18 November 2004
Community Sector Research Project Launched
A major research project to examine the range and impact of non-profit and volunteering activities in New Zealand has
been launched.
The research project, entitled ‘The Study of the New Zealand Non-Profit Sector’, is being jointly funded by community
trusts, the government and the Tindall Foundation and is being co-ordinated by the Office for the Community and
Voluntary Sector (OCVS). An advisory committee which has been set up to oversee the project met for the first time
yesterday.
Ken Gordon, Chair of the new Advisory Committee for the Study of the New Zealand Non-Profit Sector, says the sector and
government need to understand in more detail how the community sector contributes to the economy.
“Community based organisations provide essential services and support to their communities at a local level, and on a
national scale make a huge contribution to our economy and to our social wellbeing.”
The project will contribute to the first-ever report to paint a picture of the nature and extent of the non-profit
sector activities and volunteering in New Zealand. The findings are expected to be completed by 2007.
The research project has two key components: Statistics New Zealand will produce statistical data on the economic value
of the non-profit sector and volunteering New Zealand will contribute data to an international study of the non-profit
sector conducted by Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore). This will enable New Zealand data to be compared to data from
other countries.
Advisory Committee members are Ken Gordon (Trust Waikato), Tuwhakairiora Williams (contractor), Peter Glensor (Community
Sector Taskforce), Donna Matahaere-Atariki (Ngai Tahu), David Robinson (NZ Social and Civil Policy Institute), Robyn
Munford (Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University), Garth Nowland-Foreman (Researcher), Bob Stephens (Victoria
University School of Government).
OCVS Director Brenda Ratcliff said the membership of the Advisory Committee was determined by a panel of community and
government people.
“The Committee represents a cross-section of well-respected people with an interest in the sector. They come from Mâori
and community organisations, from academic institutions, from research backgrounds and collectively they bring a wealth
of expertise about the sector as well as a good understanding of government. We look forward to working with them over
the next three years and are confident they will guide this project wisely and with a great deal of commitment and
enthusiasm. We are delighted that this project, which has taken careful thought and planning, is now underway,” said
Brenda Ratcliff.
ENDS