New Zealand’s foreign aid spend forecast to drop for first time since 2016

Official data reveals New Zealand’s aid spending is forecast to drop year-on-year for the first time in eight years – from $1.201 billion in 2023/24, to $1.103b in the current financial year.

It’s still higher than every other year over the past decade, but Oxfam Aotearoa is concerned it shows climate finance funding has peaked, while Labour warns a decline in foreign aid could impact New Zealand’s strategic interests. Oxfam Aotearoa climate justice lead Nick Henry says without a continuation of the climate finance funding (due to run out at the end of next year), essential support for climate adaptation in the Pacific can’t progress at the level needed. Labour’s David Parker says aid for the Pacific is important for New Zealand’s strategic interests, and the millions less available to spend “will have a detrimental affect compared to what otherwise would have been the case.



”.