Inequity is costly

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) applauds the release of the Green Party manifesto Mind the Gap.

It is well known that New Zealand has become one of the most unequal societies in the OECD. This inequality impacts hugely on the lives of children, leaving about one in five living in poverty.

CPAG agrees that "inequity is driving health, social and economic problems and costing NZ taxpayers billions." Child poverty is extremely costly both to individuals and to society, with lifelong consequences for earning and health.

”The measures proposed by the Green Party would go a long way to restoring New Zealand to its former status as a good and safe place to bring up children”, said CPAG spokesperson Donna Wynd.

"We particularly support extending the in-work tax credit – which is really a child support payment – to all families with dependent children.”

ENDS

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