The release of the Children Social Health Monitor 2012 update has drawn attention to the unmet needs of the many New Zealand children living in poverty.
The annually updated Monitor was launched in 2009 and aims to evaluate the impact of the economic downturn on child well-being. The full report, which complies data from economic and health indicators can be read here.
The report has shown that as the economic downturn continues, poorer child health continues to be associated with poverty. Media coverage includes:
Radio NZ: Child health report
Otago Daily Times: Poverty: time ‘to wake up’
Newstalk ZB: Children’s health research highlights poverty issue
Stuff.co.nz: New Zealand Children Hit Even Harder By Poverty
3 News: Little improvement in poverty-related health stats
NZ Herald: Downturn making kids sick, Govt urged to act now