20 May 2012

National Government’s Inaction On Poverty Fails Pacific Kids

The National Government's head in the sand approach to poverty means Pacific children are being denied the same opportunities to thrive as others, the Green Party said today.

The Salvation Army’s first State of the Nation report on Pasifika people in New Zealand out today, reveals four out of every 10 Pacific children are living in poverty and the average weekly income of Pacific people had risen by only $2 a week over five years, while for non-pacific people it rose by $54.

"Every child in New Zealand was let down by last week's budget failure to address poverty, " Green Part, Pacific Spokesperson, Jan Logie said.

"But this report shows that Pacific children are being disproportionately let down by a Government who chooses to look the other way when it comes to their welfare.

“Marginalised people traditionally bear the brunt of austerity measures and this report shows Pasifika have been significantly disadvantaged.
“Pasifika people have amazing resilience in the face of structural discrimination but 40% child poverty requires immediate action from the Government.

“The National Government has prioritised a return to surplus over actually doing something for hard-working Pasifika people.

“We support the Salvation Army in calling on the Government to put into action the solutions of the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group to alleviate child poverty, which include eight recommendations specific to reducing Pacifica child poverty, Ms Logie said

Read the report online: More than Churches, Rugby and Festivals (PDF, 1.39MB) - http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/uploads/file/2013%20Pasifika%20SON%20-%20Web.pdf

Link to further details of the Green Party's Child Poverty package:
http://www.greens.org.nz/endchildpoverty

ENDS

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