MEDIA RELEASE

21 August 2014: News from CPAG

Take steps against child poverty

Join the hikoi to end child poverty in New Zealand

Saturday 6th September - 11am - Britomart to Aotea Square, Auckland

CPAG is calling on people across society to join a march from Britomart to Aotea Square in Auckland to demand action on child poverty in Aotearoa.

One in four children don't get a fair go in New Zealand. They live in cold, damp, over-crowded houses. They get sick more often and end up in hospital with serious illnesses that can affect them for life. Their families struggle to pay the bills and buy healthy food, which means they often go to school hungry and find it harder to learn.

CPAG co-convenor Alan Johnson said, "Child poverty in New Zealand is real, it is a fact and our children need action now. Every voice is needed to keep these issues at the forefront in an election year. We can change these conditions by insisting for as long as it takes that our elected officials make the welfare of our children their top priority."

The march will be a child-friendly event, bringing together people from all sections of society to demand an end to child poverty. CPAG has invited politicians from across the political spectrum to attend the march, and to show their commitment to cross party talks immediately after the election to agree on an action plan to reduce child poverty.

Alan Johnson said, "We know parties across the political spectrum realise child poverty is a major problem for New Zealand. We are looking for a firm indication from political leaders that they are committed to the steps needed to give all children a fair go so they can reach their potential."

CPAG is coordinating the End Child Poverty Hikoi as part of the national Tick for Kids Campaign.

Tick4Kids this election - vote for parties taking steps to end child poverty.

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