Candidates Speakers Panel at our 51st AGM
2026 Candidates Speakers Panel
The candidates were:
· Tamatha Paul for the Green Party
· Jonathan Pitts for National
· Jessica Hammond for the Opportunity Party
· Dr Ayesha Verrall for Labour
· Matthew Hague for Act
The question we asked ......
“What do you see as the biggest challenge for our vulnerable communities most at risk in Wellington and what would you do to address that challenge?”
Candidates responses here
2026 Candidates Speakers Panel
The candidates were:
· Tamatha Paul for the Green Party
· Jonathan Pitts for National
· Jessica Hammond for the Opportunity Party
· Dr Ayesha Verrall for Labour
· Matthew Hague for Act
The question we asked ......
“What do you see as the biggest challenge for our vulnerable communities most at risk in Wellington and what would you do to address that challenge?”
Candidates responses here
NZ POLICE VETTING COST CHANGES
Volunteer Wellington is holding a Zui
Tuesday August 4
12.30 and 1.30pm
Online Hui
Join the virtual Hui here
NZ Police have announced proposed changes to the cost for police vetting and these changes are likely to affect you. NZ Police are proposing (LINK) to shift vetting costs (including the cost of offering waivers and exemptions) onto organisations that request a report. While this might be manageable in relation to companies and organisations with paid staff, our sector relies on volunteers who naturally bring higher turnover and more frequent checks.
There’s an opportunity to submit on this, and if you have capacity, you should. However, we know how time poor many of our members are, so we’re letting you know Volunteer Wellington will be, and we want your voice to shape that.
Volunteer Wellington will have a zui on Tuesday August 4 between 12.30 and 1.30pm to discuss this. If that time and date doesn’t work for you, you can either call us at 04 499 4570 or send an email to Geoff directly to answer three patai:
· Are you planning to do a submission already, and if yes, can you share it with us when you submit it?
· If you aren't, tell us what would be the impact of the proposed changes would be be for you. It doesn't have to long, or in formal language, just give us your whakāro
· Is there anything else you would want us to say as Volunteer Wellington - so we can reflect your views as part of a unified voice?
We’ll draft our submission and share it by email around 18 August (this is because submissions are due by the 25th of August, and we need time for feedback to come back in) for anyone who wishes to add their organisations official tautoko to it, or to take guidance on your own submission before we hit send near the submission deadline of 25 August 2026.
Please note we are using the feedback from this Zui as part of our submission.
Link to the zui on police vetting feedback from Volunteer Wellington members
Volunteer Wellington is holding a Zui
Tuesday August 4
12.30 and 1.30pm
Online Hui
Join the virtual Hui here
NZ Police have announced proposed changes to the cost for police vetting and these changes are likely to affect you. NZ Police are proposing (LINK) to shift vetting costs (including the cost of offering waivers and exemptions) onto organisations that request a report. While this might be manageable in relation to companies and organisations with paid staff, our sector relies on volunteers who naturally bring higher turnover and more frequent checks.
There’s an opportunity to submit on this, and if you have capacity, you should. However, we know how time poor many of our members are, so we’re letting you know Volunteer Wellington will be, and we want your voice to shape that.
Volunteer Wellington will have a zui on Tuesday August 4 between 12.30 and 1.30pm to discuss this. If that time and date doesn’t work for you, you can either call us at 04 499 4570 or send an email to Geoff directly to answer three patai:
· Are you planning to do a submission already, and if yes, can you share it with us when you submit it?
· If you aren't, tell us what would be the impact of the proposed changes would be be for you. It doesn't have to long, or in formal language, just give us your whakāro
· Is there anything else you would want us to say as Volunteer Wellington - so we can reflect your views as part of a unified voice?
We’ll draft our submission and share it by email around 18 August (this is because submissions are due by the 25th of August, and we need time for feedback to come back in) for anyone who wishes to add their organisations official tautoko to it, or to take guidance on your own submission before we hit send near the submission deadline of 25 August 2026.
Please note we are using the feedback from this Zui as part of our submission.
Link to the zui on police vetting feedback from Volunteer Wellington members
‘The Older Person’
Summary and links from July's network meeting
Last Wednesday (15 July 2026) CNW hosted an important network meeting featuring speakers from Age Concern Wellington Region, the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) and the Office for Seniors. The discussion ranged from healthcare, housing to the unique cost of living challenges faced by older adults. Unsurprisingly for those who keep an eye on news headlines, the current state of affairs is concerning with increasing deprivation and isolation facing older New Zealanders.
It was heartening to hear the many amazing initiatives steered by these two organisations including NZCCSS’s new initiative ‘The Older Persons Poverty Monitor’ which will be launched next month – so keep an eye out for that. Similarly, we celebrate Age Concern Wellington for their huge achievement of hosting nearly two events every week of the year and providing community for so many in our region. Nicky McDonald, Director of the Office for Seniors, highlighted the government’s Better Later Life Strategy and aims to further support older adults with their housing needs. This kōrero was a reminder to all of us to consider and prioritise the needs of the older members in our communities and advocate for a system that enables health, dignity and connection in all stages of life.
You can view a video of the network meeting speakers and their power point presentations at this link:
July 17th, 2026 Network Mtg - 'The Older Person' panel
And the Better Later Life Strategy Action Plan here
https://www.officeforseniors.govt.nz/better-later-life-strategy/action-plan
Summary and links from July's network meeting
Last Wednesday (15 July 2026) CNW hosted an important network meeting featuring speakers from Age Concern Wellington Region, the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) and the Office for Seniors. The discussion ranged from healthcare, housing to the unique cost of living challenges faced by older adults. Unsurprisingly for those who keep an eye on news headlines, the current state of affairs is concerning with increasing deprivation and isolation facing older New Zealanders.
It was heartening to hear the many amazing initiatives steered by these two organisations including NZCCSS’s new initiative ‘The Older Persons Poverty Monitor’ which will be launched next month – so keep an eye out for that. Similarly, we celebrate Age Concern Wellington for their huge achievement of hosting nearly two events every week of the year and providing community for so many in our region. Nicky McDonald, Director of the Office for Seniors, highlighted the government’s Better Later Life Strategy and aims to further support older adults with their housing needs. This kōrero was a reminder to all of us to consider and prioritise the needs of the older members in our communities and advocate for a system that enables health, dignity and connection in all stages of life.
You can view a video of the network meeting speakers and their power point presentations at this link:
July 17th, 2026 Network Mtg - 'The Older Person' panel
And the Better Later Life Strategy Action Plan here
https://www.officeforseniors.govt.nz/better-later-life-strategy/action-plan
Download Poster PDF Here
Opportunity to join CNW Executive Committee
Kia ora koutou CNW member organisations.
Following some of our Executive Committee members moving on to other voluntary roles Community Networks Wellington is seeking new Executive Committee from our member organisations:
Who we are
How you enable this:
What the Executive Committee does:
The Executive Committee members are responsible for the:
Time commitment
Approximately 4 hours per month. Which includes:
Your Opportunity
If you want to represent your community organisation and contribute to strengthening the sector and this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!
Please find the nomination form here or contact Deb at [email protected] for more information or Diana (Current Chair of the Executive Committee) if you want to know more.
Following some of our Executive Committee members moving on to other voluntary roles Community Networks Wellington is seeking new Executive Committee from our member organisations:
Who we are
- CNW is a not-for-profit organisation that actively supports Wellington's social services sector organisations and community groups.
- We enable our members to connect, empower and support each other.
- We provide a vital platform for local non-profit organisations and community groups to gather together.
- Our monthly meetings allow our members to collaborate, share and explore important issues impacting our sector.
How you enable this:
- Advise and support on CNW’s strategy to actively support Wellington’s social services sector organisations and community groups.
- Lead on connection within the community sector.
- A professional working at a member community organisation who can represent that organisation and the wider social service community to lead the strategy and governance of our organisation.
- A person who has experience working in the community sector, ideally in a leadership or community facing role.
- A person who has a genuine interest in the mission of CNW and in supporting and developing Wellington’s social services sector.
What the Executive Committee does:
The Executive Committee members are responsible for the:
- governance of the CNW, which includes developing policies
- financial and general accountability
- providing strategic guidance to staff and monitoring their performance.
Time commitment
Approximately 4 hours per month. Which includes:
- attendance to monthly CNW meetings
- and bi-monthly zoom executive committee meetings
- Occasional some hours of work in between.
Your Opportunity
If you want to represent your community organisation and contribute to strengthening the sector and this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!
Please find the nomination form here or contact Deb at [email protected] for more information or Diana (Current Chair of the Executive Committee) if you want to know more.
Wellington City Missions Dental Service
CNW Radio SHow Host Role
Looking for a great Volunteering Opportunity?
CNW Radio Host Needed
CNW are on the look out for a community minded radio host, to work in conjunction with our wonderful regular hosts. The role involves hosting some of our fortnightly radio shows.
Full training is available, and the days and times of interviews are reasonably flexible (arranged between the host and organisation being interviewed).
If you have a passion for the sector and would you like to host some shows? Or just find out more contact [email protected]
The Role involves around 2-3 hours per (fortnight) show with:
Contact Deb at [email protected] to find outmore
CNW Radio Host Needed
CNW are on the look out for a community minded radio host, to work in conjunction with our wonderful regular hosts. The role involves hosting some of our fortnightly radio shows.
Full training is available, and the days and times of interviews are reasonably flexible (arranged between the host and organisation being interviewed).
If you have a passion for the sector and would you like to host some shows? Or just find out more contact [email protected]
The Role involves around 2-3 hours per (fortnight) show with:
- Organisation research
- Initial Contact
- Writing questions
- Follow up & arranging recording time
- Meet and recording at studio
Contact Deb at [email protected] to find outmore
The Incorporated Societies Act Changes:
Re-register or risk closure – What your society needs to do now
By 5 April 2026, all existing incorporated societies who wish to continue to have incorporated status must apply to re-register under the 2022 Act. To register or re-register under the 2022 Act, a society’s constitution must comply with the requirements of the 2022 Act.
Useful Links
How to re-register or end your Incorporated Society
https://community.net.nz/resources/nz-navigator-trust/how-to-re-register-or-end-your-incorporated-society
Parry Field Lawyers - Updated guide released October 2025. Key things to know when re-registering under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
https://www.parryfield.com/home/publications/#publications-incsoc_char
NZ Companies Office - Reregistering under the 2022 Act
https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/reregistering/
Useful Links
How to re-register or end your Incorporated Society
https://community.net.nz/resources/nz-navigator-trust/how-to-re-register-or-end-your-incorporated-society
Parry Field Lawyers - Updated guide released October 2025. Key things to know when re-registering under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
https://www.parryfield.com/home/publications/#publications-incsoc_char
NZ Companies Office - Reregistering under the 2022 Act
https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/reregistering/
Important Changes for Incorporated Societies
Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley has highlighted some of the key changes between the 1908 Act and the 2022 Act
which you can download as a pdf below.
Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley has highlighted some of the key changes between the 1908 Act and the 2022 Act
which you can download as a pdf below.
If you decide NOT to re register, but still wish to continue operating
If you decide not to reregister your society but want to keep operating, you will need to apply for a new IRD number. This is because when a society is deregistered, it loses its legal status as an incorporated body and will be treated as a new entity for tax purposes.
If your society is registered for GST or as an employer, you’ll need to ask us to transfer the registrations. You’ll also need to reapply for any income tax exemption or deduction as a not-for-profit organisation.
Find out more here: https://www.ird.govt.nz/updates/news-folder/2025/changes-for-incorporated-societies
If you decide not to reregister your society but want to keep operating, you will need to apply for a new IRD number. This is because when a society is deregistered, it loses its legal status as an incorporated body and will be treated as a new entity for tax purposes.
If your society is registered for GST or as an employer, you’ll need to ask us to transfer the registrations. You’ll also need to reapply for any income tax exemption or deduction as a not-for-profit organisation.
Find out more here: https://www.ird.govt.nz/updates/news-folder/2025/changes-for-incorporated-societies
MSD Presentation and discussion regarding the new approach to Social Sector Commissioning - February 2023
Tēnā koutou
Please find attached information on the Presentation and discussion regarding the new approach to Social Sector Commissioning. The topic of our network meeting last Wednesday.
Maria Laura and Keri spoke about the background and thinking behind the Social Sector Commissioning Action Plan, which is seeks to acknowledge:
They have come up with a relational approach which they hope will allow for an honest and open dialogue between funder and service provider to ensure that the people, families and whanau that benefit are kept central to the process. This approach has been accepted and an independent hub has been established to implement the roadmap.
Please see the useful handouts (attached) which gives the detail on the seven principles which guides this work and a summary of the 9 actions that provide the roadmap to a relational approach to commissioning.
The following were points that were raised by Community Network Wellington members:
A recording of the meeting is available at: Link to meeting video
Link to MSD’s Social Sector Commissioning Action Plan and reform - (here)
Tēnā koutou
Please find attached information on the Presentation and discussion regarding the new approach to Social Sector Commissioning. The topic of our network meeting last Wednesday.
Maria Laura and Keri spoke about the background and thinking behind the Social Sector Commissioning Action Plan, which is seeks to acknowledge:
- The inherent power imbalance between government department as funder and service provider and beneficiary of services;
- That a share approach across government is beneficial for all;
- That a contract should have trust at the heart of it, and that a compliance framework needs to reasonable, and hopefully standardised across government to make it easier for service providers to provide necessary information without undue bureaucracy and administration;
They have come up with a relational approach which they hope will allow for an honest and open dialogue between funder and service provider to ensure that the people, families and whanau that benefit are kept central to the process. This approach has been accepted and an independent hub has been established to implement the roadmap.
Please see the useful handouts (attached) which gives the detail on the seven principles which guides this work and a summary of the 9 actions that provide the roadmap to a relational approach to commissioning.
The following were points that were raised by Community Network Wellington members:
- That it is very difficult for small organisations to access commissioned contracts due to the compliance workload, so become dependant on grant giving which is usually short term. Asked that any action plan consider ways to support organisations to access funding for the vital work they are doing towards government priorities.
- Concern that only a select number of organisations, usually those who already have a good relationship and the resources to be involved, eg the bigger agencies, have so far been guiding this process.
- What is being done to build trust with communities, in particular Maori, who have experience of contracts not being honoured? There is an acknowledgement of this within the roadmap.
- That the nature of a relationship is open to interpretation and any process needs to manage the expectations on both sides of what this relationship will look like. Is there a role of the community to be involved in the commissioning process, along the lines of COGS (Community Organisation Grants Scheme)
- Will local government also be included, and encouraged to use this shared relational approach? Currently Wellington City Council has not engaged with this.
- A caution that the sector is not homogenous and there will be a need for flexibility within the approach.
- There was a question of whether the cross government relational approach has cross party buy in. This is not a question that can be answered by civil servants, however hope was expressed.
A recording of the meeting is available at: Link to meeting video
Link to MSD’s Social Sector Commissioning Action Plan and reform - (here)
AGM Meeting November 2021
Dr Micheal Baker spoke to us about: “The Covid-19 pandemic and response: What it means for life and work in NZ in the months ahead”
Michael has kindly given us the slides from her presentation and you can view them below
Dr Micheal Baker spoke to us about: “The Covid-19 pandemic and response: What it means for life and work in NZ in the months ahead”
Michael has kindly given us the slides from her presentation and you can view them below
July Network Meeting 2021
At our July network meeting last week, Sue Barker gave us an insightful talk around her work on the Charities Law Reform. Sue Barker is honoured to be the recipient of the 2019 New Zealand Law Foundation International Research Fellowship Te Karahipi Rangahau ā Taiao, undertaking research into the question “What does a world-leading framework of charities law look like?”, with a report due by November 2021.
Sue has kindly given us the slides from her presentation and you can view them below
At our July network meeting last week, Sue Barker gave us an insightful talk around her work on the Charities Law Reform. Sue Barker is honoured to be the recipient of the 2019 New Zealand Law Foundation International Research Fellowship Te Karahipi Rangahau ā Taiao, undertaking research into the question “What does a world-leading framework of charities law look like?”, with a report due by November 2021.
Sue has kindly given us the slides from her presentation and you can view them below
We have also included a copy of their papers responding to the 3 most recent policy papers issued by DIA in case they might be of interest. (See Below)
The link to the charities law reform website can be found here: https://www.charitieslawreform.nz/
The link to the charities law reform website can be found here: https://www.charitieslawreform.nz/