9. TIM BARNETT (Labour—Christchurch Central) Link to this
to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
What is the Government doing to support volunteers?
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector) Link to this
The Government is serious about supporting volunteers, and it adopted a formal policy on volunteering in 2002. This week is Volunteer Awareness Week, and many of my colleagues are acknowledging the volunteer contributions in their communities by visiting volunteer groups and participating in activities such as speaking at volunteering awards ceremonies. This Government acknowledges that volunteers in sectors such as conservation, the emergency services, the arts, culture, and heritage, and the social services all contribute to our sense of well-being and national identity, and strengthen our communities.
What work has the Government undertaken to support the voluntary sector, and how does that relate to volunteering?
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN Link to this
Since 2001 we have had a dedicated Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, and have established an office to address issues affecting the sector and raise its profile within the Government. We have invested in Volunteering New Zealand and in nine volunteering centres from Auckland to Otago. We have also established the Charities Commission and invested a substantial amount of funding into the sector, including $12 million per year towards the Community Organisation Grants Scheme, which supports the work of over 3,000 local organisations, and $6.5 million for volunteers in sport and recreation.