In the present political and economic situation the government is under pressure, and has promised both to not increase spending and also to look for areas where savings can be made. While it is important for them to protect the interests of New Zealand, the global economic crisis will have an even greater impact on the poorest groups in the developing nations. It is vital that we continue to increase our development assistance. See article Amid the Turmoil

We invite you to write to Prime Minister John Key to keep our National-led government accountable to justice and mercy on the international scale. Below is a letter that you could use. Select and copy the text, paste into your word processor, put your name on the bottom, and print it. Postage for letters to Members of Parliament is free. Put the address below on the envelope and post it!

Hon John Key
Prime Minister
Parliament Office
Private Bag 18888
Parliament Buildings
Wellington 6160

Dear Sir,

We welcome you as our new Prime Minister, and we recognise the special challenges faced by the government in this time of global economic downturn.

However we also recognise that the global economic situation is going to have the biggest impact on the poor of the developing nations. Those in extreme conditions of poverty need more, not less, help from us at this time.

New Zealand is a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals. We respectfully ask you to remember the importance of our obligation to spare no effort in freeing the most vulnerable fellow men, women and children from the dehumanising conditions of extreme poverty.

Under your leadership, we are eager to see that New Zealand will fulfil our responsibility to rectify the injustice of global poverty. We urge you to lead the way in committing to a timetable to ensure that 0.7% of our Gross National Income is spent on Official Development Assistance by 2015, and that this money is targeted effectively at those who need it most.

Yours sincerely

<Your Name>