Amy Adams

Wellington, Nov 19 NZPA - A bill drafted to force professional fundraisers to disclose how much they keep for themselves is on Parliament's agenda.

National MP Amy Adams' member's bill was drawn from the ballot today and will be debated on its first reading.

"I was horrified to learn that some professional telemarketing firms are keeping as much as 75 percent of funds they solicit for charity," she said.

"New Zealanders will be given the opportunity to know how much of their donation ends up with the charity they're giving it to."

If the bill is passed, the fundraisers will have to tell people they are keeping some of the money for themselves and, if it is more than half the donation they will have to specify the amount.

It will not affect charities themselves or any fundraising they carry out directly through their employees or volunteers.

Currently there are no rules of disclosure.