a strong, resilient and
cohesive sense of belonging to a community.
Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Māori development aspirations have shifted the lens of
service delivery to engage Māori directly to tackle some of the most challenging problems in
our communities. Whereas the former view in society used to be „By Māori for Māori‟, there
is an emerging view that these models from Māori providers are suited to a broader
spectrum of society.
The community and voluntary sector plays an increasing role in supporting communities and
delivering social services. Labour understands that an investment approach to the capacity
of the sector is essential as service delivery becomes more decentralised. This focus will
enable the sector to address social issues of long-standing concern in innovative and
creative ways. Labour believes that workforce development of the sector is essential and will
contribute to this need.
Labour is mindful that the private sector has skills and expertise that could be engaged to
help build the capacity and contribution of the community and voluntary sector. We will put
significant effort into this task.
Community-based child and whānau service providers play an important role to make sure
that children get the best start in life. They are the people who know what their community
needs, where the gaps are, and what can be done to make sure the best models of care are
available. They are also the people who are the first point of contact for the most vulnerable
whānau in our communities.
Labour is committed to working alongside the community and voluntary sector, towards a
long-term investment in the relationship, and towards supporting resilient communities
looking for locally responsive solutions. It‟s about all of us working together.
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