CPAG Christmas Newsletter
Check out the formatted copy here
Hikoi for Homes
Everyone deserves a home - but sadly too many children are experiencing homelessness or being harmed by unhealthy or unfit homes. The current lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand. In November, CPAG worked with Auckland Action Against Poverty, UNITE and FIRST unions and other groups to organise a Hikoi calling for immediate and long term solutions to the housing crisis.
Hikoi were held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch,featuring local activists speakers and musicians. These events brought together many people from diverse organisations and backgrounds, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their concerns publically. Frank Macskasy wrote an excellent piece on the Wellington Hikoi for The Daily Blog. Other media included: New Zealand Herald: Editorial: Housing hikoi sign of rising social unrest Radio NZ: Housing crisis spurs groups into action NZ City: Marches highlight housing issue Radio NZ: Hundreds march to demand action on housing New Zealand Herald: Families in cars new reality Stylish Hikoi for Homes T-shirts are still available to buy - please emailadmin@cpag.org.nz with your size and address details.
Fundraiser Concert to End Child Poverty in New Zealand - 21st November 2015
A fundraiser concert held the same day as the Hikoi was a huge success and raised $1,200 towards the Hikoi costs. Brigitte, one of the key organisers, shared her experience leading up to the event: The idea of offering a concert to thank friends and family at the end of the year grew into a project well beyond the bounds of a private gathering. Naturally, music lends itself to be shared with many, and why not extend our hearts and minds and include the most vulnerable amongst us, our children. Hence deciding on CPAG was easy. In fact, everyone said whole heartedly 'YES', when asked if they wanted to be part of a fundraiser concert to end child poverty in New Zealand, including our sponsors.
Our first meeting was fill ed with stories of growing up with music andhow music continues touching our lives. We share different cultural a nd national backgrounds, bringing with us the richness of European music, with a blend of American, Chinese and Kiwi presence. The programme was developed together, and we started rehearsing. None of us ha d played music together before, and we had no conductor. This provided the challenge for all of us to read the full music score, keep the timing and develop the dynamics of each piece.
Towards the end, we had a little help by some professional musicians, who gave their time and expertise freely. In response to requests from the audience, we will hold another fundraiser concert for CPAG mid-year 2016, which might feature different musical instruments and players to offer more people opportunity to contribute to the cause. Keep an eye out for the date, and we would love to welcome you and your friends again, then. Thank you for your generous support.
A huge thank you to the organisations which sponsored this event:
Ponsonby Baptist Church; UNITEC Copy Centre ; DIDAs Foodstore:The Stringed Instrument Company:.FATS Piano & Moving Specialist:.Maurice Ritchie; Enchanted Rose.
Tackling Poverty Workshop
In December 36 young people aged 18-25 from around the country were invited to Wellington to find practical strategies to help combat poverty in New Zealand. Tiria Pehi, a youth representative from CPAG was selected to be part of this three day workshop organised and sponsored by the McGuinness Institute. Its purpose was to bring a youth voice to the issue of poverty in New Zealand and what governments should be doing to combat poverty. Interesting discussions were generated around the best solutions to reduce poverty in NZ and how they can be implemented. There will be a video of the final presentation of the workshop which will be shared on the CPAG facebook page, so stay tuned!
Shoutin' Preachin' fundraiser - Auckland - January 2016
We're excited to announce that fabulous Hip Hop Brass band Shoutin' Preachin'is holding a fundraiser gig to support CPAG on the 23rd of January, at Whammy Bar. This will be a fantastic gig, which will also help raise awareness of CPAG amongst a younger audience. We hope you'll join us for this fun event! Check out the event page here.
Event info
Date: 23 January
Time:8:30pm
Tickets : $10 at entry
Venue: Whammy Bar
Management Committee: Voluntary Convenor role
The convening role is central to CPAG's day to day operations and activities.We are looking for a suitable person who would be interested in taking up this position which involves linking the Management Committee with CPAG office staff. The ideal person would have previous NGO management experience andshare the kaupapa of CPAG. The role is approx 15-20 hours a week and is currently unpaid but there is the possibility of the offer of an honorarium.
If you are interested, have the skills and experience, please contact the CPAG office on (09) 302 5260 or admin@cpag.org.nz for more information.
Child Poverty Monitor 2015
The Children's Commissioner released the third annual Child Poverty Monitor report on the 15 December 2015 and the news is far from encouraging. Nearly one third of New Zealand children (29%) now live below the median income poverty line after housing costs. This figure has almost doubled since 1985 when it was 15%. CPAG urged the government to get back to basics by making sure all children have what they need to thrive right now.T he tiny increase to benefits announced in the 2015 budget is a step in the right direction but is nowhere near enough given the severity and persistence of poverty we are seeing today.
Social media milestone
CPAG reached 8000 followers on Facebook this week! If you haven't already joined our Facebook page , please check it out to see the most up-to-date blogs, events, relevant news articles and report releases. We'd love for you to comment and share your views and experiences on these important issues.
CPAG Blog update
Latest posts for November and December
We now have commenting available on our blog, so we encourage you to express your views and experiences with us. But please remember to keep everything child-friendly!
Why we should hikoi for homes. By Alan Johnson
Child Poverty and Housing: A Catholic View. By Anne Hurley, of Sisters of Mercy Wiri
The links between mould, cold and children's learning.
By John O'Neill
By M. (Claire) Dale, of Child Poverty Action Group
By Eliza Prestidge Oldfield
Why are New Zealand children living in
cars? By M. (Claire) Dale, of Child
Poverty Action Group
High school students and poverty: what does it mean to them? By Therese Luxton
CPAG news update
Latest media releases for November and December
Evidence based solutions ignored as children miss out on the basics
New Zealanders in need being failed by government - report
Christchurch housing still a major issue for many
Call to action over dire state of New Zealand housing
Christmas Appeal
Child Poverty Action Group depends on your financial and moral support. We are so grateful to each and every donor, supporter, volunteer and child advocate who, behind the scenes, keeps CPAG operating as an effective organisation. We wish to acknowledge and thank all those people from all walks of life who have contributed to CPAG this year by fundraising, speaking or helping at one of our events or assisting with research projects and campaigns.
Please consider making a donation to ensure CPAG can continue its research, education and advocacy in 2016 to end child poverty.
Ways to donate
Bank transfer:Child Poverty Action Group (Inc) Acc number: 38-9003-0066858-00 Ref: your name and DONATION
Cheque:To make a gift by post, please make cheques out to: Child Poverty Action Group (Inc). PO Box 56 11, Wellesley St, Auckland 1141.
Credit Card: Available through ourGivealittle page