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March 27, 2026
#national: Children’s Commissioner urges urgent action as hardship rises for tamariki
Dale Husband
Posted On March 27, 2026
Download AudioChildren’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is calling on the Government to urgently refocus its support on the country’s most vulnerable tamariki, warning that rising living costs are pushing more families into hardship and leaving too many children without the help they need.
Achmad says one in seven children are already living in material hardship, and she is concerned current support measures are not reaching those most at risk. She points to gaps in eligibility settings that mean some of the poorest children are missing out, particularly those in households not engaged in paid work. The result, she says, is that the children with the greatest needs are often the least supported.
She is advocating for practical changes that would ensure assistance is based on need rather than employment status. That includes extending financial support and services to families who are currently excluded, so that tamariki are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. Achmad says a more inclusive approach is essential to reducing inequity and improving outcomes for children.
Transport costs are also emerging as a major pressure point for whānau, with many families forced to choose between getting to school, medical appointments or putting food on the table. Achmad says subsidised or free public transport for children would help ease that burden, allowing young people to stay connected to education and healthcare without adding further financial strain.
She is also calling for sustained investment in the Healthy School Lunches Programme, describing it as a critical support for children facing food insecurity. Reliable access to nutritious meals at school not only supports physical health, but also improves concentration, attendance and overall wellbeing.
Achmad says a long-term, multi-year commitment to the programme would provide certainty for schools and ensure that tamariki who depend on it are not left vulnerable to funding changes. She believes targeted, consistent investment in initiatives like school lunches is key to addressing the immediate impacts of poverty while supporting better long-term outcomes.
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to rise, Achmad is urging the Government to act decisively to ensure no child is left behind, and that policies are shaped around the realities facing families across Aotearoa.
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