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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Hawke’s Bay is set to gain its second social supermarket next week, with Nourished for Nil and Foodstuffs North Island partnering to open a new store in Hastings aimed at providing dignified food support to those facing insecurity. Located at 506 Queen Street West, the facility, named Whare Whāngai, is scheduled to open its doors ...
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, ...
Programmes ranging from boxing training to digital media production will receive significant financial support following the latest allocation from the Porirua City Council’s Young People’s Fund, aimed at positively impacting local children (tamariki) and young people (rangatahi). The funding round included two major Tier 1 grants, providing $50,000 annually for three years, and five Tier ...
In response to sharply rising homelessness and housing hardship figures, non-profit organisation Orange Sky Aotearoa has opened a new permanent laundry facility in Māngere, South Auckland. The initiative, launched today, is a collaboration with local kaupapa Māori health provider Turuki Health Care and commercial laundry service Alsco Uniforms. It marks a move towards more permanent ...
An advocate for child protection is warning of significant gaps in safeguards for children involved with charities, particularly those not receiving government funding. Willow Duffy, founder of the organisation Safeguarding Children, expressed concern about a lack of mandatory standards, training, and robust vetting processes for staff and volunteers across the charitable sector following an inquiry ...
The Salvation Army has launched its annual Red Shield Appeal, urgently seeking donations to sustain its community services as New Zealand faces a worsening cost-of-living crisis and increasing hardship among its most vulnerable populations. The organisation reports growing demand for its services, including foodbanks, financial mentoring, counselling, addiction support, and assisted accommodation. The appeal aims ...
The Queenstown Lakes District Council has opened applications for its 2025-2026 Community Fund, inviting local charities, not-for-profit organisations, and community groups to seek a share of a $180,000 funding pool aimed at enhancing local wellbeing. The fund, a key component of the council’s support for community initiatives, offers one year of operational or project funding. ...