Notice Board - News

Changes in CommunityNet Advisory Group

CommunityNet Aotearoa Advisory Group, National

Three new community representatives were welcomed onto CommunityNet Aotearoa’s Advisory Group last week. The arrival of David Henderson, Association of NGOs of Aotearoa (ANGOA), Wellington, Julia Stuart, Churches’ Agency on Social Issues, Wellington and Moana Tane, Te Roroa Learning Assistance, Dargaville was celebrated with a tasty chocolate cake.

The website helps all New Zealand community organisations by providing access to relevant, quality information, raising the profile of the community sector and encouraging information sharing between organisations.

David said the website was essential for strong, sustainable communities. "The best way to achieve this is through the better sharing and communication of information."

David said he was pleased to be part of it. "It’s a great source of information. This resource can provide answers to our common problems. A significant part of what keeps the community running is volunteers. This network helps keep them running."

Moana is of Te Roroa, Ngati Korokoro (Nga Puhi) and Ngati Hine descent. As a person from Tai Tokerau she sees her responsibility as one of both receiving and disseminating information throughout the community groups in the north.  She said "This is a challenge but one which is manageable within an electronic environment where distance is no barrier."

Julia said the website was about expanding horizons. "I look forward to expanding the site into, and from, the church community dimension."

Julia has wide experience of working in and writing on community organisations gained over the years, from early childhood to church social service networks. She brings increasing awareness of the demands on community groups, and the growing information needs they have, and a realistic view of their e-capabilities.

Retiring founding members Ross Bell, NZ Drug Foundation, Wellington and Georgina Johnson, Tokomaru Bay Community Group Charitable Trust, Tokomaru Bay were thanked for their contribution. "Too much," Georgina joked.  

Peter Sykes, the group’s chair, said the new members would make a difference. "They spread the base and bring in new skill sets. It’s exciting to have them on board."

The new members join continuing members:

• Puipuifatu Antonio William Seiuli, PICAG and South Sound Missionary Trust, Dunedin
• Peter Sykes, Mangere East Family Service Centre, Mangere East, Manukau
• Kaeti Rigarlsford, Wheelchair Basketball NZ, Wellington
• Ruth Gardner, Volunteering Canterbury, Christchurch
• Rakiihia Tau - Tuahiwi, Te Atamira, Christchurch
• Bill Dashfield, LG&C

For more details, visit the Advisory Group pages.