NZFVWO media release
17 May 2007
Budget a triumph for sector advocacy
The raft of measures announced in today's budget relating to charitable giving have been a long time coming, according
to the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations. The social services umbrella group says that there is still so
much more that the sector needs to, and can achieve.
Tina Reid, Executive Director at NZFVWO said:
"Tax breaks on donations has been one of our core issues with government since the late 80s. In the last 12 months we
actively sought dialogue with political parties on this issue and we are delighted that these measures have been
included in today's budget.
"Today's announcement is a significant triumph for sector led advocacy, and signals a massive shift in the way
government relates to the sector. That these measures were announced today demonstrates the extent to which the sector
has become organised around issues that are important to it."
This budget also announces a $20m contribution towards developing the Pathways to Partnership Strategy to boost the
ability of community organisations to work with government to deliver services that support New Zealand children and
families - this is further recognition by government of value of the sectors' contribution in meeting social development
objectives.
KiwiSaver is also of great interest to organisations in the sector. But the Federation of Voluntary Welfare
Organisations cautioned that there are many low paid and part time staff who will find it very difficult to contribute
to the KiwiSaver scheme.
Tina Reid:
"If the government is serious about supporting the sector for the long term, it will have to address issues broader than
today's tax break - such as including rates of pay in a comprehensive way as part of the funding framework for the
sector."
ENDS