Community Priorities in the upcoming election
Ngā Take Whakahirahira a Hapori – Community Priorities in the upcoming election
Every community organisation has goals unique to the communities and people for which it advocates. In its General Election Report released today, Hui E! Community Aotearoa identifies community-wide issues that appear between community sector voices leading up to the election next month.
“The major areas of concern relayed to us by the organisations we spoke to include housing, social disadvantages, children needs, addiction and mental health, and the environment”, says Anaru Fraser, Kaiwhakahaere Matua – General Manager of Hui E!.
While the report highlights many of the concerns by the community sector, it also offers many possible solutions proposed by those who work on the coal-face of community development.
"Ngā Take Whakahirahira a Hapori is the result of research, outreach and interviews with many of the not for profit non-governmental organisations, that together comprise part of the community sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Many of these organisations actively advocate for policy ideas to address community problems. Several have produced election manifesto and messages, and there is a strong sense that part of the solution must come from better collaboration between the community sector and the government, and better recognition of the value of their services.”
Hui E! Community Aotearoa was created to bring the community sector together and strengthen community sector bonds. Currently it maintains a network of over 130 community organisations and formal supporters.
"We wish to encourage policymakers to turn to this report and listen, for organisations and individuals to keep talking and advocating, and invite candidates to work with these organisations to build a stronger government and community sector moving forward.
ENDS