Speech from the Throne brings welcome focus on children

Today’s speech from the Throne confirms the Government’s focus on children, youth and their families in the areas of health, education, youth employment, poverty alleviation and Whānau Ora; now the challenge is to ensure every child in New Zealand does well in all these areas says UNICEF NZ.

UNICEF NZ National Advocacy Manager, Deborah Morris-Travers, said, “We are always pleased to hear the Prime Minister and other political leaders talking about improving life for children and youth, but the extent to which meaningful improvements will be made depends on the Government coordinating its efforts with people from the communities involved, including Māori and Pasifika organisations and leadership; ensuring adequate and effective investment that is evaluated for its impact; supporting parents, and building a national culture that values and protects all children.

“Children are the population group most likely to be living in poverty and they are also the group most likely to be negatively impacted by poverty, particularly when the poverty is severe and persistent over time. Children living in these circumstances, particularly very young children, must be a priority for the Government.

“The Prime Minister has re-stated the Government‘s view that parents need to get off benefits and into paid work – a measure that does have potential to improve the wellbeing of children and families. However, it has to be noted that 40 percent of the children living below the poverty line are in homes where an adult is working, so participating in the labour force is not a guarantee of adequate income. To participate in work, parents need access to quality, affordable childcare as well as flexible working conditions and wages that meet the cost of living.

“The issues impacting on child and youth wellbeing are complex and require action at all levels of society. The Whānau Ora model has significant potential to bring together the variety of support that some families need and we are pleased to see a renewed commitment to the programme. We hope it will be adequately resourced and sustained.

“We also note that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child provides a useful framework for identifying what needs to be done for our nation’s youngest citizens. Next week UNICEF will release Report Card 12, an international report on the impact of the recession on children. The report will reinforce the importance of Government prioritising children and highlight the difference that effective policy can make,” said Ms Morris-Travers.

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