27 February 2012
Media Release
Government welfare package a move in the right direction
“The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) believes in principle that stage one of the Government’s welfare
reforms represents a positive step in the right direction,” NCWNZ President Elizabeth Bang said today.
Elizabeth Bang was commenting on reforms announced by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett to move more New
Zealanders from welfare into work.
“The statistics tell us that around 220,000 children live in welfare dependent homes. This is an unacceptably high
number. Our children are our future and investment in their wellbeing is non-negotiable.
“NCWNZ supports policies that help parents on a benefit to get into the workforce where possible, so they can become
contributing members of society and they and their families can enjoy a better quality of life,” concluded Elizabeth
Bang.