James Austin, CEO for the Fundraising Institute for New Zealand, said in his February Magazine notes to members”
“The year is off to a good start will all the political parties taking advantage of the improving economy to share their spending plans with the voting public. Yes, it is election year and our parliamentarians’ performance reviews are now underway”.
He continues:
“The main issues facing New Zealand this year are overcoming child poverty, the ongoing need to improve education standards, lack of affordable housing along with growing issues around income inequality and what should be on the New Zealand flag”
He then goes on to note that other than the flag all the issues mentioned are ones where there are charities actively involved and those charities simply get on with the job without delay or fuss. James has a concern that charities do not get involved in issues of government policy in addition to those issues of helping the affected. He believes that if more independent charities spoke out and got involved, then the Government would pay attention and notice the advocacy and more might be done.
I am assuming that currently any organisation that receives funding from the Government has no place to criticise the government of the day or its activities or policies. Those organisations who do not receive funding are likely to be the only groups that the Government might or will pay attention to in any constructive manner. This might explain why so many charities are wary of the Government and seek their funding requirements elsewhere if they possibly can.
This move away from involvement with the Government may also explain the government’s reluctance to seek consultative and constructive resolution to the issues James mentions as “the top priority”
1. overcoming child poverty, 2. the ongoing need to improve education standards, 3. lack of affordable housing 4. along with growing issues around income inequality and the
New Zealand Flag has become a major topic of conversation instead of the first four items.
One might say that this attitude requiring independence from government before issues can be raised with them is becoming more entrenched . Does the fact that we vote preclude us from asking the government to change its attitudes, policy, modus operandi? We need the government to show its practical and workable concerns for those who really need help for their future.
Heavens where to next I ask myself? Giving any politician a Performance Review as your MP would be precluded as relevant because you actually vote!