Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Youngest Kiwis to Benefit From Government’s First 100 Days

New Zealand’s Youngest Citizens to Benefit From Government’s First 100 Days

Plunket says the Government’s decision to bring in its Families Package by 1 July 2018 and to set targets to reduce child poverty are steps forward in giving the welfare of New Zealand’s young children the priority it deserves. The plans were confirmed in today’s Speech from the Throne.

Plunket also welcomes the Government acting to tackle the housing crisis in their first 100 days with policies to give more New Zealanders access to a safe, warm, dry home.

“The Government is taking action in its first 100 days to help make the difference of a lifetime in our tamariki’s first 1000 days,” said Plunket’s Chief Executive Amanda Malu. “We are encouraged the Government is making good on its pre-election promise to introduce its Families Package by 1 July 2018.”

The Government says its Families Package will put more money into the pockets of low and middle income kiwi whānau: Working for Families will be increased, and extended to 30,000 more families nationwide. Families with young children will benefit with the introduction of the Best Start payment of $60 a week for each child in the first year after Paid Parental Leave ends, and for low to middle income families up to age three.

Plunket said these increases were greatly needed and would make a real difference to families raising young children.

“Plunket nurses and health-workers see the impact of poverty and poor housing on young families, with young children getting repeatedly sick from living in poor quality housing. The Families Package is designed to increase income for families with young children, and we look forward to seeing the detail of the legislation, to ensure it provides families with the support needed.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

She said not all children in New Zealand are getting the best start for reasons outside of their families’ control: “We welcome Government action to level the playing field, and address the inequity of health outcomes among New Zealand’s tamariki and whānau. We will be looking for further action to tackle systemic issues that are having an unacceptable impact on children’s health,” said Plunket’s Amanda Malu.

She welcomed the Government’s statements on child poverty, and cautioned that action to match aspiration is needed to lift children out of poverty.

Plunket is looking forward to working with the Government on its pre-election announcement to increase Well Child Tamariki Ora frontline nurse visits targeted at vulnerable families.


ENDS


About Plunket

For over a century Plunket has supported New Zealand parents to nurture healthy, happy kiwi babies.

Plunket is a not-for-profit organisation and is New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five.

Plunket is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket’s services help families nationwide, through over 300 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service PlunketLine, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (0800 933 922).

Plunket services are available free to families in New Zealand with children aged 0 to 5. As registered nurses with a postgraduate qualification, Plunket nurses are able to offer high standards of expertise and a range of services to families.

For more information visit plunket.org.nz

About BNZ – Principal Sponsor

Bank of New Zealand is proud to work hand in hand with Plunket to bring young New Zealand families support when they need it most.

BNZ is proud to have been a part of New Zealand since 1861 and looks forward to supporting another organisation that has been integral to our country's upbringing.


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.