International Day of Family Remittances

International Day of Family Remittances History

The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is a global observance that aims to raise awareness about the essential role and significant impact family remittances have on the well-being of millions of families across the world. The day is primarily devoted to appreciating the financial contributions made by the migrant workers who send money back to their families in their home countries. On this day, various stakeholders including governments, private-sector institutions, and civil society organizations join to celebrate the efforts made by these workers and advocate for more sustainable policies to facilitate these remittances.

The United Nations (UN) first proclaimed the IDFR on 16 June 2015, and it has since become an annual observance dedicated to the betterment of migrants and their families worldwide. New Zealand has been a significant contributor to the global remittance landscape, with around one in four residents being born overseas. This includes a diverse range of migrant workers from across the globe, sending their hard-earned money back home to their respective countries. These remittances play a significant role in supporting the economy and poverty alleviation efforts in many developing nations. Therefore, it is essential for the New Zealand community to acknowledge the efforts of these migrant workers and contribute to optimizing this vital socio-economic lifeline.

On the IDFR, New Zealanders participate in various activities and discussions to celebrate, support, and highlight the importance of family remittances in driving economic growth and development in the migrant communities' home countries. These activities may comprise educational programs, awareness campaigns, and seminars organized by governmental as well as non-governmental organizations to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding remittance services. The IDFR is generally observed on 16 June, which resonates with New Zealand’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for its diverse migrant population.

Top 7 Facts for 2026 International Day of Family Remittances in NZ

• For the upcoming observance of the International Day of Family Remittances, the following facts are particularly relevant for an audience in New Zealand:
  
  The official theme for the 2024 observance is Digital Remittances Towards Financial Inclusion and Cost Reduction, which emphasizes the role of mobile technology in lowering the high transaction fees often associated with sending money to the Pacific Islands.
• Remittances from New Zealand serve as an essential economic backbone for neighboring nations, contributing approximately 45 percent of Tonga’s total gross domestic product and roughly 28 percent of the gross domestic product in Samoa.
• A research report titled The Value of Remittance found that over 25 percent of migrants living in New Zealand believe their family members back home would face poverty without these regular financial contributions.
• While the United Nations aims to reduce transaction costs to less than three percent under the Sustainable Development Goals, fees for corridors between New Zealand and the Pacific remain among the highest globally, frequently exceeding nine percent.
• The Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme is a primary driver of these financial flows, as seasonal workers from countries like Vanuatu and Fiji send home a significant portion of their earnings to fund local healthcare and education.
• To help migrants navigate high costs and exchange rates, the New Zealand government co-funds a dedicated comparison tool known as SendMoneyPacific, which tracks the most affordable legal channels for sending money to eleven different Pacific nations.
• Recent data from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand indicates that the total value of remittances sent from the country reached over 1.4 billion dollars in a single year, highlighting the massive scale of individual person-to-person support.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of Family Remittances

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Watch the IFAD's 2020 International Day of Family Remittances video if you missed it.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about immigration and remittances in New Zealand. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Both Worlds (2012-present) – This series explores the lives of young New Zealanders from migrant or refugee backgrounds, navigating their way through identity, culture, and life in New Zealand.
  2. The Last Ocean (2012) – A New Zealand documentary showing the impact of commercial fishing on communities, particularly in the Southern Ocean. It has an indirect focus on migrant communities working in the industry.
• Read a book to learn more about family remittances in New Zealand. Here are our top picks:
  1. Remittances and Economic Development in New Zealand and the Pacific by David John Fielding
  2.International Family Remittances: Issues for the Pacific by Matthew Smith
  3. Sending Money Home: A Study of Remittance Experiences of Pacific Migrants in New Zealand by Manuhuia Barcham