On World Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Statement from Jane Searle, Children's Commissioner:

“It is encouraging to see child poverty reduction receiving attention today, on World Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Regardless of political views, there should be broad agreement that reducing poverty and improving wellbeing for children must remain a priority for Aotearoa New Zealand.

It’s unacceptable that thousands of children living in our country continue to face hardship. Recent data shows around 170,000 children are living in poverty, while around one in seven children experience material hardship, meaning they go without things that most New Zealanders would consider essentials for a healthy childhood.

Poverty is not an abstract issue. For children, it can mean going without enough food, living in cold, damp or overcrowded housing, missing out on school activities and opportunities to participate, and carrying stresses that no child should have to.

Children and young people regularly tell us about the impact financial hardship has on their lives and the lives of their whānau. They speak about missing out, feeling excluded, and worrying about things that should not be a child's responsibility.

Every child has the right to an adequate standard of living and the opportunity to thrive. When children do not have access to the basics they need to be healthy, safe and connected to their communities.

As Children’s Commissioner, I’m calling on all political leaders to work together on a long-term, cross-party plan to reduce child poverty and improve outcomes for children. Lasting progress requires commitment beyond election cycles. Children and families need certainty that reducing poverty will remain a national priority over the long term.

As discussion about child poverty continues in the public arena, it is important that children remain at the centre of the conversation.

Reducing child poverty is about ensuring all children have what they need to learn, grow, participate and flourish. It is about upholding their rights and creating the conditions for every child to reach their potential.”

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