Volunteer Marlborough (with assistance from volunteers), on behalf of the voluntary & community sector, and in conjunction with the Volunteer Centre Network of Aotearoa (VCNA) submitted a list of questions to those running for local office here in Marlborough. For consistency, effort has been made to ask the same questions of all candidates around the country.
Here, we hear from CHRIS LIPPIATT:
What role do you think Council has in supporting a thriving Marlborough region for the voluntary & community sector?
Ensuring that any necessary bylaws allow for safe and accessible volunteering, supporting, endorsing and promoting community events and organizations. Ease of use of council facilities where required
What do you think are the significant obstacles and opportunities facing the Marlborough region's voluntary & community sector over the next few years? If elected, how would you address these opportunities and obstacles?
Money. The organizations need money. Volunteers need money to live. And we are in a world where the economy is doing worse than the All Black's this season, and with a lower hope for a recovery. Meaning that organizations may become under funded and Volunteers may have to quit their roles to seek paid roles in order to make ends meet. I can't fix the economy. I tried, I threw some money in the NZX and now I'm watching it slowly disappear like Marty McFly. I tried to get my parents to kiss to see if it would fix things, but that's not going to happen. Even if it did my accountant friend said it would do too little to help. Maybe we could pool resourses?
How do you view volunteering in the community? i.e. Is it important? What value do volunteers bring? And, if elected, how would you personally support the voluntary & community sector in Marlborough?
Wow. 3 questions in 1. Like the Kinder Suprise of questions. I view volunteering in the community through my eyes mainly. They bring the value of getting things done, without a hefty price tag. Some services are very much needed. But for whatever reason people are unable.or unwilling to pay for the services. We would be in a sad state if there weren't awesome people to do the Mahi. How would I personally support the Volunteer community? By being a volunteer myself. I have volunteered as a youth worker for over a decade now.
We've had a lot of extreme weather events around the country lately, and we are rather earthquake prone as a country. How do you see the role of volunteers as part of the disaster response locally?
Necessary, especially with the volunteers at FENZ, St John and Civil Defense
How do you see Council and community organisations working together to build a robust, resilient, and welcoming region and community?
By keeping each other in the loop mainly. Oh and giving each other a solid plug or helping hand every now and then
If you are successful in these local elections, how will you recognise and support the vital role of volunteers, volunteer-involving-organisations, and volunteer support services in the electorate? And how might you see yourself working with Volunteer Marlborough?
Good point. I think it would be choice to officially recognize these Good Citizens. Maybe with an award or something, the GC Award. Sounds good to me
What impact do you perceive volunteers to have in our community? (Volunteer submitted)
I think I answered that in question number 3
**Have you ever volunteered, and would you recommend it to others? **(Volunteer submitted)
I know I answered that one in question number 3, what a comprehensive question that was
How do you think volunteers and not-for-profits could better the community even further? (Volunteer submitted)
By collaboration. Team work makes the dream work.
In what ways do you think Volunteer Marlborough could help to improve local volunteer programmes and further support not-for-profit organisations? (Volunteer submitted)
Don't know. They do a pretty alright job already, that's something I'd have to have a yarn with them about first
What regional policies do you think are the most important for supporting our local organisations and volunteers in the sector so that they flourish rather than perish? (Volunteer submitted)
Probably the funding rounds that are available for you to submit your fantastic works and ideas
What resources and support do you plan to implement or maintain in order to continue to develop and support the not-for-profit sector as it stands? (Volunteer submitted)
Don't know at this stage, will have to have a rummage through what we have
What message would you like to share with the volunteers of our region? (Volunteer submitted)
Keep it up. There is no such thing as unpaid work when you value people, the community and the future
Thank you, Chris, for taking the time to answer these questions!