More Maori Children On Welfare July 13, 2004

Children with Maori parents on a benefit now outnumber children with parents from any other ethnic group on a benefit.

"Almost 96,000 children rely on a Maori parent (or caregiver) who is on welfare. This compares to around 90,000 children being raised by a NZ European parent on a benefit."

Commenting on this, Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB said, "These children are a further significant over- representation of Maori in the benefit system. This is a problem because children with a Maori parent or caregiver tend to start on a benefit younger and stay on a benefit longer. Long term benefit dependency produces many negative outcomes for children."

"The new Maori Party leader, Tariana Turia, has talked enthusiastically about self-determination and personal responsibility. Tackling this problem should be a top priority for her party."

ENDS

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