Tariana Turia

Wellington, April 14 NZPA - Ministry of Social Development and Department of Internal Affairs employees are leading the way in donations straight out of their pay packet, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia says.

Both government agencies offer "payroll giving" which allows employees to make donations from their pay.

Donations were transferred directly to organisations and donors received tax credits straight away, Mrs Turia said.

"I want to encourage all employers to introduce payroll giving and have asked the Ministry of Social Development to look at ways that payroll giving can be extended across the state sector and also to private sector employers."