Photo / Mark MitchellThere are 18 questions used to measure material hardship. A family are classed as living in material hardship when they lack seven of the items or services referred to on the list. Photo / Ben DickensFigures released in February for a 12-month period between 2024 and 2025 show that material hardship and poverty rates remain persistently high, with around 14% of New Zealand children living in material hardship. One in four – or one quarter – of Māori children, one third of Pacific kids and one in four disabled children are living in material hardship. “We have a choice between letting families and children fall through the cracks or ensure everyone receives adequate support.”Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 26, 2026 05:07 UTC