What is the government doing about putting an end to poverty?

The present government – National -  realised a green paper for Vulnerable Children in July 2011. This paper became the preliminary report of the white paper, (final copy) for Vulnerable Children. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett,  then released this white paper for Vulnerable Children on the 11th October 2012. Paula Bennett states "this white paper is bigger than politics; it is bigger than any one individual. It is not only for this generation of New Zealand children, but also for their children and their grandchildren" (PRESSWIRE, 2012). It is good to see that the government has taken the time look at the children in New Zealand and make a sustainable plan to help these vulnerable children, as well as future children.

On "The Nation" (a television programme), it  pointed out the green paper acknowledges that 163,000 children were at significant risk and the white paper however focused on only 20,000 to 30,000 children. "The Nation" interviewed Paula Bennett and asks “what happened to the other 130,000 children” (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, a). Paula Bennett acknowledges they “are going to target those 20,000 to 30,000 children who they see at most risk” (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, a). It is sad to know that the green paper had so many children they wanted to help but the white paper is only there for 20,000 to 30,000 children. I understand that Paula Bennett has a big job on her hands to help the valuable children in New Zealand. It’s a shame she cannot have a white paper to ensure all children will be helped… but it’s a start isn’t it.!!! I think that even though it a small amount, it will help a lot of children. Therefore children living in extreme poverty within New Zealand are begining to get the help they so urgently need.

The white paper for venerable children has come under criticism from other parties such as the Labour spokesperson for Social Development and Children,
Jacinda Ardern. She acknowledges that the white paper is a start, but states there is a massive missed opportunity for the government to help all children living in poverty (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, b). She believes the focus on the 20,000 to 30,000 children is far too narrow. Jacinda Ardern wants the 270,000 children living in poverty to be included into this white paper (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, b). This would be a wonderful thing if Labour could force the government to make this achievable. I know that things take time but  if we create a stronger base for the white paper to work with,  then later on I am sure that this paper will be benefit more children.

The Green Party has a bill called “take the step to help end child poverty” (Turei, n.d.). Metiria Turei acknologes “take the Step campaign is our (green party’s) Bill to ease poverty amongst our poorest kids” (Turei, n.d.). This bill is designed to give more money to those families who need it most. This bill states how the Green Party wants to help end child poverty in New Zealand. It is good to see the green party has a bill that they are bringing to parliament to help improve poverty.

All three parties have a view on how poverty should be improved within New Zealand. They are all aware of the well-being of children and understand that there needs to be big changes to create a better future for children. Each party needs to work with the government  on producing a long term  plan that will continuously  improve the well-being of children within New Zealand. Government also need to acknowledge and support  outside government agencies and discuss their solutions to child poverty, such as The Child Commissioner Report. By using all this information and educating New Zealand's  society, child poverty will then  begin to decrease because the government and outside government agencies are working together to help children in poverty.

References

FRONTPAGELTD. (2012, Oct 13, a). Paula Bennett on the White Paper part 1: The Nation, Oct 13, 2012 [video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOupTtwbsx0

FRONTPAGELTD. (2012, Oct 13, b). Jacinda Ardern's response to Paula Bennett's White Paper: The Nation, Oct 13, 2012 [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZbpXdX8JV4

PRESSWIRE. (2012). White Paper for Vulnerable Children released. Retrieved from ProQuest Central Database.

Turei, M. (n.d.) Take the step to help end child poverty. Retrieved from http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/take-the-step-factsheet-green-party-2012.pdf

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