News

Tax haven billions could end poverty twice over

michael.smith — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:26:17 +0000

At least NZ$22.9 trillion is hidden by wealthy individuals in tax havens worldwide, representing a loss of more than NZ$193 billion in tax revenue, according to new figures published today by international agency Oxfam.

It's power and politics, stupid

michael.smith — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:47:42 +0000

Governments and aid agencies have to tackle the politics and power at the heart of the increasing effects of climate change, rising inequality and people’s vulnerability to disasters according to a new report published today by Oxfam.

Syria: Health risks as summer approaches

michael.smith — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:42:52 +0000

With temperatures set to soar up to 40˚C in the coming weeks, international agency Oxfam has warned that the warmer weather will increase health-related risks for Syrian refugees.

New Zealand Parliament first in southern hemisphere to gain Fair Trade accreditation

stuey — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:38:48 +0000

The New Zealand Parliament has become the first Parliament in the Southern Hemisphere to be awarded Fair Trade accreditation. To mark the occasion, five parliamentarians hosted an Oxfam Coffee Break yesterday in the Grand Hall.

Kiwis have a fair trade cuppa

michael.smith — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:54:50 +0000

Kiwis across the country are poised to put the jug on for Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break, part of Fair Trade Fortnight, May 4 -19,New Zealand’s largest annual fair trade celebration.

Overtaken by need: Syria's escalating humanitarian crisis

michael.smith — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:35:49 +0000

The world risks failing the people of Syria as the scale of suffering increases and the humanitarian fall-out from the crisis worsens by the day.

Doha deadlock on climate finance can be broken

michael.smith — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:58:15 +0000

Governments must move quickly at this year’s first UN climate change meeting to plug the gaping deficit of funds to help developing countries adapt to climate change and lower their emissions.

Reaction: Bangaladesh building collapse

michael.smith — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:18:22 +0000

The Savar tragedy is a reminder of the hidden cost of cheap clothes. Controversy surrounding the garment industry is well-documented and in Bangladesh there have been some improvements in recent years. In 2010, the government raised the monthly minimum wage from 1662 takas (around NZ$25) to 3000 takas (about NZ$45). Yet there is no doubt that this remains a dangerous, low paid and exploitative sector.

Northern Mali: Communities affected by a food crisis

michael.smith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:01:41 +0000

Northern Mali will descend to emergency levels of food insecurity in less than two months if the security situation and humanitarian access to vulnerable communities do not improve, warned four international aid agencies today following the analysis of experts from the Harmonised framework.

Mondelez International agrees to address women’s inequality in chocolate production

michael.smith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:45:04 +0000

The biggest chocolate maker in the world, Mondelēz International, has agreed to take steps to address inequality facing women in their cocoa supply chains following pressure from consumers as part of the international aid agency Oxfam’s Behind the Brands campaign.