The annual Child Poverty Report was released today, alongside Budget 2020. It provides the first indication of progress on the measured rates of child poverty since the Government's targets were gazetted, based on the 2018/19 Household Economic Survey.
It also comes at a time when we are facing a challenge that will affect every part of our economy and the livelihoods of many New Zealanders. Despite the significant and far-reaching challenges facing the economy as a result of COVID-19, the Government remains committed to reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing. Early actions to respond to COVID-19, and investment in Budget 2020, build on past investments to reduce child poverty through the Families Package and Budgets 2018 and 2019.
The report shows that the Government was on track to meet its 3-year targets prior to COVID-19, but the post-COVID-19 situation is less clear, due to the yet unknown economic impacts.