The Public Health Advisory Committee just released reports that one in three New Zealand children live in poverty as a result of the changes in the Labour Market and Benefit changes of the late 1980s and early 1990s. As income decreases, poor health increases and about 4,800 deaths could be prevented all New Zealanders enjoyed the health levels of our countries healthiest, (wealthiest)?

The 4,800 preventable deaths are about 10% of the road deaths per annum. The effort put into reducing the road toll produces revenue but the reduction in poverty is a burden and of course our politicians do not experience poverty.

The much vaunted Public Health Organization (PHO) is really only the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and would not be required if the question of poverty was addressed with the same vigour as the road toll. The policies of selling off our assets and Free Trade with subsequent unemployment have much to answer.

Les Howard - Health Committee - Grey Power Federation

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