Media release - NZ Council of Christian Social Services

Thursday, 15 May 2008

Messages delivered by Making Poverty History campaign must continue to be heard

The messages carried by the historic Make Poverty History petition that was delivered to Parliament one year ago today - 15 May - must continue to be heard, says the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS).

"It is timely to remember the efforts of the Make Poverty History campaign and particularly the emphasis that campaign put on the goal of ending child poverty here in Aotearoa New Zealand," says Trevor McGlinchey, NZCCSS Executive Officer.

"When the Make Poverty History petition, which was supported by 120,000 messages, was delivered to Parliament on 15 May 2007, it was yet another signal that ending child poverty in this country must continue to be given the highest priority possible on the Parliamentary agenda.

"This continues to be a central focus for the advocacy work done by the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services, as informed by our Children and Families Policy Group which holds its next quarterly meeting in Wellington next week. The range of issues connected to child poverty was also highlighted in the Left Behind report recently released by the Child Poverty Action Group.

"Later this month we are distributing packs of information to our members and Church-based that carry the message that more can be done to end child poverty. Communities and families need as much support as they can get to nurture and support our children as taonga, as our nation's treasure," says Trevor McGlinchey.

"We remain hopeful that announcements in the Budget next week will include a clear direction for ending child poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand.

ENDS

© Scoop Media