UnionAID was established by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions in 2004 and formerly registered as a charitable trust in 2009. Our purpose is to alleviate poverty and achieve social justice by supporting overseas workers to form unions and worker collectives. We fund projects to directly improve the rights and livelihoods of working people in developing countries in the Asia – Pacific region.
We develop all our projects in partnership with trusted organisations in developing countries, usually unions. Local communities identify their needs and priorities and we help them develop strategies which will improve pay and conditions, and encourage economic independence and self-determination.
UnionAID is funded by the generous donations of individual Kiwi’s and the New Zealand union movement. Much of our fundraising work is done by volunteers and administration support is provided by New Zealand unions.
Our Trustees:
UnionAID’s Trustees represent both the union movement and development sector.
Ross Wilson is the former President of the NZCTU and played a key role in founding UnionAID.
Mary-Jane Rivers is the director of Delta Networks, a consultancy specialising in community building and internatinal development.
Nanette Cormack is the deputy-secretary of the Tertiary Education Union and long time UnionAID volunteer.
Sam Huggard is the current national-secretary of the NZCTU.
Dr. Jacqueline Parisi specialises in developing social enterprises and is the executive director Rakata International and The Impact Effect.
UnionAID’s Trustees: Ross Wilson (chair), Mary-Jane Rivers, Nanette Cormack, Sam Huggard, Dr Jacqueline Parisi (absent)
Executive Officer:
Michael Naylor
Michael was appointed Executive Officer of UnionAID in 2014 after several years as a Kiwi Solidarity donor and activist. Working closely with our volunteers Michael is responsible for the day to day administration, fundraising and project management duties.
Michael has Masters Degree in Development Studies from Victoria University of Wellington with a thesis on the role of trade unions in development.
Annual Report 2016:
Our 2016 Annual report can be viewed below.
A copy of UnionAID’s full financial statements for 2016 and previous years can be found at UnionAID’s page on the Charities Services website.
