MEDIA RELEASE
10 December 2008
Offer to Run Family Conference for Under $30,000
Family First NZ is offering to run the $200,000 Families Commission summit for less than $30,000.
“Only in September, we ran a highly successful ‘Forum on the Family’ conference for almost 200 delegates and featuring
keynote speakers, resources, food, and the leaders of most political parties,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of
Family First NZ. “70 community organisations were represented at the conference. The fee for delegates was less that
$100 per head and Family First funded the shortfall and offered subsidies.”
“Families and non-governmental organisations are having to ’pull in their economic belt’ at this time. It is completely
appropriate that governmental organisations should do likewise.”
“The discussion and collective wisdom around the issue of ‘Making New Zealand the Best Place for Families’ is essential
but it can be done far more cost effectively. The conference should happen, but without the frills.”
Family First continues to call for the Families Commission and Childrens Commission to be absorbed in to a new Minister
for the Families.
“We have a Minister for the Rugby World Cup. Surely families deserve representation and acknowledgement at the highest
level,”says Mr McCoskrie.
ENDS