58768 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction

58768 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: What progress has been made toward reducing child poverty among Māori and Pacific children since the latest reporting period?

Hon Louise Upston: The Government is focused on using data and evidence to ensure that we are targeting support to those who most need it, including in work to reduce child poverty. A Child and Youth Strategy Action Plan was approved by Child and Youth Ministers in March 2025. It identifies the key actions and initiatives the Government is progressing in relation to each of the Strategy priorities, including reducing material hardship. While some initiatives have an identified population focus, our focus is about ensuring that all services we deliver are designed well to address need where it exists. Investments through Budget 25 are supporting parents into paid work, providing secure housing, including additional affordable homes for whānau Māori, and contributing to growing the economy, which are expected to contribute to positive outcomes for Māori children and Pacific children.