Charitable Sector a Mirror of New Zealand’s own Diversity
Wednesday 6 January 2010
With more than 24,000 charities now registered with the Charities Commission, information from the Charities Register has highlighted the diversity and scope of the charitable sector.
Charities registered with the Commission are making a difference through a variety of charitable purposes, and activities ranging from rescuing animals or feeding children through to delivering budgeting advice, providing facilities for recreational and sporting activities, supporting people with disabilities, and developing safe water programmes internationally.
"Our staff, when assessing the rules submitted by organisations with their applications to be sure they have an exclusively charitable purpose, often comment that they are surprised by the range and diversity of the charities they register, and the visions and aspirations those charities express for New Zealand society," says Charities Commission Chief Executive Trevor Garrett.
"The charitable sector in New Zealand is not something that can be stereotyped, as the scope and diversity of the sector is enormous."
The fact that the charitable sector is so diverse is a reflection of New Zealand’s own diversity. We are a country of over four million people and represent a range of ages, faiths, cultures, backgrounds and interests – and needs – so the charitable sector reflects the needs and aspirations of our society, he says.
"The diversity of the sector means that when you are looking for a charity to support, there is no shortage of organisations to choose from and there are sure to be some that have aims or provide services that you believe in and want to support," Mr Garrett says. "Similarly, if you need to seek help from a charity, there are many who can lend a helping hand."
A search of the Charities Register, established and maintained by the Charities Commission can be a valuable resource for people wanting to support a particular charity, or to find a charity that can help them.
A browse through www.charities.govt.nz will provide useful information about the charities registered with the Commission, including their rules, annual returns and financial details, contact details, and information about who they are helping.