Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Save the Children
Save the Children is disappointed Budget 2022 will not provide any extra assistance for Kiwi families most in need.
Although the one-off $350 payment for adults earning less than $70,000 will go some way towards relieving middle-income Kiwis facing a 30-year high inflation rate, the payment is not available to anyone receiving welfare payments including NZ Super.
“This means little has been done to lift the significant income shortfalls experienced by New Zealand families living on the lowest incomes,” Save the Children’s Advocacy and Research Director Jacqui Southey says.
“Recent research from the Fairer Future Collaboration [which Save the Children is part of] shows income shortfalls of up to $300 per week for families reliant on welfare, and sadly Budget 2022 does little to directly relieve the pressure on those families.
“We had hoped to see a continued lift in core benefit levels and income support measures to help families on low incomes and it is extremely disappointing that this has not been done this Budget.
“These families are in critical need of more support to pay for basics. When all of society has a decent standard of living it reduces the cost burden on health, education and justice. Children and adults are healthier, education achievement increases, and people can contribute to their communities – enriching all of Aotearoa New Zealand.”
However, Ms Southey says the child rights organisation was happy to see a continuation of half-price public transport (one of the organisation’s three pre-Budget asks) for the next two months across the board and permanently for community services card holders. This would help many families access work, education, and other services.
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
