Raising benefits and rent reforms are some of the key areas that need addressing in this year’s Budget to tackle child poverty in New Zealand, experts say.
…Dr Matt Roskruge, co-director of Te Au Rangahau and associate professor at Massey University’s School of Economics and Finance, says one thing that may be “scary” for governments is trying to break cycles of poverty.
“So there, we might be looking at things like greater criminal justice reform, putting more money into mental health, to rehabilitation programmes, to work-ready programmes, into adult education. Even public transport, because one of the biggest barriers for families living in poverty is just getting to places.”