Report: Kids escape poverty

Children facing hardship down by 50,000 but many more still in struggling families

In the last year 50,000 children have been helped out of poverty — a figure which has been applauded, but comes with a word of caution against complacency.

A new report out today showed the growth in child poverty had stalled and the numbers were improving in key areas, though thousands of others continued to face various levels of hardship.

The Child Poverty Monitor 2017 showed 50,000 fewer children were classed as living in poverty since the 2016 report, but more than 400,000 were still going without some basic necessities, such as good shoes, clothes, food and visits to the doctor and dentist.

The report showed 7 per cent, 80,000 Kiwi children, were said to be in severe poverty, facing material hardship and living in a low-income household — but this was 10,000 less (down 1 per cent) on the previous year.

Meanwhile 290,000 children were living in homes where money was tight, down 5000 (1 per cent) on the previous year.

Children’s commissioner judge Andrew Becroft said these figures were positive, but progress made under the previous government needed to be sustained.

“We have seen a small drop in the number of children living in households on low incomes, or lacking the items they need for everyday living,” he said.

“But there are still 290,000 children in households on low incomes and up to 135,000 children lacking basic items.”

Becroft said that it was encouraging to see the measures the new Labour-led Government had put in place as part of its first 100 days work programme.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had pledged in the election campaign to end child poverty and created a role of minister for child poverty reduction once in government.

Despite the progress this year, and promises of continued support for children and families in need, Becroft urged politicians and those working in the sector not to get complacent.

“We can see for the first time some real progress towards wiping out child poverty, but it will take many small steps to get there.

“It is essential we keep up this momentum. One small step will not be enough.”

Ardern welcomed the improved numbers but said there were still thousands of children going without and she was prepared to be held to account for improving their lot.

“The Families Package, and my Child Poverty Reduction Bill, will have a significant impact on families who are struggling to pay for the basics for their children and will ensure the public can track our progress,” she said.

Ardern said details of the package, aimed at those most in need of support, would be announced next week. She was keen to work with the Opposition on a long-term commitment to tackle child poverty.

National's spokesperson for children Paula Bennett said it was “great news” that 50,000 children were no longer in poverty.

“It further consolidates our track record as a party that shows it cares. It mainly goes back to the benefit changes and increases we made in 2015 - those are genuinely making a difference for families.”

Bennett said National would need to see the details before signing up to Labour's Bill.

The poverty monitor report, funded by the J R McKenzie Trust, an organisation with more than 75 years’ involvement in social issues, is in its fifth year.

Trust executive director Robyn Scott said the report helped track the country’s progress towards getting its youngest citizens out of poverty.

It was a joint project with the Children’s Commissioner and Otago University’s Child and Youth Epidemiology Service that tracked progress through a number of measures, including material hardship and family income.

Scott said all could play a part in helping alleviate child poverty.

“The Government initiatives are very welcome, but we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that everyone can play a part in improving children’s lives,” she said.