11 May 2015

UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassador calls on Government to create real change on child poverty

In the lead up to the Budget on 21 May, UNICEF New Zealand and partners have joined with ActionStation to launch a petition calling on the government to end child poverty in New Zealand - www.actionstation.org.nz/endpovertynz

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the long-term harm caused by child poverty and focus attention on the need for Government to address the underlying policy and structural drivers of poverty, including family incomes.

“Growing up in Taumarunui, I have seen firsthand how families, including my own, struggle daily to make ends meet,” said UNICEF New Zealand Youth Ambassador, Rayden Horton. “More often than not, it is the kids that end up going without.

“The stress this puts on families is very real and can be witnessed up and down the country.

“In Taumarunui, I’ve heard increased reports of youth theft where the target is not appliances or expensive goods, but simply, food – in particular frozen meat from freezers.

“This level of poverty is not an issue that will fix itself and needs concerted political commitment to turn the tide.

Deborah Morris-Travers, National Advocacy Manager at UNICEF New Zealand said of the campaign, “250,000 children are currently living in poverty in New Zealand. Our Government is obliged by international law to ensure that all children have a standard of living that enables their physical and mental development. But they are failing to live up to this commitment to children.

“The petition is advocating for a move away from the current tinkering approach to the issue of child poverty.

“We are demanding the government makes this an unequivocal priority and puts the resources in place to generate the step change needed for thousands of children and the future of our country.

“As New Zealanders, we want to ensure our youngest and most vulnerable sector of society are being looked after, just as we do with our elder citizens.

“We are calling on Kiwis to sign the petition and stand with us to show the Government that this is an issue they must prioritise and that their promises are meaningless unless backed up real action,” Ms Morris-Travers concluded.

Visit ActionStation to find out more: www.actionstation.org.nz/endpovertynz

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