Family First vows to fight move to de-register it as charity

NewsTalk ZB 7 April 2016
Having fought through the courts last year to be recognised as a charity, lobby group Family First must go through the process again.
The Charities Board has sent the group notification that it doesn’t consider the Trust continues to qualify for registration, as it has an independent purpose to promote and protect the traditional family.
Family First National Director Bob McCoskrie said it’s disturbing that any charity speaking up on issues deemed incorrect by the political elite, are in danger of being penalised.
“There’s a number of charities who do speak up on issues that politicians get involved in, so therefore it becomes a political issue, and if the Charities Commission is going to come after us, then there’s a whole lot of other organisations that are going to be looking over the shoulder.”
“Samples of organisations that do similar work to us in terms of political advocacy, would be Child Poverty Action Group, Amnesty International, Save Animals From Exploitation, Vegan Society, ASH, New Zealand Drug Foundation, National Council of Women.”
Mr McCoskrie said the group will again defend its status in court, but if it loses, a lot of other groups should be worried. He said the move won’t stop their advocacy work, but it will cost it tax breaks.
“And obviously there is a lot of credibility in terms of being registered as a charity as well, so all we’re asking for is consistency, and that’s what the Charities Board is not using.”
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/family-first-vows-to-fight-move-to-de-register-it-as-charity/