Rotary New Zealand (RNZWCS
Limited) was established in 1984 and incorporated on 11 December 2003 in the
year following the establishment of NZAID by the then New Zealand government.
Rotary historically aspired to a similar ethos since its formation in 1905, as
to that behind NZAID, "Towards a Safe and Just World Free of
Poverty". NZAID was disestablished in 2009 with the government declaring
"Lifting people out of poverty depends directly on increasing economic
growth and strengthening trade.” This change reflected the broader view that
had been taken by Rotary New Zealand in the intervening years with some
significant sustainable livelihood activities established with financial
support from NZAID during that period. Since 2009,
Rotary New Zealand has embraced
this philosophy with many social and economic development activities being
implemented in Pacific countries as well India and Tanzania. Rotary applauds
the partnership opportunities that are made possible through the support of
government and the public of New Zealand.
The challenge for donors is to avoid
creating global “social welfare” as is becoming increasingly evident in some
countries, a spokesperson said.. Rotary, historically a volunteer organisation
is conscious that to lift people out of poverty requires creation of self-determination
through transference of skills and encouraging people to do it for themselves.
That is why they recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VSA
Volunteer Service Abroad to provide a vehicle for Rotarians to volunteer for
more skills based activities.
In the past decade, Rotary New Zealand has also
adapted to the change and frequency of humanitarian disasters. The Rotary
Emergency Response Kits packed in New Zealand by Rotarians and supporters are
now prepositioned in six strategic places in the Pacific. This ensures that as
soon as the event permits, with the collaboration of National Disaster
Management Offices, distribution of essential items takes place.
The Board of
Rotary New Zealand will meet in Wellington on the 10th Anniversary, 11 December
2013 and will reflect on the changes that have occurred in the International
Aid and Development Sector in the past decade and endorse its strategic and
business plans going forward..
Website: www.rnzwcs.org.nz
