Dr Russell Wills: Child poverty recommendations need to be acted on

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On Monday we released the third Child Poverty Monitor. The Monitor's purpose is to inform the public of the extent and impact of children growing up in poverty in New Zealand. So why is the public the audience for this data, rather than Government?

In 2012 my Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty made 78 recommendations, predominantly aimed at Government, that would halve child poverty, if implemented fully.

Since then, Government has implemented about a third of the recommendations. For example, insulation of state owned and private rental housing has continued, investment in early childhood education now tops $1 billion a year and we have free health care for children under 13. In April benefits will increase by $25/ week for families with children. Clearly, there is much more to be done, including the need for a comprehensive plan for reducing child poverty. But we are starting to see action and that is a good thing.

Perhaps even more important than the recommendations acted on, there is now a clearer understanding by public servants and ministers of the impacts on children of growing up in poverty, and there is much stronger public understanding of the extent the problem. Poverty and inequality were among the top concerns of intending voters before the last election.

Public support for investing in children matters. Governments invest where there is a public will and mandate, or they get voted out. Children can't vote, so we need adults to champion their interests. When money is tight, we may need to make trade-offs to make this investment in our children and our future. What are we prepared to give up, so that Government can prioritise children?

The Child Poverty Monitor has been seen, shared and commented on by thousands of New Zealanders on social media. Our hashtag #itsnotchoice was trending at number one at times yesterday - higher than the Shortland Street finale and the new Star Wars movie. The more people who read, share and like it on social media, and the more people who discuss the report and solutions, the more support Government will have to invest in children in the 2016 Budget.

Children may not have a choice about the circumstances they grow up in, but we all have a choice in how we can support them.

Business, philanthropists, local government, iwi and communities can do things no government can do and so have a clear role to improve outcomes for children too. I've been inspired by stories of businesses that partner with organisations like KidsCan to feed children in schools, create employment opportunities for young people and mentor young people through high school.

New Zealanders love our children. We believe in a fair go, and that your success in life should be determined by your talents and hard work, not by the income bracket you are born into. Yet currently, too many children do not have the opportunities we took for granted as children.

So please read the Child Poverty Monitor at www.childpoverty.co.nz and take a look at the Expert Advisory Group's Solutions to Child Poverty report and our Giving2Kids advice on how to invest in kids at www.occ.org.nz. Share the ideas you read with friends, family and work mates. Talk about them at the beach while on holiday. Think about what your business or organisation could do to improve the lives of children. And when the pollsters ring at dinner time next year and ask what's top of mind, tell them it's the number of children living in poverty.

Child poverty affects all of us. Thirty years ago, the proportion of children in poverty was half what it is now, by whatever measure we use. It could be lower again, if we invest in children wisely. To do this requires our support. It's as simple, and as hard, as that.

Dr Russell Wills is the Children's Commissioner.