This was one of the main messages from a post-Budget meeting, titled "Is this a children's Budget'', hosted earlier this month by the Dunedin branch of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Choose Kids, and attended by about 60 people.
The meeting included a talk by Wellington-based author, academic, and journalist Max Rashbrooke on "The Wellbeing Budget: Is It Everything We Were Promised?'', followed by a panel discussion by Dunedin people interested in issues of poverty and equity.
Introducing the meeting, Dunedin co-ordinator Judith Sligo shared a message from Auckland-based CPAG social security spokesman Associate Prof Mike O'Brien, who said the organisation was pleased that the Budget would provide $26 million over four years for NGOs providing early intervention services.
"This will allow agencies to forward plan and provide continuity of essential services for families of children.''
Agencies had been let down in the past by inconsistent funding and a failure to adjust contracts, Prof O'Brien said.
In his talk, Mr Rashbrooke told the gathering that in the past 35 years, the income of the poorest 10% of New Zealanders had barely changed, while that of top earners had more than doubled.
"New Zealand has experienced the biggest increase in inequality anywhere in the developed world, which gives the context for our high levels of child poverty,'' he said.
The Government's Wellbeing Budget did offer a new approach and was a good start, but there were big challenges ahead.
"To tackle child poverty, it is hugely important to index benefits to the average wage,'' Mr Rashbrooke said.
Research showed that, on current levels, a sole parent on a benefit was about $150 per week below the poverty line, while a family with three children was $350 below the poverty line.
"It will require a much greater effort to help these people,'' he said.
The panel discussion following Mr Rashbrooke's included South Dunedin Community Network community development facilitator Michell Reddy, Mirror Counselling director Deb Fraser, Tui Motu magazine's Ann Gilroy, and Logan Park High School charities prefect Sasha Freeman.
Each shared their thoughts on issues of wellbeing, poverty, and inequity, as it related to Dunedin people.
Ms Reddy said the deprivation in large parts of South Dunedin meant it was difficult for people to access basics such as decent housing, health care, and a stable living environment.
Ms Fraser said her organisation regularly saw families living from hand to mouth, and that it became hard to focus on wellbeing when people were "lurching from one crisis to another''.
"A lack of means can impact on every part of your life, and that can lead to significant psychological and physical effects.''
Sasha Freeman said Logan Park High School provided support for pupils in need, assisting with fees and some food when needed.
The Budget provision to waive school "donations'' for decile 7 schools would be helpful for many Logan Park families.
Ms Gilroy said the spirit of the country was harmed when rich and poor were living in "totally different worlds''.
"We need to convince the people that taking a bold, expensive move, will be worth it in the end.''
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
