15 September 2026
Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa | The Paediatric Society of New Zealand has released a position statement calling on all political parties to commit to meeting New Zealand's legislated child poverty targets.
Under the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018, Aotearoa committed to halving child poverty by 2028. That goal is not on track: 169,300 children, one in seven, were living in material hardship in 2025, up 47,500 since 2022. Rates are far higher for tamariki Māori (one in four) and Pacific children (almost one in three).
The statement sets out the evidence linking hardship to preventable illness, including rheumatic fever, respiratory infections and hospitalisation. It asks every party standing in this election to explain how they will ensure adequate incomes, warm and dry housing, and accessible healthcare for all children.
Read the full statement below. PSNZ members are available to comment. Media enquiries can be sent to [email protected].