Published in WelCom June/July 2021

Michael Fitzsimons

Donors to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand will have their donations multiplied fourfold, thanks to a new funding partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Under the new partnership, called He Oranga Taurikura (‘A Thriving Life’), the government will match donations by adding $3 for every $1 donated to Caritas,’ says Roger Ellis, Engagement Manager for Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.

‘We are delighted with securing this funding arrangement. This is a rare opportunity to multiply the impact of each dollar donated by our supporters and donors. A dollar donated to Caritas becomes four dollars with the matched funding.’

The partnership extends for five years until 31 December, 2026. Total funds for the partnership are $10 million, made up of $7,500,000 from government and $2,500,000 from Caritas.

The new funding arrangement between Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and MFAT will provide Caritas and its partner agencies with greater certainty and stability over the next five years, says Roger Ellis.

‘The new partnership is significant because it means that Caritas Aotearoa will not have to be involved in competitive tendering for individual international development projects, which is costly and time-consuming. It will also enable Caritas to work more collegially with other NGOs.

‘The new partnership shows that the government recognises the need for a longer-term approach to development, which is led by the communities themselves and is more focused on broader outcomes, rather than narrow outputs. This allows more flexibility in achieving different outcomes in different locations.’

Caritas Aotearoa and MFAT will work together to promote integral human development in seven countries – Cambodia, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Tonga. Work in five countries will begin in the first half of this year. The remaining two, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati, will begin from 1 August 2021.

Caritas works collaboratively with its country partners and supports them to take a lead role in implementation. On-the-ground development support is provided in areas such as nutrition, food and water security, sanitation, hygiene, vocational education, and initiatives to respond to the effects of climate change.

Caritas is inviting supporters to utilise the 4:1 match funding by donating to Caritas and He Oranga Taurikura. Donations to He Oranga Taurikura can be made direct to Caritas at www.caritas.org.nz/donate or by phoning Caritas on 0800 22 10 22. If donating online, please include a reference to ‘He Oranga Taurikura’.

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