Their opposition centres on concern that the aims of the two government arms are quite different.

As Paul Thompson, national co-ordinator of Micah Challenge, pointed out: "MFAT make decisions based on knowledge of how to improve trade with other countries, which is exactly the kind of thinking needed for Foreign Affairs and Trade, but is simply not the way of thinking that is needed when making decisions regarding what will help countries in need. Government relationships and economic trading cannot be considered over effective aid, saving lives and restoring dignity. Both are necessary departments of the New Zealand Government, both are quite different."

However, in a statement at the Micah Challenge website, Mr Thompson said that perhaps the Government did listen to some of the protests.

"Although NZAID is merged back into the ministry, we are assured that it will not be the same as in the days before its establishment. NZAID will continue to exist as an organisation within MFAT, with specialist staff, its own budget, and its own priorities (although these will have to be aligned with overall foreign-affairs policy). Initially, at least, the changes are designed to ensure budget savings by rationalising management and financial systems through the whole ministry.

"While we continue to oppose the use of development aid as a foreign policy tool, the promise of continued budget increases is welcome. If the saving achieved by the merger means that the total amount of money goes further, then we will all be cheering!"

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