Driver training network gains Momentum
The Waikato’s community leadership foundation has a new role providing an administrative “backbone’” for the national network of organisations improving access to driver training.
Momentum Waikato has stepped into a key role in the “constellation” governance model of the Driving Change Network, a diverse group of more than 200 community, industry, iwi, Māori, funding and philanthropic groups that came together in 2019 to co-ordinate support and advocacy for access to driver education, training and licensing across Aotearoanew Zealand.
Driving Change is led by a steering group and its employed national coordinator and is made up of working groups drawn from its member bodies. Momentum is now providing its accountability, administration and employment services.
“Driver training should be accessible to anyone who wants to gain a drivers licence,” said Wendy Robertson, Driving Change national coordinator.
“We’re committed to ensuring New Zealand’s driver licensing system helps, rather than hinders, the journey to work and education. “Our constellation governance model recognises the reality of pulling together a diverse range of longestablished proudly independent organisations into a coherent service and advocacy collective.
“The admin role within it calls for a ‘disinterested’ non-profit organisation, ideally with an agile businessminded outlook and capacity, backed up by serious financial and professional staff resources.
“Momentum Waikato completely fits the bill, so we’re very happy to be working with Kelvyn and the team on their first national-level project,” said Robertson.
For Momentum Waikato chief executive Kelvyn Eglinton, providing an admin umbrella for Driving Change fits both the foundation’s purpose and strategy.
“One of our community support priorities, as re-confirmed by our Waikato Vital Signs community engagement project last year, is youth pathways. We see removing the barriers our young people face as they enter adulthood as critical to our region’s, and nation’s, continuing economic and social development and prosperity.”
Find out more about Driving Change at drivingchange.nz.