Child poverty

According to the Children's Commissioner in 2006/07 there were 22 percent of our countries children living in poverty.  Many of these children are born into poverty stricken areas of society, where culture and economic levels are proven to be amoung many highly influencing factors. 
 Dictionary.com defines poverty as "the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor" (2013).  To be born with this "condition" can have life long implications;such as a higher risk of poor health and educational outcomes, unemployment and links to criminal activity (The Children's Social Health Monitor New Zealand 2013).  A treasury report in 2012 states that measures of poverty combine the concepts of " inequality and hardship". These concepts compare those that experience a low level of wellbeing with those that are "constrained" from experiencing a decent level of wellbeing (Treasury Report, 2013).  How are children expected to achieve accomplishment and success in their lives if they are first conditioned and constrained to such extremes?  Living in poverty ensures unfair access to basic needs, such as clothing, food and shelter for children.  It also gives them an unfair disadvantage in education, social skills and later in life employment opportunities. 
  
Why are these children living this way? Is it because parents are incompetent and uncapable of providing the basic needs for their children?   Or is it due to unfair and inadequate government policies that determine unequitable access and distribution of basic services and needs in society? Perhaps it is time goverment officals re-examined the quality and provison of such needs, like housing, healthcare, education and employment; or the reformation of current Working for families benefits. Such action could enable those living in financial hardship to experience a decent level of wellbeing. 
    The Children's commissioner appointed an action group to closely examine child poverty in New Zealand.  The groups findings,Solutions to child poverty in New Zealand: evidence for action were published in 2012.  They state that "no child should experience severe and persistent poverty, least of all in a land of relative abundance.  Child poverty imposes costs on the children involved and on our society".  If child poverty already imposes on the lives of New Zealand society, would it not be both common sense, and decency to do something positive to rid ourselves of this social tragedy? 

Poverty in New Zealand... does it really exist?

Being a New Zealander encompasses many great things.  Breath-taking scenery, an exciting history, and a keen sense of give it a go, number 8 wire attitude.  But amoungst the pride and passion we all have for our land and culture, life is not so great for some families.  It is true that poverty is more prevelant in certain areas of the country, but what about in our own communities and neighbourhoods? Are New Zealanderes willing to keep an open mind to such grim realities, and if so what are they willing to do about it?

Poverty interests me very much, particularly as part of my childhood was aided by an amazing solo Mum and the help of a few food parcels along the way.  Too many families are finding it so hard to make ends meet each day.  Are we, particularly as early childhood teachers, aware of the possible implications of poverty in our own communities?  More importantly what needs to be done, and what can be done?
I am excited by the prospect of finding out the facts and figures of poverty in our country and the many perspectives held by New Zealanders.  In particular, I hope to closely examine the pedogogical implications of poverty and related issues for early childhood teachers; and the actions that can be taken to "share the wealth" a little more evenly.