Lisa Cesco, the World Vision New Zealand CEO, today praises the New Zealand government in announcing a 20.2% increase in the money given to the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) program.
The total budget of ODA is now NZ$429 million, which is equivalent to 0.30 percent of New Zealand Gross National Income (GNI), with steps in place to achieve 0.35 percent of GNI by 2010. This contribution and the additional steps taken by the NZ Government have been hailed as a 'real commitment' by Miss Cesco.
"It shows a real commitment by the Government to meet its promise to give .7% of GNI by 2015," says Lisa Cescon, who was present at the NZ Foreign Minister's announcement at NZAID's East Tamaki warehouse. "We're looking forward to working with him to enable the Government to reach that goal."
Miss Cescon says development agencies like World Vision are well placed to use increased funds from the Government. The increase in the aid budget will be spent mostly in the Pacific region.
"Winston Peters (NZ Foreign Minister) is committing over half of the increase in aid to the Pacific, which is a growing focus point for World Vision. We see the incredible needs there, and have projects ready for funding. This increase may enable more of these to progress. The great thing about the Government partnering with NGOs is that the money really does get to where it is most needed."
Miss Cescon says, given the Government's $2 billion surplus, there are opportunities for it to do even more for the 700 million people living in poverty in the Asia-Pacific region, and it's in New Zealand's best interests to be generous.
"There's an important connection between development and regional security and stability. We've got a moral imperative to keep helping developing nations on our back door step, but we also know that there are compelling business, environmental and national reasons for helping to overcome poverty, despair and disease in the Pacific.
It's part of being a good neighbour and a global citizen as well as building regional security and sustainability."