NZ agencies band together for MakePovertyHistory coalition
"We are the first generation that can say: we have the cash, we have the drugs, we have the science - but do we have the
will? Do we have the will to make poverty history? Some say we can't afford to. I say we can't afford not to." Bono,
from U2, challenged a Labour Party Conference in UK with these words late last year. Bono is one of the many celebrities
to lend their support to the global campaign to MakePovertyHistory.
Now a wide range of New Zealand aid, development, human rights, social justice and anti-poverty organisations have come
on board the global campaign to bring an end to 'extreme and stupid poverty' (Bono's words) in the world.
MakePovertyHistory Aotearoa/New Zealand is planning a number of activities in major centres around July 1-2, to coincide
with White Band Day on July 1 and the Live8 concerts on July 2, in the run up to the G8 Summit at Gleneagles, Scotland
on July 6-7.
The MakePovertyHistory coalition is calling for immediate government action against poverty. "There's a definite feeling
that now is the time. There's a definite groundswell of opinion amongst people the world over that governments of
developed countries could be doing much more to help end poverty," say coalition members.
The New Zealand coalition is concentrating on trade justice, dropping the debt for heavily indebted countries, more and
better aid, including committing to the target of 0.7% of GNI (committed to in 1971 and subsequently), and ending child
poverty in New Zealand.
For more information on MakePovertyHistory Aotearoa/New Zealand, visit the website: www.makepovertyhistory.org.nz
The membership of MakePovertyHistory is growing rapidly, and currently includes:
Arena Foundation (Action, Research and Education Network of Aotearoa NZ)
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
Child Poverty Action Group
Christian World Service
Council for International Development
Development Resource Centre
Family Planning Association (International Development Division)
The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand
Jubilee Aotearoa Debt Action Network
Leprosy Mission New Zealand
Loyola Christian Life Community
New Zealand Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
New Zealand Council of Social Services
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Oxfam New Zealand
The Peace Foundation
Peace Movement Aotearoa
Sisters of Mercy of Aotearoa New Zealand
TEAR Fund New Zealand
Trade Aid
The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit
WWF New Zealand
World Vision New Zealand
ENDS