Media Statement

17 May 2010

Greens ‘Mind the Gap’ package good for children

“Every Child Counts* has welcomed the policy package ‘Mind the Gap’ released by the Greens today because it places children at the centre and prioritises the most vulnerable children – those in poverty,” said Deborah Morris-Travers, Every Child Counts project team member.

“It is rare for political parties to place children at the centre of policy and planning so it’s refreshing to see a comprehensive policy package that so strongly puts the focus on children.

“In particular, the Mind the Gap package identifies a range of policies that would positively impact on the nation’s most vulnerable children – those in poverty.

“Child poverty in New Zealand is relative. It means missing out on the things we all take for granted as part of infancy and childhood such as a warm home, a varied and nutritious diet, early childhood care and education, and seeing a doctor when you need to.

“Going without the things that most others take for granted takes its toll on the long-term health and education outcomes of these children. We all pay down the track. It is simply unjust, unwise and unsustainable to allow 20% of the nation’s children to live in poverty.

“The 216,000 New Zealand children living in poverty and hardship are victims of circumstance and we need to find ways to reach them even if it seems politically difficult to do so. In the same way that Sue Bradford stood boldly in support of an important children’s issue … outlawing physical punishment … we need MPs to stand up for children in poverty. We must ensure that children are central to political consideration with the appropriate laws and policies implemented to lift the prospects of these children,” concluded Ms Morris-Travers.

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