MEDIA RELEASE: For immediate release

17 June 2008

Almost 80 percent of volunteers also give

A new research report 'How do New Zealanders give?' estimates that almost 80 percent of volunteers have also donated money or goods in the previous 12 months. The report was released today to coincide with Volunteer Awareness Week celebrations.

"This research reinforces that the over one million New Zealanders who volunteer also contribute in many other ways to their communities," said Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering NZ.

The report was produced by Nick Jones & Associates Ltd and the Office for the Community Voluntary Sector. It draws on data collected in 2007 through the "Consumer who Cares" service, as part of Nielsen Media Research Panorama, one of New Zealand's largest consumer surveys, engaging 12,000 people annually.

The report also estimates that: • 1.2 million people volunteered (33.8 percent of all people 10 years and over) • 2.2 million people gave money or goods (60.3 percent) • 829,000 people supported in other ways, such as purchasing products (23 percent) Almost half (47.4 percent) of New Zealanders 10 years and over made unplanned or ad hoc donations to appeals, while just over a third (33.6 percent) were involved in planned, more committed forms of donation, such as sponsorships.

Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand welcomes the research saying "We have a real sense that giving is really coming into its own. A number of recent changes have opened the doors to encouraging New Zealanders to give more generously. For example, the removal of the upper limit of the tax rebate that can be claimed when giving to a charity will assist people to give in a more planned, long term way. Also, pre-tax payroll giving, planned for 2009, will also assist those wishing to make a regular longer term commitment to a charity."

The research will inform the work of the Promoting Generosity project, a collaborative initiative to explore ways individuals and businesses can be encouraged to participate in their communities and local community organisations by giving time, money or in-kind donations. Representatives from the community and private sectors and government departments form the wider working hub and advisory group.

ENDS

© Scoop Media