Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
A New Zealand where all children can flourish
A New Zealand where all children can flourish: Briefing to incoming ministers
Child
Poverty Action Group (CPAG) says that with a new
minister for Child Poverty Reduction, there is hope for
measurable improvement in the lives of affected children in
Aotearoa-New Zealand.
It is highly significant that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has taken this new role; children’s well-being will be, at last, right at the heart of all policy.
We can expect to see some immediate improvements to income support through Working for Families, as Labour has indicated in an agreement with the Green Party. Increases in the minimum wage have also been heralded. Housing, education and health policy too will now have a different and much more child well-being focused lens.
CPAG is looking forward to seeing an agreement by Labour, NZ First and the Green party on child poverty measurements and regular reporting on the Government’s progress in reducing child poverty and its distressing manifestations.
CPAG’s priority for the new Government is the introduction of wide ranging policy changes recommended in a policy priorities briefing paper entitled a New Zealand where all Children can Flourish.
These policies, which have been compiled and endorsed by experts in the fields of health, education, housing, incomes and social security, would improve outcomes for all children.
We would encourage also, instating a range of indicators and goals, such as the reduction of child hospital admissions for preventable diseases by half, from 40,000 (yearly) to 20,000 by 2020. This, among other indicators, would signal that significant improvements in the wellbeing of all children have been achieved.
If implemented, these policies would ensure all children and their parents are able to access the necessary resources, supports and services that they so desperately need. Aotearoa-New Zealand would once again become ‘a great place to bring up children’, a country where all children can flourish.
For more information download the paper here.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On What’s Wrong With The Treaty Principles Bill
Mana Mokopuna: Children And Young People Share Vital Insights On Healing From Family Violence And Sexual Violence In New Report
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
