21 Dec 2011

US and Ireland top charitable nations

10:59 am on 21 December 2011

New Zealand is no longer listed as the world's most charitable country in the latest World Giving Index.

Previiously ranked in joint first place in 2010 with Australia, New Zealand is now fourth, with the United States and Ireland topping the list.

The index of 153 countries, is commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation in Britain, which measures three elements - giving money, volunteering time and helping a stranger.

According to the index, in New Zealand, people were more likely to help a stranger, compared to making a financial donation.