CARITAS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 March 2009

Caritas Seeks To Be Heard On Overseas Aid Policy

Catholic development agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is participating in Friday's multi-party summit on the future direction of New Zealand's overseas aid policy.

Director Michael Smith said he will be attending along with Caritas international programmes and advocacy staff.

Mr Smith said it's disappointing the gathering does not have representation from all parliamentary parties.

"However, in the absence of clear and open consultation by the government over its reviews of NZAID, we will take whatever opportunity arises to have our say on how New Zealand's aid budget can be wisely and effectively spent," said Mr Smith.

"In that context, and in the light of the National government's desire for a bipartisan foreign affairs policy, we also want to talk about these matters with National, ACT and the Māori Party, who are not attending the summit. We have already communicated our key concerns and questions to Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully on this issue, and have written again seeking a meeting with him and National's Associate spokesperson for Foreign Affairs John Hayes, as well as ACT and Māori Party leaders.

"We want New Zealand to be a good global citizen and be able to hold its head high in its provision of aid, especially as the economic crisis will impact hardest on those who are already poor.

"Our concern stems from a Catholic understanding of giving priority to the needs of the poor - at home and overseas," said Mr Smith.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 162 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS.

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