Strong support for foreign aid

By HELEN TUNNAH

New Zealanders strongly support giving aid to struggling nations, a poll has found.

And people polled also believe help must be given to avert the risk of terrorism and epidemics like Sars.

The UMR Research study for the Government's foreign aid agency, NZAid, found that three of every four New Zealanders support helping poorer countries.

But in a new finding the research has also uncovered that people think aid is necessary because New Zealand is part of a "global community".

People surveyed linked that to an increased awareness of international instability since the September 11 terrorist attacks, and in the wake of last year's Sars outbreak, which hit Asia hardest but which spread across the world.

It is the first time the survey has been conducted in five years, and the 76 per cent support for giving international aid was a five-point jump on the 1999 poll.

Of those questioned, 14 per cent disapproved of providing aid to poor countries, compared with 18 per cent five years ago.

The most common reason for that reluctance was that New Zealanders should tackle domestic poverty first.

New Zealand spends $300 million a year on aid, just 0.24 per cent of gross national income - well below the target level of 0.7 per cent of GNI set by the United Nations in 1970.

Although the Government has said it aims to reach 0.7 per cent by 2015, an ambition backed by 59 per cent of those polled, that is far slower progress than many European states have set, including Britain, France and Spain.

Aid Minister Marian Hobbs said the study reflected a view that New Zealanders see the giving of aid as an international duty. "We feel more connected to the world today.

"People understand that our investment in international development and aid is our long-term insurance policy against the sorts of violence seen in recent years."

But the poll also uncovered negative views towards aid.

In particular, people interviewed as part of focus groups were unconvinced aid dollars were well spent, or that the bulk of the money went to those in need.

Talk of "failing states" in the region appeared to have influenced those surveyed, with a clear view that aid was at risk of falling into the hands of corrupt officials.

NZAid director Peter Adams told the Herald he was heartened by the poll showing widespread support for foreign aid, and another finding where 71 per cent of Kiwis believe the Pacific is the priority area for aid.

But he said NZAid had to be aware of some people's concerns about how aid money was spent if it was directed to a Government project rather than a civil society project.

He said NZAid had to ensure any money directed through partner governments was well accounted for.

Mr Adams said events such as the near collapse of the Solomon Islands last year appeared to have led to a greater recognition of the need to address problems in the region.

"People seem to see New Zealand as having a degree of responsibility for helping address those problems.

"The tag 'failed state' is used rather too freely. Not even the Solomon Islands became a failed state - it was a faltering state ... but there were still people of integrity in Government."

The poll of 750 adults was taken between February 23 and March 1 this year, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 per cent.

NZ and overseas aid

* 76 per cent support giving overseas aid

* 14 per cent oppose it

* 71 per cent support aid targeted at the Pacific

* 60 per cent back giving aid for global community reasons

* the top priority for aid is water and sanitation

* those reluctant to give aid cite corruption and poverty at home

* only 30 per cent think Government-funded aid actually helps people in poorer countries

* NZ's annual aid budget is $300 million.