The Child Poverty Action Group report’s main recommendation – “that Working for Families tax credits should be made available to beneficiary families as well – is opposed by Labour and National alike,” writes Gordon Campbell.
One in five New Zealand children live in poverty, with subsequent effects on their health, educational achievement, and productivity – to the point where effective early intervention could add up to $4 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product and up to $1b to New Zealand tax revenues.
Gordon’s career in journalism includes a long stint at the Listener magazine as a feature writer and columnist. He worked as a media and research officer for the Green Party, but has now left the Greens in order to return to journalism.
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