Child Poverty in New Zealand

KidsCan child in a checkered shirt stands on a sunny playground, shielding their eyes. Blurred background of a building and other children playing.

The reality for too many kids

Shoes held together with duct tape. Kids who’ve eaten nothing since lunch the day before. Brothers sharing a pair of shoes. Children sick from living in overcrowded homes.

These are the heartbreaking stories we hear from teachers at our partner schools and early childhood centres. 

Sadly, the statistics show that child poverty in New Zealand isn't getting any better. 157,000 children (13.4%) are living in material hardship, and that impacts our youngest New Zealanders’ chances – now and into the future.