Kiwis lend a helping hand to Pacific neighbours

30 November 2018

Wellington has been named the most generous region in New Zealand in 2018, beating out the rest of the country for the biggest hearts according to Oxfam’s annual Generosity Index.

Every year, the Generosity Index ranks the most generous towns based on the number of Oxfam Unwrapped gifts purchased per capita. This is the first year the index has revealed the most generous region as well.

Meanwhile, Upper Moutere of the South Island has maintained its position as top town for the eighth year in a row, against stiff competition from Waikato’s Whiritoa in second place and Taranaki’s Waitotara coming in third.

Wellington Mayor, Justin Lester, says he is proud the region tops the list.

“Wellingtonians are known for their generosity. We are a warm and welcoming city and region and don’t mind dipping into our pockets to help others…I know it will be tough, but I encourage other regions to try to knock us off,” he says.

Rachael Le Mesurier, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, said: “A huge thank you to all those who donated. Your continued support and giving spirit mean that Oxfam New Zealand can keep doing its vital work in the Pacific and support local partners in improving the livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

A big congratulations to Wellington for coming in first place as New Zealand’s most generous region, this is a fantastic result for our capital.

Congratulations also to Upper Moutere for upholding their title of most generous town for the eighth year in a row.”

Oxfam Unwrapped is a charity gift catalogue and one of Oxfam New Zealand’s biggest fundraisers. When Kiwis purchase an Unwrapped gift, they receive a card relating to a particular project that Oxfam NZ is currently supporting. The money spent gives someone living in poverty the chance of a better life.

These donations are vital in supporting Oxfam’s life-changing programmes in the Pacific and beyond which improve access to water and sanitation, support vulnerable families in creating sustainable incomes, and promote gender equality.

The gifts range from honey bees that support beekeepers and the ever popular goat, to school supplies that assist children with learning and solar lamps that bring light.

Gifts can be purchased at oxfamunwrapped.org.nz or by calling toll-free on 0800 600 700 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm).

The top three most generous regions in Oxfam Unwrapped’s 2018 Generosity Index are:

1. Wellington
2. Nelson - Tasman
3. Otago

The top ten most generous small towns in Oxfam Unwrapped’s 2018 Generosity Index are:

1. Upper Moutere (Nelson-Tasman)
2. Whiritoa (Waikato)
3. Waitotara (Taranaki)
4. Ohaupo (Waikato)
5. Owhango (Manawatu-Wanganui)
6. Takaka (Nelson-Tasman)
7. Balfour (Southland)
8. Kaiwaka (Northland)
9. Featherston (Wellington)
10. Te Kauwhata (Waikato)

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