Variety rallies for public support for Child Poverty Reduction Bill
Variety – the Children’s Charity has chosen New Zealand’s Children’s Day, this Sunday March 4, to launch a one-month
campaign to rally support for the Child Poverty Reduction Bill.
With select committee submissions due in exactly one month, Variety wants to help the New Zealand public voice their
support for the Bill and achieve bi-partisan political support by signing an open letter to MPs on the Variety website.
Variety CEO Lorraine Taylor says:
“Variety is unique in that it receives no government funding and does not deliver any government programmes.
“Not financially dependent or politically-aligned we are in the perfect position to advocate for New Zealand children.
“We have a serious child poverty problem in New Zealand. Today, twice as many children live below the poverty line than
did in 1984.
“Using the most common international measure, more than a quarter (27%) of Kiwi children are living in poverty – one of
the highest rates in the developed world. By that same measure, the proportion of over 65s in income poverty is six per
cent, one of the lowest rates in the developed world. We can definitely do better for our Kiwi kids.
“This year, the New Zealand Parliament has the opportunity to enact legislation that will improve the lives of children
in poverty – by giving successive governments a tool to focus policy decisions that will tackle New Zealand’s
unacceptably high rate of child poverty.
“That’s why we are asking our supporters and anybody who cares about reducing child poverty in New Zealand to support
our campaign to let MPs of every party know that enacting this Bill will be good for New Zealand children.
Variety will send a letter to every MP undersigned with the names of those in their electorate who have responded to the
campaign, as well as a list of names of all New Zealanders who have signed to the Select Committee by their next
submission deadline on April 4.
About Variety – the Children’s Charity: We believe that every child deserves the same opportunities to reach their full potential. Variety provides tailored,
flexible support to disadvantaged children in New Zealand. We work alongside schools, community agencies, social workers
and healthcare professionals to identify children in need.
Variety provides disadvantaged children with basic essentials (such as warm bedding and school uniforms), one-off grants
for additional needs (such as medical and mobility equipment) and access to extra-curricular activities (such as school
camp or swimming lessons).
With our support, they have access to the same opportunities as other kids, a happier, healthier childhood and the
foundation for a better future.
Visit Variety’s Child Poverty Reduction Bill support campaign: