NGO's Acknowledged By Govt. For Social Services

NGO's Acknowledged By Government For Their Social Services

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND

By agreeing to maintain existing rate exemptions for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, government is acknowledging the critical role that the organisation plays in local communities. Draft legislation due in July 2001 will see existing categories of rating exemptions remain intact.

"Our services ensures that blind and sight-impaired people are safe in the community. Over half of the $19 million we use to fund these services comes from donations. Without the rates exemption our costs are estimated to increase by around $1 million a year," says Chief Executive of the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. "That represents a real threat to our ability to deliver services.

The services ensure members are able to meet the challenge of sight loss and maintain independence.

We are providing a crucial service to the community and the continued rates exemption acknowledges that role within local communities throughout New Zealand," says Jane Holden.

ENDS

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