Upper Moutere has defended its title for the fourth year in a row as New Zealand’s most generous town according to the 2014 Oxfam Unwrapped Generosity List.
Upper Moutere has defended its title for the fourth year in a row as New Zealand’s most generous town according to the 2014 Oxfam Unwrapped Generosity List.
Waimauku took second place, followed by Taupiri and Russell in third and fourth places. Rankings are based on the number of Oxfam Unwrapped gifts purchased per capita in each town.
The Tasman District featured strongly in the top five with last year’s second place winner Takaka nabbing fifth place this year. Collingwood on the western side of Golden Bay placed tenth.
Kiwis purchased a total of $305,375 worth of Oxfam Unwrapped gifts last year ranging from perennial favourites like the Oxfam goat, to flocks of chicks and toilets for communities.
The top three gifts for 2013 were a pair of chickens, safe water for 10 people, and magic tarp.
In the past seven years, the Oxfam Unwrapped campaign has raised a staggering $5.3 million to help lift the lives of people in the developing world.
Money raised by Kiwis through Oxfam Unwrapped helps build clean water supplies and enables people to grow more food to feed their families, it protects women from violence and gives children a chance at an education.
Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said: “it’s wonderful to again have the opportunity to congratulate Upper Moutere and Takaka communities for continuing to reach out to those in less fortunate circumstances. The results are a testament to the altruistic spirit of Tasman citizens.”
Here’s how it works: choose a gift from the Oxfam Unwrapped catalogue and order online, by phone or mail; you get a card to give to your loved one and the actual gift goes to communities in developing countries.
Through Oxfam Unwrapped, Kiwis are making a huge difference to communities in developing countries. Luke Ledi’s Village in the Solomon Islands was devastated by flash flooding earlier this year. He thanked Oxfam supporters for their contributions with an important reminder: “…nevermind if your help is very small…it’s a very big something.”
Rachael Le Mesurier, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand said: “We’re so humbled by the generosity of Kiwis and want to say thank you on behalf of the many, many people whose lives you have saved from natural disasters and who you have helped leave poverty behind”.
Oxfam Unwrapped gifts can be purchased online or by calling toll-free 0800 600 700. Check out www.oxfamunwrapped.org.nz to find out more.
The top 10 most generous towns in Oxfam Unwrapped’s Generosity List are:
1. Upper Moutere
2. Waimauku
3. Taupiri
4. Russell
5. Takaka
6. Geraldine
7. Amberley
8. Port Chalmers
9. Wellsford
10. Collingwood
