Federation Representatives

At the grassroots level, member services are supported by a network of Federation volunteers. Over 30 experienced representatives currently volunteer for the Federation. Categorised as Maori, district, and regional representatives these people work actively to support members, create opportunities for networking, coordinate communications across the country, and ensure that a consistently high level of quality service is delivered by Federation members.

A strong national network supported by experienced practitioners is fundamental to the ongoing success of family budgeting in New Zealand. The Federation has been developing this highly successful model for over 30 years. The representatives that volunteer for the Federation uphold the views of local budget services and particular client groups and also support the strength created by a well managed nationally coordinated effort.

Maori representatives support the views of budget services' Maori clients. These representatives, supported by their Kaumatua, do not represent any particular Iwi group but rather represent the views of all Maori clients at the very highest decision making level within the Federation. Maori representatives help to fulfil the Federation's partnership policy and uphold the Federation's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

District representatives are democratically voted into 22 volunteer positions that represent the views of geographically clustered budget services. This very successful participatory model ensures the views of grass roots services are heard in the national decision making forum.

Federation districts are grouped into seven regions throughout the country. Each of these regions is managed by a regional representative, who is democratically voted in annually, and sits on the National Board. Regional representatives create policy at the national level and utilise the knowledge of district representatives, who they work with in close consultation, to ensure the views of all budget services are heard during the decision making process.

As part of the overall Federation networking and communication strategy the district and regional representatives are responsible for coordinating district and regional meetings every year. These forums are a valuable contribution to budget service staffs' professional development and ensure collective knowledge and best practice models are passed on throughout the network. They also provide an opportunity to offer training workshops and presentations from industry and government experts.

The Federation assumes total responsibility for the costs of coordinating this huge volunteer effort. The Federation also contributes significantly to some of the costs of holding district and regional meetings throughout the country.

Example Regional Meeting Agenda 2007.pdf

Example District Meeting Agenda 2007.pdf

© 2007 New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services Inc.