Having been in this role for almost a month now, I’m reminded of the privilege in leading such passionate and capable people. I am really enjoying re-connecting to the mahi (work) of charities and witnessing the importance of the charitable sector to Aotearoa.

I’m pleased to let you know that the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector has made appointments to Te Rāta Atawhai, the Charities Registration Board (the Board). Gwen Keel has been appointed to Chair the Board for the remainder of her current term of membership, replacing Roger Holmes Miller, who stepped down earlier this year. Dr Bev Gatenby has been reappointed as a Board member for a further three-year term.

Completing the changes, I’d like to extend our warm welcome to Loretta Lovell (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Pahauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu and Whakatōhea) who has been appointed as a Board member for a three-year term. Loretta is a lawyer, Independent Environmental Commissioner and Professional Director. For over 20 years she has specialised in commercial, energy and resource management law. She has advised and sat on the boards of several Iwi Māori and community organisations, helping them meet their social and economic aspirations. She holds governance positions on Crown entities and is a member of several advisory panels to public sector agencies.  

This month we are celebrating charities supporting ethnic communities. Ethnic communities make up about 20% of Aotearoa’s population and our communities are represented by more than 213 ethnicities. In this pānui (newsletter) we showcase the mahi of Manawatu Multicultural Council who support and celebrate the ethnic communities of Manawatu. Their mahi ranges from running English classes to organising cultural performances. You can read more about Manawatu Multicultural Council in this pānui.   

One of our key roles at Charities Services is to encourage good governance. I’m excited to announce the release of some new resources to support good governance including a blog on being flexible with your rules, a video to support new officers, a practical handbook to record important information and more. You can find these resources below. I also encourage you to look at a new part we’ve added to the resources section at the bottom that covers current bills in Parliament that impact on charities, and key changes underway.

You’ll notice this week is a long issue – this is because in August we paused our usual newsletter with some information about responding to COVID-19. We only sent that message to the primary contacts of charities, if you are interested its available on our website.

Before I sign off, I would like to thank the charities who support ethnic communities for their important work and for the positive impact you have on the lives of New Zealanders.

Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga o te katoa - We should work together for the wellbeing of everyone. 

Mike Stone
General Manager, Kaiwhakahaere Matua

IN THE SPOTLIGHT 

Super Saturday: Get Vaccinated

Aotearoa — we all have a role to play in getting more people vaccinated. That is why we are pulling out all the stops on Super Saturday 16 October and we need your help.

The more of us who are fully vaccinated, the more protection we will have against COVID-19, and the more freedom this gives us. That is why we are asking you to support our national day of action on Saturday 16 October — Super Saturday.

If you have not been vaccinated yet, vaccine clinics will be open all over the country, all day and into the evening.

Find out more about Super Saturday on the Unite Against COVID-19 Website.

You're invited to the Charities Services Annual Meeting!

At Charities Services we’ve been considering the best way to host our 2021 Annual Meeting. We value being able to engage with charities face-to-face, as well as giving charities the opportunity to engage with each other. However, the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 means we will host a digital meeting this year.

The meeting will be held on Friday 29 October, 10.30am-12.15pm.

The programme will include speeches, followed by a discussion and Q&A session where attendees will be able share their feedback and questions with Charities Services staff.

Registration closes on 27 October 2021.

Click here to register for the Annual Meeting.

If you’re not able to attend the Annual Meeting, recordings will be available after the meeting.

If you have any questions about the meeting, please email us at info@charities.govt.nz

New Ministry for Ethnic Communities launched

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities hit the ground running after its formal establishment on 1 July. Chief Executive Mervin Singham has been busy meeting with community leaders and other Government agencies, spreading the message about how important it is for Government to understand and respond to the needs and perspectives of Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse communities.

The new Ministry is the Government’s chief advisor on ethnic communities, ethnic diversity and the inclusion of ethnic communities in wider society. It provides information, advice and services to ethnic communities, including funding to support community development and social cohesion, and works with communities, Government agencies and a range of organisations to effect change in areas critical to the wellbeing of ethnic communities.

Consultation with communities was key to defining the Ministry’s initial priorities, which include:

- promoting the value of diversity and improving the inclusion of ethnic communities in wider society;

- ensuring government services are provided equitably and in ways that are accessible for ethnic communities;

- improving economic outcomes for ethnic communities, including addressing barriers to  employment; and

- connecting and empowering ethnic community groups.

These priorities are reflected in two projects launched by the new Ministry in its first month of existence: The Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme, which is providing a meaningful first employment opportunity in the public service for skilled graduates from ethnic communities, and the new partnership between the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the Superdiversity Institute, and Leadership New Zealand, which will help increase ethnic diversity across State sector boards by building and delivering a diverse talent pool for appointment in State sector boards and committees.

For more information about the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, its work and priorities, please visit the Ministry for Ethnic Communities website.

SECTOR SHOWCASE

Manawatu Multicultural Council

Manawatu Multicultural Council (MMC) is a registered charity whose mission is to ‘celebrate, support and connect the multicultural communities of Manawatu’.

For over 27 years MMC has been an essential point of contact for new migrants, refugees and newcomers looking to put down new roots in the Manawatu region. They offer a range of services and host cultural events to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures from all over the world.

Find out more by reading our Sector Showcase on Manawatu Multicultural Council.

NEWS OF INTEREST

Webinar recording: Before you register as a charity

On 28 July, Charities Services presented a webinar on things to consider before registering as a charity. It covered what it means to be registered, benefits and obligations, and tips for the application. The content is aimed at groups considering registering and has some good reminders for registered charities about their responsibilities.

A recording of the webinar, including the presentation slides, is available on our website. 

Let's talk about volunteering 

Volunteering New Zealand and Volunteering Auckland invite you to participate in a webinar series, Let’s Talk about Volunteering. In a series of videos created by Volunteering Auckland, leaders with a passion for volunteering from across the globe share their views on the future of volunteering in this post COVID world.

Join the kōrero to hear these insights, then contribute to a discussion about the future for volunteering in New Zealand. These free webinars will be held during October-November. 

Webinar 1: Introduction to The Future of Volunteering, Thursday 21 October, 11am - 12.30pm. 

Webinar 2: The Future of Volunteering - Leaders of Volunteer Engagement, Friday 5 November, 11am - 12.30pm. 

Additional sessions on The Future of Volunteer Centres, and Youth and Volunteering are also being offered.

JBWere release 2021 Cause Report

This month, JBWere released its New Zealand Cause Report for 2021. The report is in its fourth year and gives insights into Aotearoa’s charitable and broader for-purpose sector.

The Cause Report analyses and examines data from the Charities Register and Statistics New Zealand to understand the environment that charities and not-for-profit organisations operate in. In addition to providing a high level and detailed view of the different environmental factors affecting charities, the report examines the impacts of COVID-19 on the sector.

You can read the 2021 Cause Report on JBWere's website.

New blog post: Being flexible with your rules

COVID lockdowns present a number of challenges to charities. Many have been, or still are, unable to meet in person. This can be difficult for charities that do not have clauses that allow for remote meetings in their rules.

We’ve written a blog explaining what to think about making more flexible rules. Remember to update your charity details if you change your rules.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

New governance resources 

Digital stuff we love introduces you to smart digital ways to work, communicate, and engage with your staff and community. The platform is part of the NZ Navigator Trust family of digital resources that support a thriving charitable and community sector in Aotearoa. 

Video for new officers: As an officer your biggest responsibility is to act in the best interest of your charity, making sure it remains focused on its purpose and the benefit it provides to the public. This video and resource sheet are a starting point to help you understand your role as an officer and how you can contribute to governing your charity well.

The Charity Handbook: This awesome new document has been designed to help you keep track of the information that you need to run your charity. After you’ve filled it out, you can also use it as a handover document for new members! Remember to keep it in a safe place.

Charities’ obligations under the law: We have a new page on our website outlining the different legal duties that apply to charities in addition to the Charities Act 2005. The new webpage aims to help officers of charities understand their legal obligations and how different laws may apply to their charity.

Charity Fraud Awareness Week: 18 - 22 October 

All charities, NGOs and not-for-profits are at risk of fraud. Any fraud which diverts funds away from charities can have a significant impact on public trust and confidence in the charitable sector. It also has a lasting impact on the charity itself.

Charity Fraud Awareness Week is led by the Charities Commission of England and Wales and supported by more than 40 international regulators and not-for-profit stakeholders, including Charities Services.

Learn more about how you can prevent fraud by checking out the resources available on the Fraud Advisory Panel website. Their online charity fraud awareness resource hub has free tutorials, webinars, videos, case studies and help sheets. The resources will help you prevent, detect and respond to fraud committed against charities and not-for-profits.

The webinar topics are listed below.

- Preventing fraud: Getting the basics right 18 October @ 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm

- Taking action in fundraising frauds 18 October @ 12:00 am - 1:00 am

- Why tackling tenancy fraud matters 19 October @ 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm

- Ransomware and other cyber-attacks  19 October @ 12:00 am - 1:00 am

- Grant fraud - Prevent Charity Fraud 20 October @ 12:00 am - 1:00 am

Note: The webinars are late because they are based in the UK. They are going to be recorded and when you register you will be sent a link, so you can watch them when you have time.

Our website also has several useful resources to help charities address the risks associated with fraud. Check out our resource: Top 10 tips to protect your charity from fraud. If you are sending money overseas there are also risks to be aware of. This resource provides information on how to protect your charity against terrorism financing and other risks. We will also be sharing information and resources on our Facebook page throughout Charity Fraud Awareness week.

Governance for Pacific Peoples

The Institute of Directors recently held a governance webcast - "An introduction to governance for Pacific Peoples". The panel included Caren Rangi, Peter Fa'afiu, Josiah Tualamali'I and Mele Wendt. It is available online if you would like to watch the recording or share it with your governance group.

Sign up for an online one-on-one clinic with Charities Services

Have questions about being a registered charity?

Meet one-on-one with our team and get answers to the questions you have about being a registered charity.

We have a range of appointments available depending on what questions you need answered. Financial reporting, funding, registration and general appointments are available with Charities Services and Hāpai Hapori Community Operations.

Find out more and sign up for a one-on-one clinic here.

UPDATES FROM WIDER GOVERNMENT

Funding updates from Hāpai Hapori Community Operations

The Lottery Grants Board has confirmed the 2021/22 Lottery allocations. $208,831,784 has been allocated to the Lottery distribution committees. In addition, $2,477,314 has been allocated to the water safety sector.

The Board has reserved 10% of community committee funding to be used for a Funding for Change approach. The Funding for Change initiative allows Lottery committees to actively seek out and fund innovative new community initiatives that may fall outside of standard priority areas. This lets committees be agile in what they fund and can reduce the administrative burden on new organisations. It also creates proactive and collaborative partnerships with community organisations.

More information about the 2021/22 Lottery allocations can be found on the Community Matters website.  

Reminder from Inland Revenue

We know that committee members, executive office holders, trustees and contact details can change from time to time, and although this information is often updated with Charities Services or MBIE, it doesn’t always get updated with IR.

Letting IR know when changes happen makes it easier for those that need access to your records to contact them and means IR can get in touch with you when they have important information to share.

For more information visit Inland Revenue’s website.

Final business transformation changes coming

For more than four years Inland Revenue has been transforming how tax and social policy services are delivered, making it easier for New Zealanders to pay their taxes and receive entitlements. They’re aiming for the final improvements to be live by late October but are closely monitoring anything that may affect this timing, such as COVID-19. You can find out about all the upcoming changes at ird.govt.nz/changes-businesses

Improvements to myIR

You'll notice some improvements to myIR. A new layout will make account information easier to see and you’ll be able to complete important tasks directly from your myIR homepage.

A new Alerts tab on the myIR homepage will allow you direct access to all your alerts, sorted by account type and due date. You’ll also be able to filter and dismiss them.

If you have a log-on with access to multiple customers, you’ll still be able to view the full list of customers when you log in.

Child support payments – compulsory employer deductions

It'll be compulsory for employers to deduct child support payments from returning or newly liable parents’ salaries or wages. This will not apply to parents already paying child support, unless they miss future payments and fall into debt.

Inland Revenue will get in touch - if you have an employee who becomes liable for child support payments, Inland Revenue will contact you with the information you’ll need to make these deductions on their behalf.

Webinars

There are also a range of webinars you can view at ird.govt.nz/bt-webinars 

AML/CFT Statutory Review Consultation 2021

Have your say about what you think about the current Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation.

Money laundering is the process criminals use to “clean” the money they make from crimes such as dealing in illegal drugs, fraud and trafficking. It is estimated over $1 billion is laundered through New Zealand businesses each year, which our current legislation – the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 is in place to address.

In July, Ministry of Justice was asked to review these laws. While the AML/CFT Act aims to keep New Zealand safe from money laundering and terrorism financing, we know it can also create challenges for people going about their daily lives and it is important we understand these issues as part of this review.

Submissions will close 3 December 2021.

The Consultation Document and the online survey, on the Ministry of Justice’s website, where you can have your say here: AML/CFT Laws Review Consultation (Ministry of Justice website)

For more information on AML/CFT Act Law Reform and a frequently asked questions section, please visit the Ministry of Justice’s website here: More Information and Frequently Asked Questions (Ministry of Justice website)

See also: Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation (Legislation website).

Department of Internal Affairs - Looking to the Future

The Department of Internal Affairs will be consulting soon on the proposed topic for our Long-Term Insights Briefing (LTIB), which has a big focus on how people are involved in decisions that impact their communities.

The LTIBs are new for the public service and aim to make publicly available:

- information about medium and long-term trends, risks and opportunities that affect or may affect New Zealand and New Zealand society

- information and impartial analysis, including policy options for responding to these matters.

They are think pieces on the future, not government policy.

If you are interested, email LTIB@dia.govt.nz with “Subscribe LTIB” in the subject line, and you’ll be notified when the proposed topic and discussion document is published.

You can find out more about the briefings on the Policy Project website.

RESOURCES

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