This Private Members Bill was drawn from the ballot and seeks to expand the definition of a Voluntary Association to those that employ paid staff up to, but no more than 100 hours per week. This would be enormously helpful to the small Outdoor Recreation organisations who largely thrive on volunteer effort, but may employ some part-time staff (a cleaner for example).

NZRA made a written and verbal submission to the Workforce and Education Select Committee on this Bill and was positively received. The 14 Regional Sports Trusts have a similar supportive position to NZRA. Sam has subsequently met with the only NZ First MP on the Select Committee, who will be the lynch-pin for advancing the Bill to its second reading and is scheduled to meet with the Bill sponsor Harete Hipango. There has been some media interest in this Bill, focused on ex All Black and Sport Waikato CEO, Matt Cooper. We have been in touch with Matt, who happens to be a member of NZRA and are working with him to advance the Bill.

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