An Introduction to the Federation

Delegates voting at the Canterbury Regional Residents' Association Forum, April 2012

The idea for a federation was presented to the April 2012 forum by Jim Candiliotis, President of the Federation of Wellington Progressive and Residents’ Associations.  Over half of the active residents’ groups in Christchurch were present and delegates voted unanimously to investigate the establishment of a federation.

Also present were representatives of Christchurch City Community Boards, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Draco Foundation. The forum was supported by the Christchurch Diocesan Earthquake Recovery Fund, the New Zealand Banking Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income.

The delegates decided 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 and publish the results; provide informed commentary to media where prudent, and; promote the role of residents’ groups to the wider public.

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Issues Identified by Local Groups

Delegates attending the forum expressed enthusiasm for self-advancement and better organisation and support. Five themes important to residents’ groups in the City were identified by the attendees of the April forum. These themes were discussed in detail by the delegates. They were:

• Respect for Local Voice
• Sense of Place
• Transparency, Accountability and Information
• Influence of Commerce
• Nurturing Residents’ Groups

In addition a sixth theme – the federation of residents’ groups in the City – was examined. Discussion around the federation of residents’ groups in Christchurch focused on what such a body could provide its membership, and the scope within which it would operate.

Opportunities for the Federation

• Assist in empowering local residents’ groups
• Be a catalyst for growth and change in the sector
• Coordination of multiple and discrete activities that have a common outcome, purpose or methodology.
• Improve communication amongst the member groups
• Provide support for residents’ groups and the people who drive them
• Undertake and share community research
• Assist in educating people involved in residents’ groups, as well as the wider public

Delegates discussing opportunities together

Documents

• Draft Rules of the Christchurch Federation of Residents' Associations (working party co
  
• Media release (17 Mar 2012) "Christchurch City Residents Associations Meeting to Discuss Future"
• Forum information for delegates
• Report on the Christchurch Residents' Association Forum 2012
• Media release (10 Feb 2012) "Residents’ Groups of Christchurch to Federate"
• COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE AND CIVIL SOCIETY:
  An examination of the purpose and intent and structure
  of residents’ groups in New Zealand

Members of the Federation Working Party

Emma Twaddell
Peter Tuffley
Katherine Peet
Garth Wilson
Martin Taylor
Simone Pearson
David Stringer
Hine Moke
Bailey Peryman
Fran McGrath
Jarrod Coburn

(St Albans)
(Beckenham)
(Social Services Sector)
(Riccarton)
(Riccarton)
(Central Christchurch)
(Ferrymead/Brookhaven)
(Disability Sector)
(Sumner)
(Sumner)
(Draco Foundation NZ Charitable Trust)