More than 80 residents’ and neighbourhood associations from Christchurch will get the opportunity this week to join the Christchurch Federation of Residents’ Groups.
The federation could include residents’ groups from the wider Selwyn and Waimakariri areas.
Spokesperson Peter Tuffley, says the federation would not represent residents’ groups, nor fight battles on their behalf, rather it would provide an opportunity to network, share information and resources, and assist members to grow their organisations.
“There are already organisations supporting community via residents’ associations in the city and the Federation would not replicate the work of these organisations, rather it would enhance and complement them through providing education and opportunities to community groups.”
Mr Tuffley says the core business of the Federation should be to boost communication and networking amongst the residents’ associations in Christchurch; support member groups with training, resources, advice and information; be an additional channel for information between the community governance sector (residents’ groups) and central government, local government and commerce; undertake research; provide informed commentary to media, and; promote the role of residents’ groups to the wider public.
The idea of a federation for the Christchurch groups grew out of a regional forum last year. At the 2012 regional forum, five themes were identified and discussed in detail:
· Respect for Local Voice
· Sense of Place
· Transparency, Accountability and Information
· Influence of Commerce
· Nurturing Residents’ Groups
The federation is similar to one in Wellington and is promoted by a not for profit organisation called the Draco Foundation.
For more information visit this website: www.residents.org.nz
Source: Largely based on a media release from a working party to set up the federation
