Greens show leadership and provide practical solutions to address child poverty

Te Kahui Mana Ririki Director Anton Blank says that the Green Party's policy to address child poverty - which was launched at an event in Auckland today - provides practical solutions to address child poverty.

"Moving into the election, child poverty and children's issues generally are emerging as critical issues," Anton Blank said.

"The Green's new policy is comprised of four key actions - extending working for families to beneficiaries, providing study support for sole parents, raising the minimum wage to $15, and new standards to ensure rental properties are warm and healthy for kids.

"All of these measures are a step in the right direction, and we commend the Green Party for their initiative and leadership. They have outlined a range of very practical and manageable solutions to address a very complex issue.

"Te Kahui Mana Ririki is especially concerned about the impact of child poverty for Maori and Pasifika children. 27% of Maori children and 40% of Pasifika children live in poverty. This is significantly higher than the rate for the general population which sits at 16%.

"We have greatly appreciated the support of Green Party co-leader Metiria in this regard. Metiria championed the Maori Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into the Status and Wellbeing of Maori and Pacific children.

"The Green's policy launch today, the Maori Affairs Select Committee inquiry and the government's Green Paper for vulnerable children are all creating discussion about the vulnerability of New Zealand children.

"This is the first time that children's rights have been prioritised in election year. My hope is that we can all work together to improve outcomes for New Zealand children."

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