Funding to support voice of community

Budget 2009 has allocated $1.2 million to strengthen local networks and give a voice to community groups that are often not heard in government processes, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia says.

"In a tight economic environment, finding local solutions to cross-community issues is vital and stronger networks will help us to achieve that.

"Stronger tangata whenua and community and voluntary sector networks will be instrumental in finding solutions to important issues for the sector, such as strengthening governance, sharing resources and good management practices."

Mrs Turia says the initiative was also necessary because local organisations often did not have the opportunity to engage in the policy processes of central government.

To read the full press release go to: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/funding+support+voice+community