Child poverty deepens as housing and food pressure push families
The Salvation Army’s latest State of the Nation report shows hardship worsening for children as frontline workers warn the system is failing those with the least.
What’s at stake? Rising child poverty, housing stress, and food insecurity are shaping long-term outcomes for children across Aotearoa.
Background: The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2026 report finds most wellbeing indicators are flat or deteriorating after two years of sustained economic pressure.
Main players: The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit and community advocate David Letele.
The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2026 report paints a stark picture of wellbeing in Aotearoa, showing many households remain under sustained economic and social pressure, with little sign that conditions are easing for families at the sharp end.
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Key points
What’s at stake? Rising child poverty, housing stress, and food insecurity are shaping long-term outcomes for children across Aotearoa.
Background: The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2026 report finds most wellbeing indicators are flat or deteriorating after two years of sustained economic pressure.
Main players: The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit and community advocate David Letele.
