16/06/2014: News from CPAG
Making children an election issue

Tick for Kids: It takes a child to raise a country!

Independent charity, the Child Poverty Action Group is adding its weight behind the national Tick for Kids campaign launching in Auckland tomorrow.

Spokesperson Janfrie Wakim says making children an election issue is a shared aim. "Our society's failure to address poverty and inequality is scandalous. It should not be accepted as normal that the lives of one in four New Zealand children are compromised and harmed by poverty. Health, education, housing and food are rights not favours. We could reduce child poverty dramatically if we choose to, just as we have done for elderly people. With the political will it can be done."

Janfrie Wakim believes the government has a major role to play. "It is vital that government adopts a comprehensive strategy to address the underlying causes of New Zealand's high rates of child poverty."

Child Poverty Action Group will be encouraging the public to get involved with Tick for Kids events around the country. "To make progress for children both the public and politicians must take action. Fortunately the public concern is gaining momentum fast," says Janfrie Wakim.

Child Poverty Action Group will release the next chapters in its report series called Our Children, Our Choice later this month. Priorities for Policy: Early Childhood Education and the Compulsory Schooling Sector highlight the impact of poverty on the education and lives of many children in New Zealand. The reports call on all political parties to adopt child-focused policies to reduce child poverty and mitigate its effects.

- ENDS -

© Scoop Media