9. TIM BARNETT (Labour—Christchurch Central) Link to this
to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
How will charities benefit from announcements in Budget 2007?
Hon RICK BARKER (Acting Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector) Link to this
The Budget 2007 contained great news for charities. The threshold for donations made to charities by individuals, Māori authorities, and businesses will be gone by 1 April 2008. This will make it easier and more attractive for Kiwis and business to donate to charity because the rebate threshold will have gone. It is appropriate to acknowledge at this time the very good work done by the United Future Party in support of this policy work.
An unqualified yes. Charities can be certain of this because the $20 per week KiwiSaver employer tax credit is administered through the PAYE system. One thing that is not certain, however, is whether National supports KiwiSaver.
Judy TurnerCan the Minister confirm that improving the rebate on charitable donations was publicly signed off as part of United Future’s supply and confidence agreement with the Labour-led Government in 2005, straight after that election, and not in response to a National Party media release, and what feedback has the Minister received from organisations such as Philanthropy New Zealand about this United Future Budget gain?
I can confirm that, and I can confirm for the House that this policy work was being undertaken, and documents were released under the signatures of Dr Michael Cullen and Peter Dunne, in October last year. That was at a time when the current leader of the National Party was still plotting his challenge against Don Brash. I can further say that the charitable sector has been overwhelmingly positive about this, because this Labour-led Government, with United Future, is doing things; National simply talks.