In the county of New Zealand as many as 25 percent of
children or about 270,000 – currently live in poverty. That is one in every
four child. Childhood poverty in New Zealand affects children in similar ways as
other countries. 1 in 5 school age children have no breakfast before they go to
school. Their living conditions are poor because of inadequate housing or
rentals that are run down, cold, damp and moldy which leads to children being
extremely sick. In 2012 there was an estimated 190,000 children sick with pneumonia,
rheumatic fever, and meningococcal disease. Their rental regulations date back
to 1947.
The Expert Advisory Group spent ten months working on the
task of providing ways and effective solutions addressing childhood poverty. The
economic costs of children who live in poverty in New Zealand are between $6-8
billion per year with a lot of public money spent yearly on interventions. The
Advisory group believes that poverty can be reduced. There needs to be specific
attention given to overcoming inequalities for the Mäori and Pasifika people
while being sensitive to the particular issues facing children in single - parent
families. They want the government to be responsible for adopting a strategic framework
for addressing childhood poverty issues and ensuring accountability of the outcomes.
This group had 78 recommendations.
With the recommendations this group has it puts breaking
the cycle of poverty back on the government.
The government has an important role and must ensure that all policies
and procedures are working in the best interests of all children and their families.
The research group also reiterates the importance of Early Childhood Education.
“Supporting children living in poverty, through maternity and child health
services and early childhood education, is investing in our future prosperity”
(Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty. 2013).
Reference
Expert Advisory Group
on Solutions to Child Poverty. (2013). Solutions to Child Poverty in New
Zealand: Evidence for action. Wellington: New Zealand. Children’s
Commissioner.http://www.occ.org.nz/our-work/our-priorities/more-children-grow-up-with-access-to-adequate-resources/
I enjoyed reading your post as it was quite informative. I did not have any prior knowledge regarding the educational system or poverty in New Zealand. I agree with their approach to put it back on the government and hold them responsible for providing these needed services to their people. Early interventions are crucial in giving these children the learning opportunities needed for success in future years.
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