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Families Commission seeks ethnic advisors

Immigration New Zealand

New Zealand’s ethnic communities have an opportunity to make their voice heard.

The New Zealand Families Commission is seeking expressions of interest from ethnic communities to be part of a reference group and represent their community on issues relating to families.

The reference group helps to ensure the Commission is well connected to the community and that the Commission’s work is relevant and needed, says Chief Families Commissioner Belinda Milnes.

The Commission is looking for people who can:

  • play a recognised leadership role within their community;
  • advise on key issues affecting their community and families;
  • provide high level advice on the current gaps in research and evidence relevant to issues affecting their community;
  • understand government processes relating to policy development, research and evaluation
  • demonstrate a sound understanding of various social science research methodologies.

The Commission also has two other groups that represent the views of Māori and Pacific communities respectively.

Members are appointed for up to three years. The reference groups meet three times a year in Wellington in March, August and October. Members are paid a meeting fee and travel costs.

Belinda says the Families Commission wishes to increase the use of evidence by people working across the social sector so that they can make better decisions – whether it’s about funding, policies or services – to improve the lives of New Zealanders.

“We do this by bridging the gap between those who research and produce social sector evidence, and those making decisions, about social issues or issues relating to families and whānau.”

The Commission works with others to grow and improve the evidence needed for informed decision making. It also facilitates the use of quality, relevant and timely research and evidence, and encourages best practice. And it promotes informed debate on key issues facing New Zealand as well as issues that affect families and whānau.

The Expressions of Interest and Terms of Reference are available on the Families Commission website. Expressions of Interest close on Monday 7 April 2014.

(Photo credit: St Pete Clearwater)

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