Source: Child Poverty Action Group
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) welcomes elements of the Alliance Party’s proposed Universal Child Benefit policy that align with recommendations in CPAG’s 2026 election manifesto for reducing child poverty.
CPAG has consistently argued that every child should have access to adequate income support, regardless of whether their parents are in paid work or receiving income support.
We have also long advocated for an end to discriminatory treatment of children based on their parents’ employment status, and for family support payments to maintain their value over time through appropriate indexation.
The Alliance proposal reflects several of these principles, including recognising that all children should be supported, that caring for children is valuable work, and that reducing child poverty should be a central goal of government policy.
“CPAG is pleased to see political parties engaging seriously with solutions to child poverty,” said executive officer Lyn Amos.
“New Zealand’s child poverty rates are the result of policy choices, and reducing them requires deliberate policy action. We welcome proposals that strengthen income support for children and address the barriers faced by families on low incomes.”
CPAG notes that while there is significant overlap between the Alliance policy and CPAG’s recommendations on income support, reducing child poverty requires action across a range of areas, including housing, health, disability support and education.
Adequate income support is essential, but it is one part of the broader package of measures needed to ensure children have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
“As always, CPAG is non-partisan. We assess policies according to their potential to improve outcomes for children. We encourage all political parties to commit to evidence-based measures that reduce child poverty and uphold New Zealand’s obligations under the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018.”