Women’s club hears talk on child poverty

Members of the Warkworth Business and Professional Women’s Club attended a dinner meeting at the Salty Dog in Snells Beach where they listened to Alan Johnson of Child Poverty Action Group.

This organisation focuses on children who have lost potential because of poverty issues. They advocate on behalf of children in the media, courts and public forums.

Alan said many New Zealanders were coping with food insecurity, an unhealthy diet, crowded and insecure housing, and avoidable health problems. Rates of poverty have changed little over the past decade.

Alan emphasised the importance of challenging the misinformation and prejudiced comments on child poverty. He said child poverty could be reduced by raising benefit levels, by introducing a living wage, by building affordable housing and a mixture of cash and in-kind support.