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Community Advisory Services
Online Services
Publications for Community Groups
How to Contact a Community Advisor
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Community Advisory Services
Find free advisory services here, to help your community or voluntary group access the skills and resources you need to create positive changes within your community.
Service Overview
The Department of Internal Affairs' Local Government and Community Branch has trained Community Development Advisors working from 17 regional offices. We provide information to community groups, to enable them to more effectively meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities. Our Community Advisory Services are available to:
- Maori, Whanau, Hapu and Iwi
- Local community groups
- Community/ resource centres
- Sector groups, eg youth, kaumatua, women
- Councils of social services and other networks.
Community Advisory Services are provided by government, at no charge to community groups, and include:
- Assistance with planning, including project planning
- Provision of funding information
- Advice on setting up legal structures
- Meeting training needs
- Group facilitation.
Examples of Community Advisory Services in Action
- Creative Sounds - Based in Palmerston North, this group uses music to foster opportunities for youth. Recently members of the group sat down with a Community Development Advisor to develop an annual plan. Skilled facilitation and planning advice enabled them to effectively develop objectives and a plan for the year complete with a timeline, allocation of tasks, and a process for reporting.
- Nga Huia Whetu Rangi Trust - This group is setting up an 'International School of Reconciliation' to empower men and women to become peacemakers, reconcilers, prayer warriors and leaders. The group had spent two years trying to establish a trust before being referred to the Christchurch Community Development Group team. A month later, the Trust had been established. A Community Development Advisor was able to explain the process and legal requirements of trustees, help draft documents and ensure these were signed and submitted to the New Zealand Companies Office. Information was provided that helped the Trust find funding sources, set up its books, and register with Inland Revenue Department as a charity.
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