Aotearoa New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 has been a success for most, except for many Māori and Pasifika families. A report reviewing child poverty from the Child Poverty Action Group found that approximately 18,000 more children were pushed into poverty since the pandemic started.

The report highlights the disparities and disproportionate inequality experienced by Māori and Pasifika. Māori and Pasifika children are 2.5 to 3 times more likely than Pākehā children to have been pushed into poverty in the year to March 2021. This is entirely unacceptable and steps must be taken by the Government to urgently address this.

The Government have continued to fail Māori and Pasifika children, despite being warned by officials this was likely to occur. The report states, “this is an effect of discrimination, institutional racism, and multiple, ongoing breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi”.

ANZASW is concerned about the high levels of inequality, inequity, and poverty within Aotearoa New Zealand. This ultimately disproportionately impacts on Māori and Pasifika. Social workers consistently work to support those in these groups.

Structural and systemic changes are urgently needed to address the inequity and inequality that exists in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The housing boom is further evidence that structural and systemic changes are required as the gap between rich and poor continues to widen. Owning a family home is now unachievable for many New Zealanders.

ANZASW calls on the Government to begin urgent planning for how the inequality and inequity can be reduced. Bold and innovative Government policy is required in order to address these issues. Without urgent intervention, the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and institutional racism will continue.