More Maori Children On Welfare July 13, 2004
Children with Maori parents on a benefit now outnumber children with parents from any other ethnic group on a benefit.
"Almost 96,000 children rely on a Maori parent (or caregiver) who is on welfare. This compares to around 90,000 children
being raised by a NZ European parent on a benefit."
Commenting on this, Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB said, "These children are a
further significant over- representation of Maori in the benefit system. This is a problem because children with a Maori
parent or caregiver tend to start on a benefit younger and stay on a benefit longer. Long term benefit dependency
produces many negative outcomes for children."
"The new Maori Party leader, Tariana Turia, has talked enthusiastically about self-determination and personal
responsibility. Tackling this problem should be a top priority for her party."
ENDS