Background

The Statement of Government Intentions (2001) was an expression of the Government’s commitment to “strong and respectful relationships between government and community, voluntary and iwi/Māori organisations”.
Between 2009 and 2011, a steering group worked to develop a Relationship Agreement to replace and build on the 2001 Statement of Government Intentions.

In August 2011, Kia Tutahi Standing Together, The Relationship Accord between the Communities of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Government of New Zealand was signed by Prime Minister John Key and the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Tariana Turia,

The Framework for Relations between the Ministry of Health and Health/Disability Non-Government Organisations (2002) is a statement of the commitment of the Ministry of Health and health/disability non-government organisations to put the Government's vision of the Statement of Government Intentions into practice. The Framework is still relevant following the signing of Kia Tutahi as the Ministry of Health and Health and Disability organisations look forward to the next ten years of working together to improve the health of New Zealanders.

The Framework was endorsed at the first forum held by the Ministry of Health.

In mid-2013, the Director-General of Health affirmed in writing the Ministry’s continued support for the NGO Relationship Framework. Also at this time, the name of the broader membership body was changed to the ‘NGO Health & Disability Network’, and the elected body was renamed the ‘NGO Council’. Thirteen elected representatives on the Council have responsibility for the ‘executive’ function, and are appointed for two-year terms.