The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS) was established in September 2003 to address overarching issues affecting the community and voluntary sector, and to raise the profile of the sector within government. Increasing understanding of the size and scope of the community and voluntary sector, and its vital contribution to New Zealand is a priority. The OCVS works across government with the aim of achieving excellent relationships between government agencies and community, voluntary and Māori organisations.