The Society of St Vincent de Paul in New Zealand (SVDP) is a direct service not for profit organisation whose work involves person to person contact with people who have a variety of needs, particularly the poor and disadvantaged. SVDP prefers to act directly and not through other charities or organisations. It is a member of the International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. As well as direct assistance, SVDP tries to promote self-sufficiency, enabling people to help themselves. Any assistance offered by SVDP is given in a non-judgemental spirit of compassion, based on the needs of the individual or family.