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 JAMIE ARBUCKLE, current Councillor and running again:
What role do you think Council has in supporting a thriving Marlborough region for the voluntary & community sector?
Council can support by recognising the contributions of volunteers with Civic Awards and provide community not-for-profit organisations with funding opportunities with the likes of Council's Community Grants.
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?
The number one obstacle I see is volunteer burnout, where volunteers are required to more and more to keep community organisations running. Council can ensure community organisations are supported through funding and governance help from Council officials to reduce the need of volunteers taking on all the workload. The opportunity is there for Council to promote the wonderful work of volunteers and help encourage new volunteers.
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?
Without volunteers, many community organisations and events would not be possible. Volunteers are a very important part of our community. If elected to Council, I would like to see volunteers recognised through Civic Awards and supported by wise Council investments like the new libraary having many community rooms available free of charge.
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?
A close connection is required with Marlborough Emergency Centre and, when required, volunteers can be contacted to assist in areas of need.
How do you see Council and community organisations working together to build a robust, resilient, and welcoming region and community?
Council needs to understand the roles and aspirations of community organisations and then Council can advocate those services through Council's connections with constituents.
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?
If elected, I will make myself available on request to help hear volunteers and those organisations with concerns and needs, and advocate back to Council.
What impact do you perceive volunteers to have in our community? (Volunteer submitted)
Without volunteers, many events and activities would not be possible. The impact is massive.
Have you ever volunteered, and would you recommend it to others? (Volunteer submitted)
Yes, and yes I would recommend volunteering to others.
How do you think volunteers and not-for-profits could better the community even further? (Volunteer submitted)
Improving communication on what is available when it comes to volunteering.
In what ways do you think Volunteer Marlborough could help to improve local volunteer programmes and further support not-for-profit organisations? (Volunteer submitted)
Make your service more known to the general community
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)
I think Council's Community Grants are vital for local organisations to survive. Over Covid time, the grants were increased to ensure many organisations did not perish. Some organisations are given long-term funding that ensures continued delivery of the services provided.
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)
Continue Community Grants and advocate the amount is CPI adjust yearly. Advocate and support Council officer involvement in local not-for-profit organisations to assist with governance issues.
What message would you like to share with the volunteers of our region? (Volunteer submitted)
Your time and efforts are very much appreciated and help make our community a better place to live.
Thank you, Jamie, for taking the time to answer these question!