July - Newsletter Entry, Ros Rice

Ros Rice • July 3, 2024

One year on from the launch of banking research

It’s hard to believe that one year out from releasing our in-depth research report on the challenging world of banking for NPFs, “Better Banking: Creating Ease of Banking for the Not-for-Profit Sector”, we’re facing the withdrawal of services to non-profits from the SBS.

 https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/350292100/sbs-bank-accused-betraying-long-term-customers 

Grey Power Southland seniors advocate Stephnie de Ruyter is not happy with the SBS Bank’s treatment of not-for-profit organisation customers.
ROBYN EDIE / SOUTHLAND TIMES

This is not only in Southland, but we are fielding calls from other parts of New Zealand too about the SBS.

It’s interesting because in this year, I have had more than one Bank staff member tell me that “Banks don’t really like NGOs, as we create lots of work, and they don’t make any money out of us.”

I positively shudder with frustration when I hear this oft-repeated rubbish. These bank staff just refuse to look at the big picture. They refuse to understand how much money is in our sector; they refuse to see how much this sector contributes to GDP, (I don’t think they care about that); and they refuse to acknowledge that there is a thing called Social Licence.

If they are not interested in social licence at some point, won’t we all walk away from them? What is the point of trying to negotiate an important human function like having somewhere to bank our money, if the other party isn’t interested?

I wonder if banks realise the guy standing in front of them banking for a school rugby club could be a financial advisor in a major corporate. I wonder if they consider the effects of their decision to treat him poorly and how it will influence his decisions? (I really know someone in this position.)

So, the question is, what to do? I have forwarded information about this abhorrent behaviour of the SBS to the Reserve Bank and the Financial Markets Authority, but to really kick up a fuss, everyone who has received this letter, needs to talk to their local MP and tell him/her how you feel. I am serious here. If you don’t take this to your local MP your opportunity to get any traction is virtually nil. Make a fuss guys!

And if you need to move your account, contact First Credit Union, who can provide on-line bespoke banking for NGOs. They will happily sign you up. As this is on-line, you can’t bank cash, but that’s another story. You can do everything else, including proving identity on-line.

Contact Sarah Angell: 07 8344780 community@firstcu.co.na

The withdrawal of banking services to non-profits is not merely a financial inconvenience; it directly impacts the sector's ability to function effectively. We must unite, raise our voices, and advocate for the fair treatment and supportive banking environment we deserve.

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April 8, 2025

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Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025

Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer