Child Poverty in New Zealand: Rising Hardship and Missed Targets

Nearly 170,000 children in New Zealand are currently experiencing material hardship, according to recent data, raising concerns about the country’s progress in reducing child poverty. The figures, released by Statistics New Zealand, reveal a concerning trend and prompt calls for urgent action from advocacy groups and political parties.

Material Hardship on the Rise

The latest statistics, covering the year ended June 2025, present that 14.3% of all children in New Zealand – approximately 169,300 – are living in material hardship. Statistics New Zealand defines material hardship as a household being unable to afford seven or more of 18 essential items, including adequate food, healthcare, warm clothing, and a proper bed. This represents an increase of 47,500 children since 2022.

Children’s Commissioner Dr. Claire Achmad has described the situation as “absolutely unacceptable,” emphasizing that progress in reducing child poverty has stalled and, in some areas, reversed. “Children in New Zealand are being locked out of the very basics of life,” Dr. Achmad stated. “Things like access to fresh and nutritious food, being able to go to the doctor, being warm in winter. These are things that no child should want for.”

Falling Short of Reduction Targets

The New Zealand government established a goal under the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018 to reduce material hardship to 6% by 2028. However, current data indicates the country is not on track to meet this target. Dr. Achmad expressed serious concern, stating, “I’m very concerned that the data shows we are not on track to meet the child poverty reduction targets. That’s unacceptable, because this is a solvable problem, and children, they can’t wait any longer.”

She underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, arguing that childhood is a critical period with lasting consequences and that children cannot wait for economic improvements. “We need to see action for children right now.”

Economic Pressures and Disparities

While household incomes have increased, these gains have been offset by rising costs, particularly in housing. Dr. Achmad explained, “The high rates of housing have eaten away at any gains in household income,” directly impacting children’s well-being.

The data also reveals that material hardship is not experienced equally across all demographics. Māori children, Pacific children, and children with disabilities face significantly higher rates of hardship. Dr. Achmad highlighted a particular concern regarding the lack of comprehensive long-term data for children with disabilities, which could hinder future progress tracking.

Government and Opposition Responses

Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston acknowledged the results, stating in a press release that they were expected and showed “no statistically significant changes” compared to the previous year. She outlined government initiatives aimed at reducing child poverty, including increases to the in-operate tax credit, adjustments to Working for Families thresholds, tax relief measures, efforts to reduce inflation, and the introduction of FamilyBoost for childcare affordability.

Labour’s child poverty spokesperson, Jan Tinetti, attributed the hardship to unemployment and housing pressures. However, Dr. Achmad emphasized that reducing child poverty should be a bipartisan priority. “My message to all across our Parliament in New Zealand is to make reducing child poverty a priority,” she urged. “That was the spirit of the Child Poverty Reduction Act in 2018. Now I want to see all parties working together to prioritise children.”

Looking Ahead

Addressing child poverty requires a collaborative, national effort. Dr. Achmad believes that New Zealand can solve this problem, but only through sustained commitment and cooperation across the political spectrum. The latest statistics serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain and the urgent need for effective policies to ensure all children have access to the basic necessities for a healthy and fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Nearly 170,000 children in New Zealand live in material hardship (14.3% of all children).
• The country is not on track to meet its 2028 target of reducing material hardship to 6%.
• Rising housing costs are significantly impacting household incomes and contributing to child poverty.
• Māori, Pacific, and children with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of hardship.
• A collaborative, bipartisan approach is crucial to addressing this issue effectively.