MEDIA RELEASE:
Child Poverty- Time For Action

The Wellington People's Centre knows about child poverty. It was established in 1992 by people on benefits and low incomes after the devastating effects of the benefit cuts by the National Government.

Over a decade later, we hear that the economy is strong, unemployment is low, and that New Zealand is doing well. But we also hear of increasing number of children in poverty.

"Low wages and a highly inadequate benefit system keeps many in poverty." Jessica Morrison, the Benefit Rights Service Coordinator said. "If we are in such a period of strong growth, then what are we doing to ensure none of our children grow up in poverty?"

"We have decided its high rtime for these issues to be firmly on our social agenda. Many losses under the National Government haven't been reversed by this Government: and it's time we asked why".

Minister RUTH DYSON MP and Sue Bradford MP (Greens) will talk and answer questions on child poverty on Monday 9th February, 2003 at 7.30pm. The event will be held at the Wellington People's Centre, 2 Lukes Lane, Welington.

For further information contact Jessica or Jocelyn at the People's Centre on 385 85 96.

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