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2 clusters · 5 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated

New Zealand child poverty trends

Overview

New Zealand is currently off track to meet legal child poverty targets, with approximately 169,300 children experiencing material hardship as of 2024/25. This figure represents roughly one in seven children, marking a significant increase from 2022 levels.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has issued a manifesto urging political parties to address five priority areas: incomes, housing, health, disability, and education. While the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018 aimed to halve poverty by 2028, material hardship has risen to 14.3%.

Mental health provider Te Waka Whaiora has characterized the situation as a “mental health crisis,” noting that living conditions like food shortages and cold homes cause lasting psychological effects. Disparities remain significant, with one in three Pacific children and one in four Māori and disabled children experiencing material hardship.

Entities

New Zealand · Ministry of Social Development · Nick Brunsdon · Guy Hatchard · StatsNZ

Timeline

  1. 18 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    New Zealand faces declining fertility and rising mortality

    New Zealand faces demographic challenges as fertility rates hit historic lows and mortality rates rise above pre-pandemic levels, despite population growth driven by immigration.

  2. 19 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    New Zealand child poverty rates rise amid calls for political action

    New Zealand faces a rising child poverty crisis, with 169,300 children in material hardship. Advocates are calling for political action to address the impact on health, housing, and long-term wellbeing.

Sources

business.scoop.co.nz · farmersweekly.co.nz · livenews.co.nz · poriruanews.co.nz · sgtreport.com