Frank interviews TEAR Fund International Programmes Officer Ian McInnes on his recent trip to Somaliland and Uganda, regions troubled by conflict. FInd out the challenges of working in a place like Somaliland and hear how TEAR Fund is making a difference.

An interview with Jenni Broom -  National Manager, Refugee Services Aotearoa – in which we follow the process of settling refugees in this country.

Here’s a travel blog on my recent trip to Niue. My wife and I were only there for a one week holiday, so don’t expect anything profound, inspiring or well informed. If you’re familiar with my articles you wouldn’t be expecting that anyway.

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda as they relax before kicking off the tour of New Zealand. My wife and daugther were with me as well. They are an amazing bunch of youngsters who are so full of life. Each of them has a gripping story to tell.

The following video is of Hans Rosling making a TED presentation demonstrating through various data tools, how countries are pulling themselves out of poverty. It is extremely interesting.

Today the NZ Herald is carrying a great article about the success of micro-finance amongst the world’s poorest, with a focus on the Grameen bank founded by Muhammad Yunus. The article shows the underpinning value system of the bank and demonstrates why micro-finance continues to be successful during recession through its connection to “the real economy” rather than artificially inflating or deflating assets. It also highlights the focus the bank has on loaning for income [...]