Survey exposes how many are cold and hungry
New Zealand families are sleeping on mattresses in their living rooms and leaving the oven door open to stay warm this winter.
Results from a nationwide survey commissioned by the Salvation Army illustrate the tough choices people are making during the colder months.
The survey of more than 1000 Kiwis showed 45 per cent of respondents had gone without heating in the past year due to cost and 44 per cent did not go to the doctor when they needed to because they could not afford it.
Manager for the Salvation Army’s welfare services Jono Bell said his initial response to the figures was disbelief. ‘‘But on reflection, I thought, actually the numbers are not too dissimilar from what we are seeing on the frontlines,’’ Bell said.
‘‘It’s not just beneficiaries but people in our community who are working are still not making ends meet.’’
Bell said it was wrong working families were being forced to choose between food, housing and heat.
‘‘Some of the numbers have serious implications,’’ he said. ‘‘People can’t heat their homes, so they are getting sick more often, so they have to go to the doctor but can’t afford it. More medicine is required so they are having to make a choice between medicine and food.
‘‘And then there’s the house prices on top of that.’’
Conventional heating was often the first thing to go when money was tight, he said. ‘‘The oven door will be open and cranked up high ... for some, it’s the only choice they have.’’
Bell said embarrassment and stigma created barriers.
‘‘We often hear of parents going without a meal so their kids can eat and many who struggle to feed their family.
‘‘They feel whakama¯ (embarrassment), and won’t talk about it, making it harder for us to find who needs support,’’ said Bell.
‘‘ That’s why there has to be a community response.’’
The Salvation Army released the survey results ahead of its national winter appeal.
‘‘If you notice someone is struggling, encourage them to get some help. The survey really shows how widespread the struggle is.’’
Meanwhile, Manukau’s new $37 million bus interchange could become home to rough sleepers over winter nights.
Auckland Transport is looking at the feasibility of using the new station to provide a ‘‘warm, dry place’’ for south Auckland’s rough sleepers, a spokesman said.
AT was working with the Salvation Army, which would provide on-site supervision, as well as bus operators and retailers who use the building.
There were also some regulatory and insurance issues to consider, the spokesman said.
If the proposal went ahead it would be for a finite period, likely four weeks.