There are many incredible community groups and organisations in Central Otago who are all working hard to make Central Otago a great place to live, work and play. Here you'll find helpful resources, tips and tools for your community group.
Setting up a Community Organisation
Here are some references or links to information that we think will be helpful when setting up or running a community organisation or project.
The Community Resource Kit - Find out about the best organisational structure to suit your core activities and objectives (developed by Department of Internal Affairs).
Non-profit Organisations - Find out about tax implications for Non-profit Organisations (Inland Revenue Department).
Financial Reporting for Charitable Trusts
Charitable Trusts are required by law to provide annual financial reports. However their complexity depends on the expenses incurred by the Trust. The Charities Services website has some useful guides to help you understand what type of financial reporting your trust will need:
- Reporting Tiers
- Statutory Auditing Requirements
Building Community Skills & Education
Volunteering Central - Find out about willing volunteers for your community project, as well as recruiting and looking after volunteers.
Central Otago REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) - Find out about courses and workshops to upskill community representatives and make them feel valued and empowered.
Cromwell Ambassador Programme - Find out about the Ambassador programme including where and when courses are held and how to book. Cromwell Ambassador is a 3-hour course designed for businesses, their staff and the community to build their knowledge about the town and its history and to give them the information and tools to confidently connect with visitors and customers.
Research on Community Development within Central Otago Communities
In 2018 Masters of Planning students from the University of Otago carried out projects in Central Otago district that studied the impact of population growth on local communities. Five different topics were investigated. Students met with a number of local residents to gain their views and to help understand local values, perceived pressure points, and community-led development initiatives within each community. Results from their research has been collated into five reports that were submitted as part of the students' Masters of Planning assessment. We are grateful to the University for allowing these reports to be made available for the public to view:
Alexandra: A Point of Difference
Amenity Provision in Pisa Moorings and Omakau
Heritage Issues in Bannockburn and Ophir
Growth Issues in Thriving Small Towns: A Case Study of Cromwell
Identity in a Growing Clyde
Welcome Guide Brochure and Resources
Central Otago District Council produces a handy Welcome Guide which contains an introduction to Council services and facilities around the district and points to where to go to find out more information. Communities are encouraged to include these in their own localised Welcome Packs for new people shifting into the area. Copies of the Welcome Guide can be picked up from any Council Service Centre or i-SITE.
Council also has some left over Welcome Pack concertina envelopes that can be used for holding various brochures and newsletters - please feel free to ask at your local Council office if you would like some for holding your own localised Welcome Pack information.