World Vision applauds budget increase

May 14, 2007

World Vision New Zealand welcomes and praises the Government’s 20.2% increase in the percentage of money given to Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), announced today by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Winston Peters.

This brings the amount of ODA to $429 million, equal to 0.30 per cent of Gross Nationa Income (GNI) with steps in place to achieve 0.35 per cent of GNI by 2010.

“It shows a real commitment by the Government to meet its promise to give .7% of GNI by 2015,” says World Vision’s CEO, Lisa Cescon, who was present at the Minister’s announcement at NZAID’s East Tamaki warehouse this afternoon.

“We’re looking forward to working with him to enable the Government to reach that goal.”

Miss Cescon says development agencies like World Vision are well placed to use increased funds from the Government.

“Mr Peters is committing over half of the increase in aid to the Pacific, which is a growing focus point for World Vision. We see the incredible needs there, and have projects ready for funding. This increase may enable more of these to progress. The great thing about the Government partnering with NGOs is that the money really does get to where it is most needed.”

Miss Cescon says, given the Government’s $2 billion surplus, there are opportunities for it to do even more for the 700 million people living in poverty in the Asia-Pacific region, and it’s in New Zealand’s best interests to be generous.

“There’s an important connection between development and regional security and stability. We’ve got a moral imperative to keep helping developing nations on our back door step, but we also know that there are compelling business, environmental and national reasons for helping to overcome poverty, despair and disease in the Pacific.

It’s part of being a good neighbour and a global citizen as well as building regional security and sustainability.”