14/07/06

Bob Geldof's comments reveal our nation is more generous than our government

Sir Bob Geldof's comments that the amount our government spends on foreign aid is "pathetic" and "disgraceful" serves to highlight the failure of our country to contribute its share towards reducing global poverty.

The New Zealand government is amongst the least generous countries in the developed world, giving only 0.27 percent of GNI or overseas aid. Most nations have at least set a timetable for achieving the goal of 0.7 percent - the United Nations target we agreed upon. New Zealand has not even done this.

"New Zealand has a strong culture of philanthropy, and, as private citizens, we are incredibly generous people. I believe that if we were to collectively pressure the government, we could achieve the goal of 0.7 percent," says TEAR Fund Executive Director, Stephen Tollestrup.

"The government should, at the very least, agree upon a timetable for reaching the 0.7 percent target."

Sir Bob Geldof is currently in New Zealand as part of a speaking engagement. He made his comments while meeting with a Make Poverty History petition.

ENDS

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