Although America might lead the world in private philanthropy, New Zealanders have no reason to be ashamed.
While exact figures are hard to come by, the consensus is that we are a pretty giving bunch.
Gareth Morgan is a fine example of the fact that philanthropy is alive and well in this country. After receiving $40.5 million from his share of the Trade Me sale, he is promptly giving it all away to charity.
And just like Warren Buffett, he’s taking a calculated approach to it all by seeking advice from fellow New Zealand philanthropists, such as The Warehouse founder, Stephen Tindall and Sir John McKenzie.
Our favourite film-making duo, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh are also doing their bit for philanthropy. Recently, they donated $500,000 to the University of California's research programme on human embryonic stem cells.
"Continuing advances in stem cell medicine will change all of our lives for the better," Jackson said in a statement issued by the university.
While we, as people, can hold our heads, our poppies and daffodils high, our government is in the firing line.
“It’s ingrained in our culture to give and we rank as one of the top countries in the world who sponsor children. However, our government could be doing far more than it is. In fact, as far as our aid per GDP rating goes, we rank as one of the stingiest countries in the world.” – Communications Manager for UNICEF New Zealand, Georgina Newman.
This is something that Bob Geldof also pointed out in his recent visit, describing the situation as “pathetic.” Interestingly enough, he also used the term, “stingy”.
"The pathetic 0.27 percent that this government gives to the poorest people on the planet... is a great disgrace," said Geldof at a rally in Auckland. "The great shame of New Zealand is that it is the third-lowest in the world with their generosity, and this surely does not represent the spirit of the electorate. The New Zealand government, frankly, must up their game.” The government is quick to rebuke Geldof’s attack.
“Bob Geldof's determination to increase international aid is highly commendable, but he has undermined that work by getting his facts wrong on New Zealand,” says Foreign Minister, Winston Peters.
"This government has significantly increased the amount spent on aid. Last year, the budget increased by 21 percent – the biggest in many decades. Further increases this year will see our aid reach nearly $400 million.” Peter’s also sights our contributions to the Pacific region as something that is not included in the aid budget figures.
"It is unfortunate Mr Geldof had not been informed of those points before he came to New Zealand, because then he might have been a lot more positive about the contribution we are making.”
Regardless of our true contribution, we can seek some solace in the fact that it does all help. While Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have employed their vast fortunes and equally vast business nous to solving the world’s woes, there is still room and perhaps even reward for the less wealthy of us to do our part. You don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference.
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” – Mother Teresa
Sharing the shares.
Although Warren Buffett holds Berkshire Hathaway A Stock, his gifts will be made in Berkshire B Stock, 30 of which can be converted from one A Stock.
To complicate things even more, Buffett will give five percent of the total designated shares to each of the five foundations he has chosen to donate to in 2006 – each year after that, the gift will be five percent of the remaining shares and so on.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Ten Million Shares
Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation
One million shares
Originally called the Buffet Foundation, it was renamed in honour of Buffett’s wife who died in 2004. Foundation focus: reducing nuclear weapons, family planning and pro-choice causes.
Susan A. Buffett Foundation
350,000 shares
Named after and chaired by Buffett’s daughter. Foundation focus: Education and foster care.
Howard G. Buffett Foundation
350,000 shares
Established by Buffett’s older son. Foundation focus: Conservation, clean-water projects, food relief and other humanitarian causes.
NoVo Foundation
350,000 shares
Named after the Latin word novo, which translates as “I alter” and is run by Buffet’s younger son, Peter Buffett. Foundation focus: Human rights and environmental restoration.
Back to Page 3...
|
|
