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.