Māori, Pasifika and households with disabled children are more than twice as likely to be experiencing poverty compared to Pākehā, the latest statistics show. Given the lag period of the data, the numbers only take into account child poverty levels from between July 2018 and March 2020. Over the two years since the Government introduced child poverty reduction targets, progress has been made across all measures. In a statement after the numbers were released, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the figures showed a "broad improvement" in child poverty rates. "Today's numbers demonstrate our actions to reduce child poverty are making a real difference in children's lives, and they are a promising indication our goal of halving child poverty within 10 years is on track."

Source: New Zealand Herald February 22, 2021 21:55 UTC