Advocacy and submissions

We are committed to working collaboratively with decision makers to ensure that the diverse needs of volunteers, organisations that engage volunteers, and the wider volunteering eco-system are represented in the development of policies, regulations and practice.

Briefing to Incoming Minister 2023

In our Briefing to the Incoming Minister, we said: “Volunteering New Zealand is a trusted voice for the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and as an advisor to the Department of Internal Affairs. Due to our broad membership, extensive networks, and knowledge of the sector, we are uniquely positioned to provide advice and support to the Government. We will continue to work collaboratively to strengthen the sector.”

March 2023: In the lead-up to the General Election 2023, we developed a manifesto of key asks for political parties.

We also supported the Funding Fit for Purpose campaign. This was a joint call to political parties to fix funding for the community and voluntary sector.

Advocacy and submissions on volunteering policy topics are part of our core business. Three key documents:

• The Government Policy on Volunteering 2002 here.
• Volunteering New Zealand 2020 Election manifesto here
• Volunteering New Zealand Briefing to Community and Voluntary Minister 2020 here.

2022/23 Submissions

• Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 Lessons Learned

2021/2022 Submissions

• Civil Society Briefing for Briefing Minister Hipkins, Minister for Public Service Dec 2021. Collaboratively produced by civil society organisations within Open Government Partnership.
• Targetted engagement on Modernising the Charities Act 2005: collaborative Modernising the Charities Act 2005. (and specific direct input also).
• Submission on the Ministry of Social Development’s Social Cohesion Framework, March 2022.
• How can we support young people to participate in healthy and active lifestyles? 
  Youth Working Group submission to Youth Parliament 2022, May 2022.

2020/2021 Submissions

• Submission to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee for the
  Incorporated Societies Bill Incorporated Societies Bill – May 2021

2019/20 Submissions

• Submission to The Productivity Commission’s draft report: Training New Zealand’s workforce ‒ Technological change and the future of work – February 2020
• Submission to the Governance and Administration Committee for the Public Service Legislation Bill – January 2020

2018/19 Submissions

• Submission on Charities Act 2005 Reform – May 2019
• Ministry of Education – Submission on reform of Vocational Education Sector – April 2019
• Statistics New Zealand – Submission on the Indicators Aotearoa New Zealand project – September 2018
• New Zealand Police – Consultation on ‘Legislation for the New Zealand Police Vetting Service – July 2018

2017/18 Submissions

• Select (Education and Workforce) Committee – Submission on the proposed Health and Safety at Work Act (Volunteer Associations) Amendment Bill – July 2018
• Tax Working Group – April 2018
• VNZ’s General Election Manifesto – October 2017
• Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management – July 2017

2016/17 Submissions

• Department of Internal Affairs – Fire and Emergency New Zealand Bill – August 2016

2015/16 Submissions:

• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Submission on the Incorporated Societies Bill – June 2016
• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Submission on the “Regulations for soliciting on behalf of charities” Discussion Document – March 2016
• Department of Internal Affairs – Fire Services Review Discussion Document Submission – July 2015

2014/15 Submissions:

• Statistics New Zealand – Submission on the Proposal to not collect information on unpaid activities – June 2015
• The New Zealand Productivity Commission – More Effective Social Services – June 2015
• Law and Order Select Committee – Police (Cost Recovery) Amendment Bill – February 2015
• Statistics New Zealand – New Zealand General Social Survey, Civic and Cultural Participation supplement – January 2015
• United Nations Volunteers – Zero Draft of the 10 year Plan of Action 2016 – 2025 – December 2014
• Productivity New Zealand – More Effective Social Services – December 2014
• Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management – NCDEM Revised Plan – July 2014
• Statistics New Zealand – New Zealand General Social Survey – May 2014
• Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee – Health and Safety Reform Bill – May 2014 (oral submission made)

Earlier submissions (2006-2013):

• New Zealand Police – Cost Recovery for Certain Police Services Submission – March 2013
• Ministry of Justice – Civil Fees Review (Criminal History Check proposals) – November 2012
• Government Administration Committee – Lobbying Disclosure Bill – October 2012 (oral submission made)
• Wellington City Council – Eco-City Proposal for Wellington’s Natural Attractions – May 2012
• Porirua City Council – Long Term Draft Plan, Porirua Council – May 2012 (oral submission made)
• Crown Entities Reform Bill letter to Ministers – March 2012
• MED Review of Financial Reporting – January 2010
• Accounting Standards Review – January 2010 (oral submission made)
• Payroll Giving – January 2008 (oral submission made)
• Transport and Industrial Relations Committee – IPRC Bill – February 2008
• Taxation (International Taxation, Life Insurance and Remedial Matters) Bill – March 2008 (oral submission made)
• Quality Flexible Work – January 2007
• Tax & Charitable Giving – November 2006 (oral submission made)
• Immigration Act Review – July 2006 (oral submission made)