New Zealand Think Tank Suggests Limiting Charitable Status of Some Religious Institutions

The New Zealand Initiative, a public policy think tank supported by chief executives of major New Zealand businesses, yesterday issued a new report titled Giving Charities A Helping Hand. Among the Report's recommendations was a review of the Charities Act's definition of charitable purpose, and thus of which organizations qualify for tax exemptions.  The Report went on:

In addition, the review might usefully examine whether religious and cultural institutions should continue to qualify for charitable status simply because they pursue the goal of promoting religion and culture. This is not to say that such institutions should not be considered, but the assessment criteria should be the same for all organisations seeking the status of registered charities.