NZAID is the Government’s international aid and development agency. The agency is responsible for delivering New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and for advising Ministers on development assistance policy and operations. NZAID is a semi-autonomous body within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It has its own Vote and management arrangements tailored to its core business.

Our Vision – Towards a safe and just world free of poverty.

Nga Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti – the paddles that bring growth from afar – is the Maori name for NZAID. This evocative name reflects New Zealand’s Pacific heritage and the partnership principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Government created NZAID in July 2002 to give a distinctive profile and new focus to New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. Since the agency’s formation, eliminating poverty has been central to NZAID’s mission, with a regional focus on the Pacific, reflecting the Government’s commitment to be a good international citizen and neighbour.

NZAID has a competent and dedicated team of development specialists and up-to-date policies and programs focused on making a significant impact on international poverty reduction efforts. NZAID helps to eliminate poverty through development partnerships, particularly in the Pacific region, and also supports projects in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

NZAID places a high priority on building strong partnerships and concentrates its development assistance on activities that contribute to poverty elimination by creating safe, just and inclusive societies, fulfilling basic needs, and achieving environmental sustainability and sustainable livelihoods.

NZAID is the sole funding agency of the Water Demand Management program for Pacific Island Countries 2006 – 2009.