Charity status gives organisations tax benefits.
Greenpeace New Zealand lost its charity status last year, and on Monday lost an appeal on the basis of its political activities and the illegal activities of some of its members.
According to 3News New Zealand:
“Non-violent, but potentially illegal activities (such as trespass), designed to put (in the eyes of Greenpeace) objectionable activities into the public spotlight were an independent object disqualifying it from registration as a charitable entity,” the judge said.
Greenpeace’s lawyer Davey Salmon argued all of the organisation’s primary purposes were charitable and the engagement of charities in political advocacy was more acceptable now in 21st century New Zealand.
Justice Heath dismissed the appeal and made no order as to costs.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Greenpeace-loses-charity-status-case/tabid/423/articleID/210506/Default.aspx
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.
Neville says
May 13, 2011 at 8:49 amGood riddance to bad rubbish.
These idiots always get unbelievable coverage from THEIR ABC and nearly always receive more coverage on an issue, in fact even more than a major party on the particular issue.
Besides they are liars and fraudsters.
Marc says
May 13, 2011 at 10:05 amI wish a similar argument and result would be put to religious organisations and churches in Australia. They don’t deserve tax exemption status either.
Malcolm Hill says
May 13, 2011 at 4:03 pmWhat an excellent outcome
There is a god after all…well in NZ there is.
el gordo says
May 13, 2011 at 8:31 pmGreenpeace could admit that they stand with the High Church of Gaia, which may give them a little more time until they give religion a bad name.
Schiller Thurkettle says
May 16, 2011 at 1:10 amGreenpeace International has annual revenues of over $700 million, and an equal amount in cash reserves.
Obviously they’re doing something right.
debbie says
May 16, 2011 at 8:42 amIf they have annual revenues of over $700 million and an equal amount in cash reserves, then that’s another reason why they probably don’t need any asistance from the NZ government.
They are certainly doing something right as far as collecting revenue is concerned!
It probably isn’t necessary for them to receive extra revenue from government.
hunter says
May 18, 2011 at 11:04 amThere has always been a tough minded practicality in NZ that I have admired for many years.
Rolling up the NGO empire is important for us all. NZ should be proud that it started with them.