Wednesday, 4 April 2007

Dunne: New Zealand’s aid contribution pathetic

United Future leader Peter Dunne has urged the Government to increase New Zealand’s aid contribution after latest OECD figures ranked us in the bottom six of member countries in terms of aid donation.

The OECD says that aid from its 22 member countries fell last year, while New Zealand ranked near the bottom, giving just 0.27% of gross national income (GNI) in aid donations.

“Our contribution when ranked against other OECD countries is truly pathetic,” said Mr Dunne.

“We are a country that prides itself on being a good international citizen and is very vocal in upholding the values of humanitarianism and philanthropy, yet when push comes to shove we don’t exactly put our money where our mouth is.

“United Future’s policy is to immediately establish overseas aid at 0.5% of GNI, moving toward the accepted UN international millennium goal of 0.7%, which I believe can be achieved within the next few years.

“To be the sixth worst aid donor within the OECD is embarrassing.

“It is important as a small country that wishes to promote the principles of international friendship and humanitarian responsibility that we are seen to uphold those same values,” concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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