Child Poverty Bill a watershed for children

Media release

30 January 2017

Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA) welcomes today’s Child Poverty reduction Bill, calling it a watershed moment for children and young people in Aoteroa New Zealand.

“This Bill lays the foundation for well planned, effective child poverty reduction,” says ACYA Chair Andrea Jamison. “Significantly it requires government’s to develop a dedicated strategy to enhance and promote the wellbeing of all children.

“If passed, the Bill would legislate for an unprecedented level of priority for child wellbeing across the House and throughout government.”

ACYA is hopeful that there is sufficient common ground for cross party agreement as efforts to reduce child poverty and enhance child wellbeing need to be long-term, and sustained to be effective.

“This Bill, and the debate that has preceded it, reflect widespread collective support for initiatives that promote the rights and wellbeing of all children,” says Andrea.

“We have never been in a better position to create a society in which all children can thrive."

ENDS

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