What we do

Addressing poverty, working for justice, promoting peace

Caritas delivers aid and supports development overseas, as well as working for justice in New Zealand and abroad. We aim to make a difference in the lives of people living with poverty or injustice.

Working with partners around the globe, and supported by thousands of New Zealanders, Caritas:

promotes people-focused development in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific;
provides emergency support after major disasters;
provides skilled volunteers to serve development in the Pacific, through Mahitahi - Catholic Overseas Volunteers
advocates to change structures that cause poverty in New Zealand and overseas;
educates and informs on the causes of poverty and injustice; and
promotes action for real change.

What we do

Mike O'Brien handing the Alternative Welfare Working Group's report to Mark Richards.

Advocacy

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand speaks out for justice to influence attitudes and create change at national, regional, and global levels.

Education

Caritas helps teachers and students think about questions of social justice, peace and development - and to act justly in a global world.

Women preparing mulberry paper for printing on.

Development

Caritas promotes authentic human development. This means development of the whole person. It provides for their economic, cultural, political, social and spiritual wellbeing.

A woman washing dishes outside her tent in Haiti.

Emergency response

Caritas responds to emergencies around the world. We aim to save lives, reduce suffering, and maintain human dignity as we show our solidarity and shared humanity with those who suffer, and meet their basic needs – regardless of ethnicity, religion or nationality.