Caritas seeks NGO involvement in planning new funding arrangements

“This is based on a long history of dialogue and partnership between government and NGOs on overseas aid and development. The current arrangements have been developed and refined over 35 years, and are sound development practice,” said Caritas Director Mike Smith.

 

In a letter earlier this week to the Council for International Development, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said existing arrangements were “out of step” with the government's new priorities for its overseas aid on economic development and the Pacific region. In subsequent public comments, he said he wanted new processes for the next budget year.

 

“At this stage, there's no indication of the likely shape of things to come after 30 June,” said Mr Smith.

 

Mr Smith says he's written to Mr McCully asking that development NGOs be involved “at the earliest possible time” with MFAT officials charged with redesigning  arrangements for government funding of NGOs for both long-term development and emergency assistance.

 

Mr Smith said Caritas recognises the need for sustainable economic development. But “we also believe it is important that programmes address other poverty-related issues in the Pacific and around the world. For example, addressing issues such as health, education, human rights and environmental protection provide 'pre-conditions' for economic growth.”

 

Mr Smith said there is a Strategic Policy Framework, which preceded the existence of NZAID, to guide the relationship between the government's aid programme and NGOs. “Its  guidelines provide for appraisal of new policies and procedures, particularly at the development stage, to consider any implications for NGOs,” said Mr Smith.

 

“We're concerned about the changes signalled, their timing, and especially their immediate impact on overseas partners – some of which we are funding for long-term multi-year programmes.”

 

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.