Kiwis receive tax cut, give it up.

There was a generous response to calls to ‘give it up’ in response to last October’s cuts. Once again there are tax cuts on the table, and once again that little bit extra can really help. The difference this time round is the deterioration of the financial situation. Food banks and social service agencies report being stretched to capacity, and the level of contributions is starting to drop. So once again, with the April 1st tax cuts equating to an extra $11 — $24 a week for those earning over $45000 our suggestion is simple — give it up!

By giving it up to those who do need it, and those working to make a real difference, we can all take an active part in changing our nation and our world into more of the kind of place we, and our children, might like to live.

We have the power to make a real difference in the world — whether it’s scuba diving for rubbish, or helping to find accommodation for those who don’t have it …continues next page

1. Where to start?

If you don't know where to start, check out some of the groups on this site, and some of the stories from people 'giving it up' here.

2. Talk with friends

You can do more with more, so have a talk with your mates about it and see if you can inspire them to do something. Perhaps you can pool your tax cuts.

3. Do it

Don't just stand there, giveitup! And the more you make it known, the more others will get inspired.

4. inspire

How did you spend yours? Be an inspiration. Tell the world what you did and how you got on. Leave your story here »

Your Stories

Moana wrote on April 11, 2009

I have increased my giving to UNICEF as well as the Wellington City Mission. While working for the... Read More »

Anna wrote on October 20, 2008

Lynton and I are giving it up to Arocha New Zealand. Arocha’s been doing good work in many... Read More »

Kimeros wrote on October 10, 2008

My husband and I set up monthly payments to: http://www.hollows.org.nz/... Read More »

Eliza wrote on October 9, 2008

The Bush administration has spent 8 years trying to convince us that the best way to spread... Read More »

Leave your story View more stories

Hopelessly stuck but well intentioned?

The first step can be the hardest, and we want to make things as easy as possible.

Organisations and agencies are working every day to try and make a positive difference with very limited resources. You can make a real difference to their work.

Take a look at the links on the right of this article for some ideas of work you could support and/or get involved with. If none appeal, click refresh on your browser and a new mix will appear

You might like to know that, with recent changes in tax law, Kiwis can give away more, but it will end up costing them them less!

That's right – Inland Revenue will now give a rebate on all the money donated to registered charities (no longer capping eligible donations at $1890).

For example, that means if you gave away $3000 in a year, you would now get a rebate of $1000 (instead of the old maximum of $630) – or put another way, you can give more without it costing you more! The possibilities are almost endless. If the net cost of your giving was $3206.00 prior to April 2008, you can now give $4809.00 and it won't cost you a cent more.