Six children take turns coming to school in their family's one warm jacket at a South Auckland school.
They are among the 4002 kids on the waiting list for support from KidsCan, the longest list it has had in five years.
The children's charity is swamped with schools desperately looking for access to food, clothing, shoes and health products.
The KidsCan Charitable Trust was founded in 2005 on the belief that education equals opportunity, and every child should have an equal chance.
Papatoetoe South School principal Mark Barratt said pupils there were in dire need of support.
If it rains, up to one-quarter of his pupils stay home because they do not have wet weather gear.
Mr Barratt said parents did not want their children getting wet and cold, because they could not afford to take them to the doctor.
"A lot of families from Manukau are a week away from a crisis.
"If nothing goes wrong they can survive, but as soon as the car breaks down they don't have the money to repair the car.
"It's not like they're living like this the whole time, but when they get into strife they can't get out.''
More than 151,000 children have access to KidsCan's support in 646 low-decile schools across the country.
But a further 51 schools from Northland to Southland are on the waiting list.
Children cannot learn properly when they are cold, hungry and tired, Mr Barratt said.
Some of his pupils were living with their whole family in a garage because the rent was affordable.
Mr Barratt wanted to emphasise that they were not bad parents.
"These are really good parents who love their children and work really hard for their children.
"Wages have stayed pretty still while costs haven't and housing has gone through the roof. Any spare money goes to that.
KidsCan chief executive Julie Chapman said there had been a steep increase in the need for food this year.
In 2011 the need for food was 11%; now it was 21%.
Ms Chapman has seen some families of four that had $80 a week to spend on food.
"One of the things that happens to keep a roof over your head, power and petrol in the car is the food budget gets cut.''
The Office of the Children's Commissioner recently revealed 155,000 New Zealand children, or 14% of children, miss out on seven or more things they need for their wellbeing.
Those essentials included postponed visits to the doctor, shoes or adequate warm clothing.
Many families were spending 60% of their income on rent, leaving not enough money for other bills, food and necessities such as transport and clothing.
When food was given to schools better concentration was immediately noticeable, Ms Chapman said.
Fighting and bullying reduced and the children seemed happier.
Shoes and warm clothing meant kids could play sport and do extracurricular activities.
"A pair of shoes doesn't just keep them warm and dry, it allows them to connect with their peers and not feel excluded.''
