Waiouru not covered on COGS committee

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 287, 23 May 1989, Page 1

Waiouru not covered on COGS committee

Waimarino community organisations applying for COGS funding have until the end of next month to file their applications.

June 23 is the date set by the newly elected Waimarino/ Rangitikei Local Distribution Committee, for the first round of funding. The committee was elected at a recent public meeting in Taihape. Concern was expressed at the meeting that the communities of Waiouru and Bulls were not represented on the committee. COGS spokesperson Jan Harrison said however, that groups eligible for funding from either community should still apply to the Department of Social Welfare in Wanganui. Ms Harrison said that there was little public criticism of the decisions made by the former Waimarino/ Rangitikei committee on funding applications

for the period 1988/89, at a public accountability meeting held in Taihape earlier this year. This she said, endorsed the good work of the committee and the process of COGS. The communities of Ohakune and Raetihi are represented on the committee by residents Raana Mareikura, Cess Allerby, Mark Cribb and Maria Condon. A number of Waimarino organisations last year benefitted from COGS funding. Ms Harrison anticipates the number of applications from groups for this round of funding will be increased. The scheme was introduced by Government as a means of distributing funds to "essential" social services. Priority is given to social service

organisations benefitting Maori and Pacific Islanders, women and socially disadvantaged groups including the elderly, unemployed, disabled and youth.

Groups can apply for funding by contacting their local distribution committee or community representative, or by writing to the Department of Social Welfare.