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It is vital that children, particularly those living in poverty, receive benefit from the Government’s reprioritised social spending, says Save the Children Acting Executive Director, Philip Abraham.

In commenting on today’s Budget Mr Abraham says he welcomes the safeguarding of entitlements to income support including Working for Families.

“The challenge to the Government in these increasingly difficult times will be to ensure that children are not forgotten or put aside as the economic recession continues to bite.”

“We must not forget that a report last year commissioned by the Children’s Commissioner found that 22 percent of New Zealand children live in poverty. That is an unacceptably high number and one that we need to urgently address despite the difficult times.”

Mr Abraham has welcomed extra funding for maternity services and the provision of extra funding for education.

“It is important that that the Government focuses on the growing number of youth unemployed and develops an education and welfare system to ensure that young people are able to obtain the right skills for the future.”

Mr Abraham says the home insulation and clean heating programme will have a big benefit on the health of many New Zealand children.

“It is clear that many children have been suffering from unnecessary illnesses and losing time from school simply because of damp and cold housing.”

“It is essential that any extra funding in this Budget flows through to children, particularly those living on low incomes”, says Mr Abraham.

“Children are the most vulnerable members of our community and we need to be vigilant ensure that those children do not become further victimised by the economic recession.” 

For further information please contact Shelley McCarten, 04 381 7573 / 021 108 9131 / shelley.mccarten@savethechildren.org.nz