A second social supermarket aimed at providing affordable food with dignity has officially opened in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, established through a partnership between the charity Nourished for Nil and the grocery cooperative Foodstuffs North Island. The Hastings opening at 506 Queen Street West follows the successful launch of Napier’s first social supermarket 18 months prior, … Read more

Community organisations, Food banks, Funding sources

More New Zealanders are volunteering, but shift seen towards direct help, new data reveals

Charities editor

Volunteering rates in New Zealand saw an increase in 2023, with over half the population giving their time, but the nature of that volunteering has shifted away from formal organisations towards more direct, person-to-person help, according to recently released statistics. Data from Stats NZ’s 2023 General Social Survey, highlighted by Volunteering New Zealand, shows that … Read more

Staff and volunteers

Former Director-General of Health Sir Ashley Bloomfield appointed ambassador for Barnardos

Charities editor

Sir Ashley Bloomfield, the former Director-General of Health who led New Zealand’s public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic, has accepted a new role as an ambassador for Barnardos Aotearoa, the national children’s charity announced today. A respected figure in public health with a stated commitment to equity and child wellbeing, Sir Ashley brings considerable … Read more

Staff and volunteers

National

New Zealand landmarks to light up blue for World Parkinson’s Day awareness campaign

Charities editor

Cities and towns across Aotearoa will join a global initiative this Friday, illuminating landmarks in blue for World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th. The effort is part of the international ‘Spark the Night’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness for the estimated 13,000 New Zealanders and 11.8 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease.Inspired by the … Read more

National

New Zealand’s proposed charity tax overhaul sparks concern over haste and potential harm

Charities editor

Sweeping changes to the way charities and not-for-profit organisations are taxed in New Zealand, proposed by the government’s tax agency, Inland Revenue (IRD), have drawn sharp criticism from sector leaders and tax experts who warn the reforms are ill-defined, lack supporting data, and could significantly harm the country’s vital third sector. An officials’ issues paper, … Read more