About the National Residents' Associations Database (NRAD)
The NRAD project started in 2008 and is designed to strengthen the networks and knowledge of the civil society sector, specifically groups that have a focus on residents and local community. It is operated under the umbrella of the Draco Foundation (NZ) Charitable Trust and was originally a project of the New Zealand Resilience Trust. Both the Newlands Paparangi Progressive Association and the Grenada Village Community Association were strong supporters of the database in its early days.
The database has nearly 1,000 organisations listed. Much of this information was gathered from public records (such as those held by the Companies Office). Thus, not all the entries are up-to-date but we are working on that at the moment. We're are seeing more and more organisations coming to the site to ensure their details are updated. Please feel free to visit the database and - if necessary - add or update your organisation's details.
The database has nearly 1,000 organisations listed. Much of this information was gathered from public records (such as those held by the Companies Office). Thus, not all the entries are up-to-date but we are working on that at the moment. We're are seeing more and more organisations coming to the site to ensure their details are updated. Please feel free to visit the database and - if necessary - add or update your organisation's details.
About the Draco Foundation
Formed in 2010 but conceived by the New Zealand Resilience Trust as far back as 2006, the Draco Foundation promotes democracy and the preservation of natural justice through two operational arms: Council Watch and the National Residents' Groups Database.
These activities, along with the Foundation itself, are non-partisan and funded through private donations. All the work performed by the Trust is based in communities and run by volunteers. Draco Foundation aims to educate the public about how the law works, especially around local government. In addition we undertake research, hold forums and conferences, publish articles, and bring people from the civil society sector together. Draco funds Council Watch - a website that improves transparency, accountability and best practice in local government - and also the National Residents' Associations Database. |
Project Director - Jarrod Coburn
Jarrod is a former Executive Director of the New Zealand Resilience Trust, an organisation dedicated to improving community self-awareness and capability through research, education, training, and leadership.
His passions are building self-reliant communities, adult education, and disaster preparedness. Jarrod was the convenor for the Northern Wellington Festival and the Residents 2010 Conference, and worked as Development Manager for the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, Project Manager for river and boating safety at Water Safety New Zealand, and as a senior advisor at Wellington City Council. He holds a Master of Management studies from Victoria University and runs a law firm in Christchurch whilst also undertaking community-based consultancy work with residents' groups in the Canterbury region. |