Election Access Fund
Te Tomokanga — Pūtea Whakatapoko Pōtitanga
Applications Panel Meeting
Date:
11 September 2023
Time:
1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Location:
Online via Zoom
Chair:
Dianne Glenn
Members:
Huhana Hickey
Robbie Watene
Jade Farrar
Leigh Deuchars, Electoral Commission
Other attendees:
Charmaine James (Secretariat)
Apologies:
None
Minutes Minutes of the last meeting The meeting started with a Karakia lead by Leigh. The minutes were adopted with the
addition of “of” in the paragraph relating to Matters Arising and approved by
(Dianne/Robbie).
Action points completed:
• EAF team met with the Steering group to discuss adding a category for those with
neurological/cognitive/neuro divergent conditions that do not fit in the current
categories outlined for support workers. The outcome was that the policy was
reviewed and adapted to the need to manage the exceptions and strengthen our
advice between the barrier faced from a disability and the type of support required.
The EAF team has started to emphasize the allocation in the funding letter to
successful applicants to give a clearer understanding of what support they have
applied for and what the funding covers. The team also includes a cover letter with
guidance and a reminder that funding is not to be used for campaign work.
• Radio buttons on the Assessment form was corrected.
Matters arising:
• SharePoint access still an issue.
• The team to look at removing the support pay guidelines for next round.
Action Points:
• Charmaine to contact IT to figure out the issues with access SharePoint.
Declarations of Interests Nil
Applications
Applicant 001 - $240.00 The panel reviewed the application for further funding for the rental of a Mains powered
amplified speaker with added headset wireless microphone for a period of 8 weeks. All were
in favour of supporting the application, with a question raised about insurance for the unit
during the rental period.
Action Points:
• Charmaine to contact the applicant to find out about insurance on the unit and the
rental amount covers this, and to report back to the panel.
• Charmaine to provide panel members with the total amount for funding previously
applied for Applicant001.
Contextual Information and update for EC Staff
• Possible application to come through, asked for applicant to return completed
application by Wednesday 13 September.
• The team has been in contact with other applicants, updates and necessary reports
have been received as expected.
• Turning minds to the review process after the Elections. EC is looking to do an in-
depth review of the fund and the changes made to the policy, and what’s next.
• Feedback from applicants about their experience with the fund and process will be
used to support the review.
• Jade brought to attention that in 2017 the cabinet signed up for a “Try, Learn and
Adjust” approach, where partnership is key to this approach and use this approach
as a component of the review. He a
General matters nil
Closing
Leigh closed off the meeting with the Karakia. Huhana volunteered for the Karakia at the
next meeting.
Next meeting Monday 25th September 2023, 1pm.
