The co-author of the Salvation Army’s annual ‘State of the Nation’ report says it paints a bleak picture as New Zealanders are struggling to afford the basics including food and housing.
The report, titled Kai, Kāinga, Whānau. The Basics – Food, a home, Family, is the 18th iteration of the organisation’s deep dive into social indicators.
“Unfortunately in this year’s report we have gone backwards in those areas of food and housing,” says report co-author Ana Ika.
“Ultimately those two things which are really basic, which every New Zealander should have the dignity to have, but that’s not the reality for a significant portion of our population particularly for our Pacific.”
At the forefront is food insecurity especially among families with children. It has risen sharply, with half of all Pacific children reported as going without food.
“I guess that was the most significant and pressing need for Pacific communities, 55% of children said that they go without food often or sometimes,” Ika says.
“The Salvation Army is a food bank provider. We often see food as sort of the immediate need and there’s often a whole lot of underlying issues in that.
“When we start digging we find out it’s because of unemployment, financial hardship and housing costs.”
More than 400,000 people needed welfare support in December 2024—the highest number since the 1990s.
Unemployment in the last year increased by around 30,000 while job growth in that time has stalled. Overall, there are some 150,000 people currently unemployed in Aotearoa.
“Unemployment nationally is about 5 percent and for Pacific it’s about 10%,” Ika says.
“And so, you know, when you don’t have enough of the community working, they often translate to lower income levels. I mean, what does it mean in regards to housing and the other challenges?
The social policy analyst says the report is a reflection of how we are doing as a country and we all have a role to play.
“If you look in the mirror and you don’t like what you see, then do something about it. You know, whether you’re a politician, or whether you’re just in a community or, you know, whether you’re in a church setting, every person has is in some sort of capacity to make a difference in regards to the circle that they’re in.”
Ika is advocating for young Pasifika to get a good education, the key to unlocking a better future for our community.
“Education is often highlighted as a way out or something that pushes families or pushes people out of poverty. High education often means better employment and higher income opportunities.”
