This article was first published in eMessenger in May 2019.
Whakamana Tāngata
In November 2018, the Methodist Alliance made a submission to the Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG).[1] The WEAG has released its report entitled Whakamana Tāngata – Restoring Dignity to Social Security in New Zealand. The report acknowledges the role of the welfare system in supporting vulnerable people. The approach taken by WEAG had at its heart the ideal that the welfare system should be about treating people with dignity. The report states that “current levels of support fail to cover even basic costs for many people, let alone allowing them to meaningfully participate in their communities.”
The report contains 42 recommendations and the government is implementing three immediately:
263 new frontline staff to focus on helping more people into meaningful and sustainable work
The Government will scrap the discriminatory sanction that cuts income to women and their children if the name of the child’s father is not declared to the Government
Abatement thresholds for those on benefits who work will be lifted in line with minimum wage increases
The report recommended to increase benefit levels by between 12% and 47% immediately but the government has decided not to do this but state they are committed to delivering change over the longer term and will prioritise housing and mental health.
Diagram from Whakamana Tāngata – showing the shortfall of benefits sufficient for an adequate standard of living
The recommendations identify the need for a significant cultural and philosophical shift from the current punitive system to a more compassionate, respectful and supportive one. The recommendations include principles to guide the redesign and operation of the welfare system; governance and performance of the welfare system; specific recommendations on improving outcomes for Māori; rebalancing the social contract and improving the operation of the welfare system; housing; support to people with health conditions and disabilities and carers. You can read the full report here:
Submission on Modernising the Charities Act 2005
I am currently drafting a submission on the proposed modernisation of the Charities Act. The majority of our members are registered charities and play a vital role in creating a just and inclusive society where all people flourish. This review provides the opportunity to create a world leading framework that supports and enables charitable work to operate more effectively and efficiently.
The Department of Internal Affairs have published a discussion document, which you can find here: https://www.dia.govt.nz//diawebsite.nsf/Files/Charities-Modernising-the-Charities-Act-Discussion-Document-April2019/$file/Charities-Modernising-the-Charities-Act-Discussion-Document-April2019.pdf
The document proposes two additional purposes for the Act but it does not seek to review the current purposes and whether they are adequate and fit and proper for purpose. The discussion document asks whether someone with a serious conviction be disqualified from being an officer of a charity.
The document also asks if charities should be required to be transparent about their strategy for accumulating funds, and whether they should have to distribute a certain portion each year. I wish that the accumulation of funds and whether these should be distributed was something that our member organisations were struggling with.
There are concerns that the review will restrict charities ability to advocate for change as the discussion document challenges whether advocacy is a charitable purpose. Advocacy plays an important role in a democratic society and charities often give a voice to those who are unable to advocate for themselves.
Once the submission is finished it will be available on the website.
Ngā mihi nui
Carol Barron, National Coordinator
03 375 0512 | 027 561 9164 | Carol@MethodistAlliance.org.nz
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