Poverty is on the increase, according to the Auckland City Mission. It says the plight of those caught in a poverty trap has worsened particularly for low-income families and students.

Food parcel demand has continued to increase. In the past year, the mission helped 200,000 Aucklanders. Most of these people had never had a food parcel before.

The increase is due to families struggling to cover basic expenses, while student loans are keeping students broke, says the Auckland City Mission.

It is calling on the Government and the community to come together to meet the costs of poverty.

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