Rise In Development Aid By N.Z. Urged

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31596, 6 February 1968, Page 24

Rise In Development Aid By N.Z. Urged

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 5.

As a matter of national self-interest, as well as on moral grounds, New Zealand must extend aid to less developed countries, especially those of South-East Asia and the Pacific, according to a report of a conference on New Zealand’s international aid.

The conference was held in December, under the auspices of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.

The report says New Zealand official aid is much less than it ought to be, and much less than that of other wealthy societies. It says that the aid is 0.25 per cent of national income compared with an average of 0.66 for Western European countries - and the United States.

The real value of aid to countries other than the Cook Islands has declined over the last decade, although needs are much greater, it says. Target of 1 Per Cent

The report calls for an objective of 1 per cent of national income, as a rough guide, and suggests that the Government gradually expand aid over the next three to five years to approach this. The report says the expanded programme should provide for:—

Additional aid for New Zealand’s own Pacific territories and for Western Samoa.

Official aid for other South Pacific territories, such as Fiji and Tonga. Increased support for the South Pacific Commission. A substantial increase in allocations under the Colombo Plan.

Additional as&stance under the special Commonwealth aid to Africa plan and the Commonwealth education scheme. Increased support for multilateral aid programmes, and the United Nations development programme. The expansion of training and educational facilities within New Zealand to cater especially for the heeds of a larger number of trainees from the developing countries of South-East Asia and the Pacific. Career Service The report says the increased programme will call for reconsideration of the administrative machinery for aid and the possibility of setting up a career service both for administrative and technical and field staff. Consideration should also be given to establishing an external aid board.

The report will be sent to the Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs (Mr Holyoake).