Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Caritas
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic Bishops’ agency for justice, peace and development, is concerned that the latest child poverty numbers show that there has been an increase in material hardship, with 4100 more children living in homes that are without fresh fruit or vegetables, putting off a visit to the doctor, or not being able to pay bills on time.
The housing shortage continues to create barriers for families trying to overcome poverty. The just released Statistics NZ survey* shows that after housing costs are taken into account, the percentage of children living in poverty is 21 percent – down two percent to about one in five children.
“There is still a huge amount to be done before we are even close to providing an opportunity for all New Zealand children to flourish,” says Caritas Director Julianne Hickey.
“The fact that so many Māori and Pacific children face material hardship should be a real cause for concern and for action among political leaders. Active participation of tangata whenua will be imperative in designing effective solutions. Such solutions will be key in overcoming what are becoming ingrained hardships,” says Mrs Hickey.
“New Zealanders have long held a vision of an egalitarian society where anyone could succeed. That vision is being eclipsed by unaffordable costs for housing, food and healthcare. Māori and Pacific children are not being treated justly if they do not have fair access to the necessities of life. We are at risk of creating deeply ingrained social problems that will blight the futures of so many children and could undermine both the common good and social cohesion,” says Mrs Hickey.
* The survey was taken between July 2018 and June 2019, and people were asked to provide their income level for the year prior, meaning the impact of the July 2018 Families Package will not be visible in the numbers for up to 18 months.
To arrange an interview or for more information, please contact Communications Advisor Rebecca Sees at 022 687 3190 or email comms@caritas.org.nz.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ agency for justice, peace and development, and incorporates Catholic Volunteers Overseas. We are working for a world free of poverty and injustice through community development, advocacy, education, and emergency relief.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.
