Children going without food highlighted in Salvation Army report

The charity’s latest State of the Nation report stated that a quarter of households in Aotearoa New Zealand go without food “sometimes” or “often”.

About half of Pasifika families report going without food “regularly”.

Unemployment is rising and, as of December, 2024, there are 400,000 people needing welfare support — the highest number since the 1990s, although this is a lower percentage of the working population than that decade.

Director of The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit Bonnie Robinson said that it was harder than ever for the Salvation Army to respond to needs arising from food insecurity and unaffordable housing.

“Government funding has been reduced, and people are finding it more difficult to contribute to charitable organisations,” Dr Robinson said.

It is believed that a lack of funding has led to a decline in the use of foodbanks.

In a summary of the report, it was noted that, while there has been a good increase in the number of social housing units available, that building program is reducing, and rent for private rentals continues to be unaffordable for many on low incomes.

In four in every 10 communities, rental prices are more than 30 per cent of the median income.

Among other findings, the report observed that while crime overall has declined, violent crime is increasing, and violence against children has increased.

Dr Robinson asked the nation to consider how it might better tackle child poverty in the short term, “recognising that childhood experience is a determinant for later life, and so our children in poverty need help now”.

Dr Robinson said that it was vital that the Government prioritise New Zealanders’ basic needs.

“When people have food security and a warm, dry, affordable home, then they have the basis for nurturing a healthy family and positive relationships.”

FULL STORY

‘Things have got tougher’ – Salvation Army releases latest State of the Nation report | RNZ News (By Felix Walton/Radio New Zealand)

TSA_SOTN25_DownloadVersion.pdf (Salvation Army State of the Nation Report 2025)

TSA_SOTN25_Summary_online.pdf (Salvation Army report summary)