Last Updated: 28-Oct-09
Tena koe, Kia orana, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Taloha ni, Nisa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Greetings
The Strengthening Consumer Voice Collaboration is a consumer-driven initiative to establish a national consumer entity that will work collaboratively with consumer organisations for the purpose of strengthening consumer voice and raising the profile of consumer perspectives.
Background
In 2005, 200 representatives of consumer organisations met to discuss the NZGG-commissioned evidence-based report, 'Effective consumer voice and participation for New Zealand', and consider the establishment of a national consumer entity. At the end of the summit, the Planning Group was given a mandate to develop a draft constitution for the entity, including its roles, the principles by which it would work and rules for membership.
In November 2007 a second summit was held to discuss a draft constitution for the entity and make decisions towards establishing a national entity that will work in collaboration with consumer organisations to strengthen and enhance the work they do.
All materials relating to the summits and updates will be posted to this website for consumer representatives to download – the most recent documents are listed first.
Opportunities
'Cartwright Comes of Age?' Seminar
This seminar marks the 21st anniversary of the release of the Cartwright report and aims to provide a forum for critical and consumer perspectives on the major themes and recommendations from the Cartwright Inquiry. It will be thought provoking, challenging, informative, entertaining and provide ideas for keeping the spirit of Cartwright alive in the 21st century.
Communications
If you would like to add your name to the mailing list, please click here and send contact details.
2nd National Consumers’ Summit (2007)
1st National Consumers’ Summit (2005)
Establishment Planning Group
An Establishment Planning Group was formed following the 2nd Summit, with Jo Fitzpatrick (Women's Health Action) as Chair, to further the work required to establish the new entity.
The Establishment Planning Group is currently working to finalise the Constitution for the Collaboration.
The 2009 AGM has been delayed. We will post a new date for the AGM as soon as it has been confirmed.
Strengthening Consumer Voice: Partners Initiative
Overview
The Strengthening Consumer Voice (SCV) Partners Initiative commenced in 2006 as part of the lead-up to the Strengthening Consumer Voice: 2nd National Consumer Summit held in Auckland on 26 November 2007.
The informal partnering arrangement for government entities and NGOs provides an opportunity to publicly declare support for the efforts being made to establish a national consumer collaborative. This partnership provides a clear message of support to consumer groups, a belief in the benefits of having a stronger consumer voice as well as an ongoing interest in wanting to engage in meaningful ways with consumer groups. Some partners also provided Summit sponsorship to enable consumer representatives to have free registration and so the Summit could be as inclusive as possible by offering travel and other assistance to those who would otherwise not have been able to attend. Others have expressed interest in forming working partnerships with consumers.
To date, 50 organisations have publicly declared their support for consumers by partnering in the initiative.
What will happen now?
A Partners Steering Group has been set up to help maintain the interest and momentum in SCV, to encourage additional partners to join and to keep partners informed about what is going on.
The Steering Group will provide regular updates on this SCV website, with electronic mail outs to notify when there has been an update.
For further information email jstrid@hdc.org.nz
A Partners Steering Group was also established after the 2nd Summit. This group is looking at ways partners and sponsors can be kept informed, maintaining their interest in strengthening consumer voice, as well as identifying potential new partners and following-up on the partners workshop at the Summit. The Partners Steering Group will work alongside the Establishment Planning Group to identify opportunities for partners to strengthen consumer voice.
Further information and details about this partners initiative can be found here.
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