The Future is Equal

FAQs

Man looking out to sea - Text: FAQS
Man looking out to sea - Text: FAQS

We have compiled a handy list of answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Oxfam Aotearoa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to finding lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. We are striving to achieve a vision of a safer, fairer, more sustainable world where all people can enjoy a life of hope and opportunity. We believe we can all play a part in fighting injustice; each and every one of us can do something to make a difference.

Oxfam Aotearoa works in the Pacific and Southeast Asia working with communities to tackle the root causes of poverty. We help people to access safe water and sanitation and build sustainable livelihoods. We help families to provide education for their children, and to live free from persecution and violence. Oxfam responds rapidly to emergencies, providing life-saving essentials such as clean water, food and sanitation.

At Oxfam Aotearoa, we believe that lasting change comes from empowering communities to lead. That's why we work with local partners to find sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice. After all, nobody knows more about the issues facing a community than those within it.

No. We are a secular organisation, but with support from across the community, including people from all denominations and faiths.

Oxfam Aotearoa works primarily in our neighbourhood – in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Oxfam responds rapidly, helping keep survivors alive by supplying clean water and life-saving essentials. We stay for the long-term to ensure communities can rebuild and break the cycle of poverty that made them vulnerable in the first place. Find out more about Oxfam's current emergency work.

Poverty is a significant and growing problem for many states in the Pacific region due to decades of weak economic performance, population growth, urban drift and increasing inequality. The lack of clean drinking water is also a huge problem.

Oxfam Aotearoa is very much a New Zealand charity. The name "Oxfam" began as an abbreviation for the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, which was set up in Oxford in the UK in 1942, during World War II, to provide relief to war victims in Europe. Since then, Oxfam organisations have been established in 20 countries and Oxfam New Zealand was formed in 1991 in Auckland.

We believe that by working together globally we can have greater impact. Find out more about Oxfam International and our affiliates around the world.

Most of Oxfam Aotearoa's funds come from generous donations from New Zealanders. These are supplemented by New Zealand government funds for specific projects.

There are lots of ways you can get involved with Oxfam Aotearoa. You could donate, add your voice to speak out against poverty, fundraise, join an event, or volunteer with us. Following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter is the easiest way to keep up-to-date with our events and activities. Find out more about what you can do.

It's amazing how much can be achieved with just a small donation from generous people like you. Donations provide urgently needed funds for our work in Southeast Asia and the Pacific and our emergency response work. You can donate online or call 0800 600 700.

Regular gifts are a great contribution to our work. They give us vital long-term funds that allow us to plan ahead, and they represent a strong commitment to our partners overseas. Set up a monthly gift today.

Payroll giving allows employees to work together with Oxfam to end poverty and injustice in the Pacific and around the world. Payroll giving is administered by employers and enables employees to make regular donations to approved charities through their electronic pay. As with other charitable donations, you are entitled to a tax credit for all donations made through the payroll giving scheme. However, instead of receiving the tax credit at the end of the year, 33.33 cents for every dollar donated is credited to your pay at the time of the donation.

To enquire further or set up payroll giving, please get in touch on 0800 600 700 or oxfam@oxfam.org.nz.

When you donate to Oxfam, you're helping support whole villages and communities rather than individuals. We believe this is a more effective long-term solution to poverty. By donating at least $10 a month, you'll be helping save and improve lives all around the world. Because you're giving regularly, we can commit to long-term change, tackle the causes of poverty and make a real and lasting difference.

Check out our Oxfam Unwrapped website where you can direct your gift towards specific items. Or you can call one of our friendly team on 0800 600 700 for more information and to order.

Oxfam does not send clothes and blankets overseas, however good their condition. Customs regulations, fumigation of second-hand items, transport and communications make the process of exporting secondhand items very complicated and expensive. Money goes much further, and supports many more people, if it is used to purchase food and clothing locally.

There are lots of ways you can raise money for Oxfam. You can fundraise as part of an organised sponsored challenge like Oxfam Trailwalker. Or you could do your own thing and contribute the proceeds to Oxfam. We can help out with a handy DIY toolkit, online fundraising pages, a listing on our event calendar and promotional material. Find out more about fundraising for Oxfam.

Oxfam is accountable for achieving the highest standards in programmes that tackle poverty and help people achieve their basic human rights. Learn more about our finances here.

Bequests are special gifts from one generation to another. Because contributing to the development of the world's poorest communities, helping them to help themselves, is the noblest legacy that we can leave. Find out more about remembering Oxfam in your will.

Yes, donations over $5 are eligible for a tax credit in New Zealand

For single donations to Oxfam made through the post or by phone, we will post your donation receipt out as soon as possible. For online donations, your receipt will be sent by email.

Please call us on 0800 600 700 or 09 355 6500. Or send us an email with your name and address details.

To update your supporter details please send us an email or give us a call on 0800 600 700.

Yes! Find out how here. Thank you for making your donations go even further.

Oxfam Unwrapped is our programme where you can "gift" someone a donation to Oxfam. You can choose from our collection of beautiful physical cards or digital e-cards and we'll send it to your loved one, sharing details about the good work the donation you made can do in the world. Unwrapped gift cards include the entire spectrum of Oxfam's work from safe water in schools to training for a farmer to grow climate-resilient crops. Your friends will receive a card detailing the present you bought them, and your donation goes to support those who need it most. Find out more on the Oxfam Unwrapped website.

Yes. As a volunteer, your time, skills, energy and experience will extend Oxfam's capacity to achieve our goals and provide you with an opportunity to gain and share skills in a wide range of areas. Volunteers often work alongside staff in our offices in Auckland and Wellington, and support campaigns and events in their communities. Working hours can be flexible and you don't have to commit to a long-term position. Find out more about volunteering with Oxfam.

We do not generally send volunteers overseas because, like most international development agencies, the projects that Oxfam supports are actually managed by local organisations in the region. As a result, these agencies mostly find the workers they need among the local population. Visit Global Focus Aotearoa and Volunteer Service Abroad for possible opportunities overseas.

Go to the online recruitment section of our website and view job and internship vacancies.

Internships are voluntary positions. They are usually focused on completing a specific task or project. It is a great opportunity to gain and share skills in a range of areas, for instance, international development, fundraising, event management, advocacy, media, and marketing. Check out current internship opportunities.

Oxfam Aotearoa campaigns to try to fix the broken systems that keep people all over the world trapped in poverty. So we're working at every level - from local to global - getting poor people heard and challenging decisions by leaders whenever we see the developing world's interests under fire. You can be part of that change. Find out more about Oxfam's campaigns and how to take action.

Oxfam currently campaigns on inequality and climate change. There are many ways you can get involved and help change the world, from signing and petition, to sending emails and letters. You could organise an event, and educate your friends and family. Visit our campaigning page.

Sign up to become an Oxfam campaigner and we will keep you posted on our latest campaign actions. And we will let you know when we are looking for campaigners to help with events around the country. Campaign activities can range from spending two minutes on an email action, to fronting up to politicians to ask questions about their policies on aid, trade and debt, for example. Become an Oxfam campaigner.

Oxfam Trailwalker is New Zealand's largest team endurance event. On 23-24 March 2024, thousands of Kiwis will come together to take on the beautiful Taranaki region as they challenge themselves and challenge poverty. Oxfam Trailwalker is for people at all fitness levels. You don't have to be a pro-athlete to take on the Trailwalker challenge! Your team of four mates will participate in the 25km, 50km or 100km distances, walk or run through the night. It's your life-changing adventure - so step up to the challenge your way! Fundraise and train throughout the year, we'll be with you every step of the way to support your efforts. From training days, to online fundraising coaching, there are plenty of ways to get involved and achieve your goals! Find out more on the Oxfam Trailwalker website.

We are thrilled that Oxfam Trailwalker 2024 will return to the picture-perfect Taranaki region. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity and spectacular must-see destination! From museums, nature walks, surfing, culture and cuisine; Taranaki fits into anyone's ideal version of a weekend away. It's unique, it's legendary and it's impressive. We know you'll love it! To find out more visit the Oxfam Trailwalker website.

Please visit our contact us page.