New Zealanders have given 2.5 billion NZ dollars (US$1.8 billion) to charity in the past year and have donated more than 1.3 million hours of work per week.

The figures are based on the registration of charities seeking an exemption from paying tax on donations, New Zealand Press Association reported on Monday.

The Charities Commission said 24,000 organizations have signed up to the system. Some of the charities have an income of less than 20,000 NZ dollars a year, while others are pulling in more than 20 million NZ dollars.

The Commission said the registration process means people can now find out more about a charity they are thinking about giving to. It is urging people to make a difference in their community orinternationally, by donating their time, goods or money in the coming year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2009)