The Social and Civic Policy Institute (SCPI) was established in 1997 to “promote, carry out and disseminate the findings of research, discussion and policy development on matters of social and community concern”. It is dedicated to the creation of a just, fair and equitable society based on open dialogue and full participation of all citizens.
Objective:
Organizing seminars, conferences and other events where issues of interest to civil society can be presented, as well as hosting overseas visitors and organizing dialogue among NZ policymakers, community representatives and people with ideas.
Current work: Community Governance
SCPI is currently facilitating a series of workshops around New Zealand on community based planning and governance. Key issues include the roles, forms of organization, membership, functions and relationships with local and central government and the community of:
“Locally based community associations that cover areas smaller than those served by formal Local Authorities; that are formed voluntarily (not by statute) and are concerned with issues of governance in their communities as well as carrying out activities or providing services”
Community Governance Papers:
Community Governance – Why our interest?
Presentation by David Robinson to SCPI Community Governance Workshop, 16 July 2009
Eternal Vigilance
Address by David Haigh to SCPI Community Governance Workshop, 16 July 2009
Case Study: Pukerua Bay
Address by Pat Hanley to SCPI Community Governance Workshop, 16 July 2009
Overheads from presentation by Mike Reid to SCPI Community Governance Workshop
The presentation can be found midway down this page…
Local Government and Opportunities for Community Governance
Current work: Deliberation and Sustained Dialogue Network
Since the late 1990s SCPI has developed a working relationship with the Kettering Foundation based in Dayton Ohio, USA. Each year SCPI sponsors several associates to participate in training courses, discussions and/or meetings of the Kettering Foundation in Dayton.
SCPI is currently working with several community agencies that are developing and running community dialogues and conversations on a range of issues including inter-faith relations, the concept of crisis in mental illness and relationships within the refugee community and with host communities.
