What we do | Caritas

Caritas delivers aid, supports development and advocates for justice around the world, including in Aotearoa New Zealand. We work to make a difference in the lives of people living with poverty or injustice.

Working with partners around the globe, and supported by thousands of New Zealanders, Caritas:

Promotes people-focused development in Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America
Provides emergency support after major disasters
Advocates to change structures that cause poverty around the world, including in Aotearoa New Zealand
Educates and informs on the causes of poverty and injustice
Promotes action for real change

Newsroom

Read our latest news, media releases and stories. Check out our regular publications for more details.

Emergency relief

Caritas responds to emergencies around the world, including in Aotearoa New Zealand. We aim to save lives, reduce suffering, uphold human dignity, and meet people's basic needs – regardless of ethnicity, religion or nationality.

Development

Caritas promotes authentic human development. This means development of the whole person. It provides for their economic, cultural, political, social and spiritual wellbeing.

Advocacy

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand speaks out for justice to influence attitudes and create change at national, regional, and global levels.

Education

Caritas helps teachers and students consider questions of social justice, peace and development - and to act justly in a global world.

Tangata Whenua Programme

We work with indigenous communities both locally and globally. In Aotearoa New Zealand, our tangata whenua programme includes work in the areas of advocacy, development and education with several Māori communities.

State of the Environment

The Caritas State of the Environment for Oceania Report: Waters of Life, Oceans of Mercy was launched on St Francis Day, 4 October 2018, during the week-long Caritas Oceania Forum held at the Home of Compassion, Island Bay.

Refugees & Migrants

"...let us embrace all those fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands."

- Pope Francis for the 51st World Day of Peace