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> Why New Zealand?

Why is this support needed in a developed country like New Zealand?

In fact, there is poverty amidst the prosperity. New Zealand does not have poverty comparable to the Third World, but as governments from around the world have agreed: "[Poverty] occurs in all countries: as mass poverty in many developing countries, pockets of poverty amid wealth in developed countries, loss of livelihood as a result of economic recession, sudden poverty as a result of conflict or disaster, the poverty of low-wage workers, and the utter destitution of people who fall outside family support systems, social institutions and safety nets."
(United Nations, 1995)

Poverty exists in New Zealand for people who, in comparison to the rest of our society, do not have enough money to meet their basic needs for adequate food, decent housing and necessary clothing. Poverty also exists for people who do not have enough money to participate equally in the community. This means that they cannot afford to do things that many other people do regularly, such as visit friends and family, participate in sports teams, go on school trips, or take family holidays.

The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Sciences says, "New Zealand currently has an entrenched level of poverty that is seriously undermining our efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy and increase economic growth. A large proportion of the future workforce are children living in poverty whose education is being damaged by their life-circumstances."

Who is in poverty in NZ?
  • Children are at special risk of poverty - 30 percent, or one in five children in New Zealand live in poverty;
  • 60% of poor households include children;
  • A UNICEF report released in March, "Child Poverty in Rich Countries," reports that by 2001, New Zealand had the fourth highest rate of child poverty in the OECD;
  • Single parent families are the largest group in poverty - 73% of all single parent families live in poverty; and they make up 21% of all those who are poor;
  • Although Pakeha/European make up most (66%) of all poor households, Maori are 2 1/2 times more likely to live in poverty and Pacific Island families are more than 3 1/2 times as likely to be in poverty; and;
  • The median income in New Zealand is $22,000.
What impact does poverty have on people?
  • Poverty means the humiliation of having to go to food banks to keep food on the table.
  • Poverty means missing out on what most of us take for granted: three meals a day, clothing, and shelter.
  • It means missing out on school excursions because families can't pay fees.
  • It means social isolation, feelings of worthlessness, loneliness and alienation.
  • It means poor nutritional status and children not achieving age appropriate developmental milestones.
  • Poverty means getting sicker more often and dying earlier.
Climb Everest  In October 2006 you have the opportunity to raise money for the Nepali Children's Fund. We're climbing the Base Camp of Mount Everest and you have the opportunity to join us. Read More
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