Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

The success of Whānau Ora will partly depend on political commitment, its ability to deliver
greater outcomes to vulnerable whānau and evaluate the model of service delivery
alongside other models. This will help us to cement our close working relationship with the
whole sector and give us a framework to further expand on.
Labour is committed to building on Whānau Ora focusing on four key components:
leadership; flexibility of funding to get results; workforce development; and better
information sharing. This will enable the delivery of measurable benefits to the
community.
Under Labour the Charities Commission was established by the Charities Act which was
passed in 2005. It was established after over a decade of discussion with the sector and a
detailed Select Committee process.
The Commission has done a commendable job registering over 25,000 organisations. It has
also promoted public trust and confidence in the charitable sector by providing educational
material and by encouraging good governance and management practices.
Labour is concerned with the current plans by the National Government to absorb the
Charities Commission into the Department of Internal Affairs. We believe the Commission
has a place to play in the long term and therefore believe it should remain autonomous.
There are some very practical suggestions for amendments that can be made to improve the
Act and Labour will engage with the sector to achieve these improvements. Labour believes
that the Charities Commission is best prepared to become the regulator of charities.
Labour is committed to engaging the community and voluntary sector in any review
of the Charities Act and the role of the Charities Commission.
Labour will continue to improve the functions of the Charities Act and as a priority
begin a first principles review of the Act.
Labour will act swiftly to restore the charitable status to the community housing
sector under the Charities Act.
Labour will ensure that community organisations are able to engage in advocacy without
becoming disqualified from charitable status, or from government funding and support.
Labour will continue to support the independence of community sector advocacy.
Building capacity
Labour appreciates the efforts of the community and voluntary sector and the essential
services they provide to New Zealanders. Labour recognises that the sector can do things
that governments cannot.
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