NZers second most charitable in Asia Pacific region

Financial matters may be looking grim but New Zealanders still have a giving spirit with 77 percent planning to make a donation to charity in the next year, a survey has found.

New Zealanders are the second most charitable in the Asia/Pacific region, according to MasterCard's September survey of 6019 people across 14 countries.

Indonesia was the most charitable country with 88.3 percent of consumers planning to make donations and Australia came in third with 66 percent of consumers.

"Interestingly, single men in New Zealand are more generous than single woman, setting them apart from their counterparts in the rest of the Asia/Pacific region," MasterCard Worldwide New Zealand manager Stuart McKinlay said.

Eight out of 10 single men planned to donate in the next year compared to seven out of 10 single women, he said

Men aged younger than 30 and 46 and older were also more generous than women, but women aged 30 to 45 were more generous than men.

This contrasted with the other Asia/Pacific regions where women were slightly more generous than men.

The survey was great news for charities, who often found their funding was reduced during tough economic times, Mr McKinlay said.

"This is true testament to the generous Kiwi spirit. It's admirable that, despite a trying financial climate, we are still committed to supporting those in need."

Percentage of New Zealanders planning to donate by age group

* Under 30

Men 75.9 percent.

Women 62.9 percent

* Aged 31-45

Men 76.6 percent

Women 80 percent

* Aged 46-55

Men 87 percent

Women 75 percent

* Aged 56 up

Men 89.2 percent

Women 61.5 percent

Other countries surveyed were China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

- NZPA