Publications and Research
CPAG publishes a range of monographs on topics relating to children. These can be downloaded for free here. If you would like to order hardcopies, please contact admin@cpag.org.nz
Publications are listed by year of publication.
Left further Behind: how policies fail the poorest children in New Zealand (2011)
Our latest report, Left Further Behind: how policies fail the poorest children in New Zealand, is an urgent call for policy changes that provide solutions to child poverty.
Hunger for Learning: nutritional barriers to children's education (2011)
In this latest research by Donna Wynd, we look at how too many children start their day without food. This lack of food at the start of the day affects children at the start of the day and is a major barrier to their learning, and social progress and development.
What Work Counts? Work incentives and sole parent families (2010)
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is pleased to publish this monograph ‘What work counts? Work incentives and sole parent families’. Its findings raise important policy issues for New Zealand society.
By M.Claire Dale, Donna Wynd, Susan St John & Mike O’Brien
Left Behind: How social and income inequalities damage New Zealand children (2008)
Edited by Dr Susan St John and Donna Wynd, and written by a range of experts this report outlines how increasing inequalities are harmful to children and society at large - and what to do about it. Download the report here, or write to admin@cpag.org.nz to request a copy (~180pages).
Media coverage of Left Behind can be accessed here:
Child poverty and family incomes policy in New Zealand (2006)
A chapter written by Dr Susan St John, CPAG family incomes spokesperson, in the Otago University Press publication "Health inequalities and need in Aotearoa New Zealand".
Hard to swallow: Foodbank use in New Zealand (2005)
This Child Poverty Action Group report presents a picture of widespread food insecurity in our food-producing nation. However the report says an adequate, nutritious diet can reverse most of the harm this causes to children's health and development. It recommends at the very least, the introduction of quality breakfast programmes in decile one to three schools.
Workfare: Not fair for kids? (2005)
Mike O'Brien reviews compulsory work policies and their effects on children.
Cut price kids (2004)
In CPAG's incomes monograph Susan St John and David Craig ask whether the 'Working for Families' package works for children.
Room for improvement: Current New Zealand housing policies and their implications for our children (2003)
In-depth analysis of the background and consequences of the 1990s housing reforms for New Zealand children.
Our children: The priority for policy (2nd edition, 2003)
The first official publication of the Child Poverty Action Group, Our Children: The Priority for Policy, was published in early 2001. This new edition updates Our Children and reflects on the events and progress of the intervening two years. Read the speeches from the launch here.
The irony of NCEA: How compulsory exam fees prevent the achievement of students from poor families (2003)
The findings of in-depth interviews with 11 low decile schools about the impact NCEA exam fees had on their students. While there was unanimous support amongst schools for the NCEA as a national qualification, the report concludes that many students in the poorest areas were disadvantaged and discouraged from completing the cornerstone qualification because of the high levels of fees.
A study of transience in South Auckland primary schools (2003)
A report prepared by housing expert Alan Johnson, on the scale of transience in South Auckland, one of the poorest areas of New Zealand.The results of the survey suggest that in South Auckland the equivalent to a middle sized New Zealand primary school shifts every week of the school year. This impacts on almost a third of all low decile school children.
Our Objectives
A child's potential is a terrrible thing to waste.
Child Poverty Action Group is an independent charity working to eliminate child poverty in New Zealand. CPAG works on behalf of the 230,000 New Zealand children whose well-being and future is compromised by their meagre standard of living.
The Latest
Released Jan 2012
CPAG is pleased to release its critique of the Welfare Working Group's Final Report and Recommendations pertaining to the wellbeing of children.
2012 Appeal
The High Court agrees that the In Work Tax Credit discriminates against some of our poorest children.
Yet discrimination continues.
We need your help to stop Government discrimination and take our case to the Court of Appeal.
Our guiding principle, is the right of every child in New Zealand to security, food, shelter, education and healthcare. Child Poverty Action Group