Despite a 4 percent decrease in official development assistance to USD313 million in 2009, New Zealand is seeking to significantly increase its aid funding in the coming years.
The New Zealand government intends to raise its aid money to USD416 million by the period 2012-2013, according to a peer review of aid policies by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee.
New Zealand recognizes it needs to “do more” to meet the international aid target of 0.7 percent of the gross national income by 2015, an OECD press release states. It earmarked 0.28 percent of its GNI on aid spending in 2009, according to the review.
The report takes note of New Zealand aid reforms including the complete reintegration of development cooperation into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“This reintegration offers authorities an opportunity to strengthen the aid program and sharpen the focus on development, both within the ministry and across government. It also offers a new opportunity to reach out to civil society and the private sector,” according to the release.
The review urges New Zealand to give more authority to country offices and maintain its focus in the Pacific.
