A $790 million package aimed at reducing hardship among children in New Zealand is the centerpiece of the Government's budget announced today.
The package includes a $25 per week increase in benefit rates for families with children, more childcare support for low-income families, increased work obligations for sole parents on a benefit, and an increase in Working for Families payments to low-income families not on a benefit.
"I am proud to see such a strong focus on vulnerable groups in society in this budget", said Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller in a statement.
"The 2014 election revealed how much some issues such as child poverty matter to Kiwis, and this is a clear signal that the Government is in touch and listening."
Another $25 million will go to funding regional research institutes to show how best to develop our regions, similar to the recently released Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Growth Study.
