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Government Funding Changes

Over many years, Caritas has been well supported and respected by the government for our development and relief work overseas. However since 2009, the New Zealand government’s overseas aid programme has changed significantly. This has impacted all non-government agencies (NGOs) working in international development.

In 2009, the semi-autonomous NZAID agency was reintegrated back into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). This was despite the ‘impressive’ results (according to the OECD) it had achieved in focusing on poverty reduction since its inception in 2002.

Subsequently, the way in which we apply for government funding for our overseas emergency and development work has changed drastically. A new Sustainable Development Fund for NGOs seeks to eventually allocate 75 percent of funds to the Pacific. There is also a greater focus on ‘sustainable economic development’.

You can help us continue to provide effective overseas aid, and lobby the government for more and better aid through continued financial support, prayer and writing to Ministers and MPs.

Read more:

17-12-2010 Caritas questions evidence for lack of accountability - media release

22-07-2010 Goalposts keep shifting for overseas aid funding - media release

28-05-2010 New government funding proposals for development NGOs - media release

08-04-2009 McCully misleads over aid "review"

27-03-2009 Caritas seeks to be heard on overseas aid policy

10-03-2009 Caritas seeks openness and answers in review of New Zealand overseas aid