From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 20s
ACT cuts foreign aid by $1.1bn over four years
ACT promises $1.1bn foreign aid cuts over four years, protecting Pacific and Ukraine.
In brief
ACT promises $1.1bn foreign aid cuts over four years, protecting Pacific and Ukraine. ACT Party plans to reduce foreign aid by $1.1 billion over four years, maintaining support for the Pacific and Ukraine. Originally reported by RNZ.
ACT's foreign aid plan
The ACT Party wants to cut more than $1.1 billion in foreign aid over four years from 2028 onwards.
Aid cut rationale
Paul Henry said it would mean a 'reality check' for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on behalf of taxpayers.
“reality check”
Fiscal plan details
The proposal states that 'overseas spending must be weighed against domestic priorities' and would save around $283 million annually.
Pacific and Ukraine protection
ACT will reduce foreign aid to 2017 levels, excluding support for Ukraine, which has totalled around $152 million since the war began.
Budget impact
Reducing foreign aid by $283 million per year from a $3.06 billion budget would amount to a 28 percent cut.
Criticism from experts
Aid expert Terence Wood warned the cuts would wreak havoc on New Zealand's aid programme and its workers.
Political reactions
Labour's Chris Hipkins and New Zealand First's Winston Peters criticized the policy as a waste of time and 'mindless'.
“mindless”
What matters most
ACT Party plans to reduce foreign aid by $1.1 billion over four years, maintaining support for the Pacific and Ukraine.
