February 22, 2024
Young whānau will feel brunt of new beneficiary adjustments
E Tipu e Rea Whānau Health and Social Services, who support young whānau in West Auckland, are concerned about what impacts the Social Security (Benefits Adjustment) & Income Tax Amendment Bill will have on the most vulnerable members of our community.
CEO Zoe Hawke says its a really hard stage in the lives of young parents and they don’t want the formula messed with at the moment.
These benefit changes will make housing and buying kai even harder for these whānau.
“That’s the foundation of their futures really. You can’t really settle into being the best parent you can possibly be. And they do want to be great parents. When you don’t even know where you’re going to live; when you’re couch surfing or when you’re sleeping in your car. And then knowing how your gonna feed yourself and your tamariki is a big issue at the moment.
Zoe Hawke says other issues include whānau violence because of stress and mental health, with high suicide rates amongst young Māori mothers.