Latest Jump in Weekly Benefit Numbers Highest Since First Lockdown
CPAG is urging the Government to immediately increase incomes for all families needing income support.
Government Response to Lockdown Poverty “Inadequate” and “Sluggish”
Emergency income relief is desperately needed for vast numbers of low-income families playing their part in lockdown.
Our Poorest Families Need Protection Now – Welfare Advocates
Families are dealing with high lockdown costs due to the halt of food-in-schools programmes, reduced supermarket specials, and increased data and phone use for school and social connection.
Anti-Poverty Groups Query Budget Benefit Delay, Call For Full Increases on 1 July
The Government has given no reason why these increases have been staggered.
Government Report Shows Children Made to Suffer Unnecessarily
Due to systemic discrimination, whānau Māori, Pacific families and families with disabled members are more likely than others to be facing the toxic stress of poverty.
“Shocking, Disappointing” Child Poverty Statistics Show Incrementalism Isn’t Working
We’re particularly worried as we know child poverty will have increased due to COVID-19.
Government Leaves Disadvantaged Children to Face “Most Severe” COVID-19 Effects
Children and their families are likely to face "significant and wide-ranging" negative effects from COVID-19, according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's own advisors.
More Groups Join Growing Call to Govt to Replace Entrenched Poverty With Liveable Incomes
Social workers and foodbank organisers are among the latest of now 60+ groups signing an open letter to the government to ensure liveable incomes for all, while one signatory warns of a second wave of increasing inequality at this "critical" time.
Dozens of NGOs Urge Jacinda Ardern: Raise Welfare by Christmas
Over 60 prominent organisations have joined together to urge the government to raise income support by Christmas, in order to release families from dire poverty.
ActionStation & CPAG: Poverty Set to Worsen as COVID Support Ends Tomorrow
Activists and researchers are warning toxic stress, food insecurity and isolation are set to rise for many families in poverty almost immediately, as their weekly incomes reduce by $63 from tomorrow [Thurs 1 Oct].
CPAG and AAAP Call for Extension of Covid Support for NZ’s Most Financially Vulnerable
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP) are both urging the Government to immediately raise family incomes instead, as an ongoing crisis-response measure.
COVID-19 Puts Families at Greater Risk of Debt Traps
Increased stress and hardship await families if the Coalition Government does not address the needs of those on low incomes, according to Ngā Tāngata Microfinance and Child Poverty Action Group.
COVID-19 Crisis Leading to Potential Hunger Crisis
Child Poverty Action Group is releasing research today showing that families' most basic need - of having access to good food - continues to be difficult for families on low income.
New Research Shows Current Benefits Leave Families in Poverty
Recently released research shows families who rely on benefits could find themselves hundreds of dollars short every week of what’s required to get out of poverty.
Let’s Not Divide NZers With an ‘Unfair’ Two-Tier Benefit System
The recently announced COVID-19 Income Relief Payment is creating two tiers of welfare, marginalising those already struggling under the current benefit rates.
Budget 2020 - An Opportunity Lost or Just Deferred?
On May 15 we broadcast our annual post-budget event From Lockdown to Unlocking Potential and the live Q&A online facilitated by award-winning documentary-maker Bryan Bruce.
Budget Delivers Disappointment for Children in Poverty but CPAG Has Hope This Can Be Fixed
CPAG executive officer Georgie Craw says: "We hope the Government will take up the opportunity it has afforded itself to enable our nation to be the place where every child is able to reach their full potential."
Child Poverty Action Group Wants to See Children at the Heart of This Budget
Many New Zealanders have become emboldened by working for the collective good and there now seems to be a growing desire to extend kindness to each other across our society.
We Need New Jobs for All in Post-Lockdown Recovery
CPAG believes creating separate services and duplicating existing online job seeker tools could lead to a ‘two tier system’ which could further exacerbate the stress of those out of work.
Legacy of Govt Response Should Be Fairer Society Not Fiscal Ill-Discipline
As we move out of level 4 lockdown, Child Poverty Action Group is calling on the Government to make sure the legacy of this crisis is not one of massive public indebtedness due to wasteful and poorly targeted measures.
Change NZ’s Welfare System Now - Before This Health Crisis Becomes a Child Poverty Crisis
CPAG is calling on the Government to take a new approach to our income support system so the impacts of Covid-19 do not lead to an increase in child poverty.
Let’s Move Hard and Early to Curb COVID-19-Related Poverty
Child Poverty Action Group applauds the Prime Minister's move to go hard and early to curb the spread of Covid-19 and believe the Government needs to take the same approach when it comes to supporting those doing it tough during this period.
CPAG Welcomes the Rescue Package and Offers Advice for the Next Urgent Steps
Child Poverty Action Group welcomes the COVID-19 stimulus package with its recognition that benefits must be accessible and more generous.
Coronavirus Crisis Highlights the Failures of Our Welfare System
Child Poverty Action Group calls on the Government to fix the welfare system so everyone, not just the forestry workers who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, receive adequate support.