Needs of children at heart of Wellington meeting

by Fr THOMAS ROUSE
WELLINGTON — Seven political party representatives were among a number of speakers at the Forum on Child Poverty in Wellington on August 5 at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The event, attended by more than 1000 people, opened with a group of children from Holy Cross School, Miramar, singing songs.

Part of the 1000-strong audience at the Forum on Child Poverty.


During the whakatau, the prayer, Anglican Bishop Justin Duckworth stressed that “every child matters, especially the most vulnerable”.
The Commissioner of Children, Dr Russell Wills, said “child poverty affects us all”. He also highlighted a disturbing fact — that most other countries with a similar GDP as New Zealand have lower rates of child poverty.
Archbishop John Dew recalled the memory of Mother Suzanne Aubert, who dedicated her life to the service of the poor. He quoted Pope Francis, who said we should not be governed by a culture of indifference but rather should live out the joy of the Gospel. He noted the
good track record of Christian communities in caring for the poor, refugees, migrants and prisoners, providing food kitchens, and care for children who are the victims of domestic violence.
“We are all asked to address the structural causes of poverty,” the archbishop said. “We cannot afford to have a culture of indifference in our society as we prepare for a general election.”
While speaking out against those who devised grandiose plans on how to run the country while being oblivious to the widespread reality of child poverty, Hone Harawira, Mana-Internet, insisted that child poverty should be our top priority. Furthermore, we need to believe we can do something about it.
Attorney-General Chris Finlayson, National, agreed child poverty is a reality.However, he said the government is making significant improvements. He quoted figures to show that the
government has done a lot to alleviate child poverty.
Labour party leader David Cunliffe said: “In a country like New Zealand, child poverty is wrong. It is a national shame.” In addressing the causes, Labour has the goal of reducing unemployment and is committed to raising the living wage by $2 an hour. This will
mean $4000 extra a year in the pocket of the lowest paid, he said.
Peter Dunne, United Future, said that what is most important is the family.
“If the family functions well, then the community functions well.” He stressed the need to first support parents and families. Doing so will ensure that the most important investment in the future of our country is our children.
Jan Logie, Green, reckoned that voters can do something about child povertyShe called for a smarter, greener economy that works for all. Children living in poverty in this country is an
outrage. So there is a need for a range of measures to deal with the root causes.
Marama Fox, Maori Party, spoke of the experience of Maori. Her experience was of having, for example, to keep kids from school because she couldn’t afford lunches. When we look after children we look after our future.
Mataroa Paroro, NZ First, welcomed everyone with a Maori expression that means “May you live long”. It would be hard to say this, he said, to the child of a poor family. He called for the removal of GST on basic food items.
In giving the final blessing, Bishop Duckworth encouraged those present to go back to their various communities and talk incessantly and loudly about the priority of ending child poverty.
After the main forum, Catholic adult educator Chris Duthie-Jung fronted a young voters forum in an adjacent hall, encouraging around 80 young people to “make a difference” in addressing child poverty.

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