Ardern set basis for child poverty progress

Peter Verschaffelt Ardern set basis for child poverty progress

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A leading advocate for children growing up in poverty is praising former prime minister Jacinda Ardern for her leadership in addressing the problem.

Professor Nikki Turner from the University of Auckland University Waipapa Taumata Rau ‘s medical faculty says while she didn’t achieve her goal of ending child poverty, she got things moving.

“She’s raised the profile, the importance of child poverty. She was our first minister for child poverty reduction and I think the really, really important thing she has done for this country is she introduced the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018 so now there is a political requirement to report on progress, or lack of, in child poverty so I absolutely celebrate her for doing that in a way previous governments have not,” she says.

Professor Turner says 16 percent of households are still below the poverty line, compared with 22.5 percent in 2018.

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