The Welfare Expert Advisory Group is currently seeking feedback, either through a survey on their website www.weag.govt.nz or through attending one of the 12 community forums being held around the country this month. For details refer www.weag.govt.nz/have-your-say/community-forums/ Decent improvements in welfare payments will significantly help reduce income/wealth inequality.

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has released 2 new reports Too soon for the tooth fairy: the implications of child poverty for oral health, which summarises current knowledge about the prevalence of poor oral health among children in Aotearoa-New Zealand and Will children get the help they need: An analysis of effectiveness of policies for children in the worst poverty in 2018, which compares the increases in the families package to what the worst-off families will actually need.

The latest Poverty Action Waikato  report, Windows on Waikato poverty, is now available. This report offers an excellent exposition of the failures of the market economy – in the areas of housing, employment and health. It shows clearly the impact on specific vulnerable groups (Maori, children and young adults). Read here…

Pickapath is an interactive tool which has evolved as a collaboration between ActionStation and The Morgan Foundation. It allows you to make the decisions for a couple who are expecting a new baby and are facing a range of issues (income and housing especially – two of our key Equality Network issues). It’s a real eye opener and a good resource to share. https://pickapath.actionstation.org.nz/

Find out how to share our Election Statement here. https://equalitynetwork.org.nz/electionstatement2017/take-action/