Immediate action needed

CPAG urges Government to address child poverty in New Zealand now

Commit to eliminating poverty

Fix a timeline for the reduction and elimination of child poverty and allocate substantial resources towards this goal, as the government in the United Kingdom has done. Evaluate progress toward poverty targets using an approach which is robust and transparent.

Tax credits for all families with children – not just those with paid work

Treat all low income children equally.

Our poorest children need more income support now, because child hardship is deepening and the level of family income has been shown to be the most critical determinant of child wellbeing.

Feed hungry children in poor schools so they can learn

10% of children in low decile schools are regularly hungry and 40.5 % of our poorest households can only sometimes afford to eat properly. Obesity is linked to food insecurity, especially in the early years. Sustainable, long-term government support is needed for nutritious breakfast or lunch programmes in low-decile schools.