The call comes in response to the Government's Income Relief Payment making full-time workers who lost their job because of the economic impact of COVID-19 eligible for tax-free weekly payments of almost $500 a week for a period of 12 weeks.

CPAG criticises the policy saying the divisive move comes at a time when the country is united in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

CPAG says the recovery is a team effort, one "not marked by unfair distinctions that only deem some to be deserving of help."

It is calling the move towards the needy as "punitive."

Susan St John, CPAG's economic spokesperson, says this new policy makes it light years better than the Jobseeker benefit for which many do not currently qualify because they have an earning partner.

"Modern relationships are complex and the current rules regarding benefits are based on archaic notions of the relationship and assumes what is expected from partners. But these assumptions are based on old ideas that do not apply today, if they ever did, and which have forced many into unacceptable poverty."

The Maori Party co-leader, Te Tai Hauauru, agrees and is similarly asking the Labour-led government to lift the incomes of all needy, not just those out of work from COVID-19.

Saying the Party is happy that those who recently lost their job will be guaranteed a liveable income for 12 weeks, but points out they are no more deserving than anyone else who is out of work.

"Our economy has been structured in such a way that many Maori were already locked out of employment before the pandemic - Maori unemployment has consistently been double the rate of Pakeha unemployment", the Maori Party says in a statement.

They say there is no justification for the recently redundant to receive double the income support of those made redundant before the pandemic.

"We are entering what is likely to be a major recession - all people needed guaranteed secure incomes, and not just for 12 weeks."

"It's likely many recently unemployed people won't be able to find new work within 12 weeks," the Party says.

Welcoming the income relief payments Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP) say that all unemployed deserve liveable incomes.

AAAP says the government's move is a slap in the face of hundreds of thousands of people on a benefit who rely on food grants to survive and is accusing the government of creating a two-tier welfare system.

"People who have been in work have suffered a very sharp income drop, and that obviously that's very unexpected because of Covid-19 ... It's a recognition that we need to cushion the blow for people," Finance Minister Grant Robertson said.

Sources

• Stuff
• Newshub
• NZ Doctor
• The Maori Party

It is a call to action.

In its 13th year, 300 volunteers will take to the streets of Marlborough behind a fire truck on Monday night, calling on households to donate to the Foodbank Street Appeal for people in need this Christmas.

Marlborough Foodbank manager Wynnie Cosgrove said non-perishable food would be the focus of the appeal, including items such as canned beans and fruits, packaged rice and pasta, cereal and oats.

Sometimes additional "treats" came in, such as soap or shampoo, but Cosgrove said food was the most important. Continue reading

In his Newsletter Cardinal John Dew says, "This essential agency of the Archdiocese will now have the opportunity to work alongside Soup Kitchen Staff in reaching out to some of the more needy and vulnerable people of our city."

Source
Cardinal John's Newsletter

The St Francis of Assisi Dunedin Trust has been formed to provide micro-loans to people in need of a helping hand, especially in a crisis situation.

The initiative by a small group of Dunedin Catholics, was prompted by The Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty.

The Advisory Group recommended reducing debt as a major way to improve the circumstances of disadvantaged children in New Zealand, and the Parish Priest of Forbury, Dunedin, Fr Gerard Aynsley asked the community whether it could help address the problem.

With it's focus in South Dunedin, the St Francis Trust has formed a relationship with South Auckland based Nga Tangata Microfinance Trust enabling the St Francis Trust to provide

• a no interest loans of up to $1500 to purchase a household asset, e.g. washing machine, TV or computer or for paying the likes of medical, dental, car repair or school uniform bills
• a debt relief loan of up to $2500 to help pay off a high-interest loan.

Spokesperson for the St Francis Trust, Lynne Toomey said that loaning people money is legally quite complicated, but Nga Tangata through their relationships with the Good Shepherd Microfinance Trust in Australia, the NZ Council of Christian Social Services, the NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services, have excellent systems in place.

Kiwi Bank provides Nga Tangata with the loan capital.

Toomey says the trust is also keen to look at other ways of helping people with financial problems.

"We know we won't be able to solve all their financial worries, but we're particularly keen to help people look at all the options before taking on high-interest loans", she told CathNews.

The St Francis Trust is also using the opportunity of providing the loan as a way towards giving people financial literacy, and is keen that people learn to budget for themselves.

"Those who get a loan are required to work with budget advisors for the duration of the loan", she said.

To make the service more accessible, the St Francis Trust, through Church Resources, has set up an free call number 0800 086 177.

The St Francis Trust is keen for parishioners and members of the community to become directly involved in the work and development of the trust. Those looking to get involved are welcome to email: stfrancisfund@dspa.org.nz.

Sources:

• Supplied
• Image: Hope Church