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RNZ News
16-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Charities see alarming levels of poverty as families struggle
There are a dozen people in the Latu household in the Auckland suburb of Mangere, but not enough beds for everyone. Three of Unaloto Latu's children have to sleep on couches in the living room. "Those three big chairs over here, our younger children sleep here... we know that sometimes it's hard for them but they have no choice." She and her husband have eight children aged between six and 18, and two relatives staying. Her husband has been off work with a knee injury for about three years and their household income, reliant on the benefit, is always stretched. They are not alone - social services said they are seeing an alarming level of poverty as families struggle with the cost of living. Unaloto Latu. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Four agencies RNZ spoke to said they regularly hear of families sleeping in one room and turning off the power during the day as they try to stay warm and pay their electricity bills. Charities - including the city missions, Variety, Kids Can and Family Works - are running winter appeals to help support families facing hardship. Latu sells her homemade cakes to help pay for eggs and milk for her family - but it is not enough. "Kids can go without milk, meat and bathroom stuff, cleaning stuff. Sometimes they need clothes and shoes, broken, husband can fix it he says he can get another two weeks from that." The power and internet bills are paid but Latu said dinner is sometimes just rice - her children's schools are part of the government lunch programme. "Sometimes if we have, we have. If not, they come [home] and just go in their room," she said. "It's crazy right now and it looks like everything in the shop is going up each before i can buy six [bottles] milk a week for our kids but now two." Latu said she sometimes struggles to remain positive. "It is so hard but I always say to my friends and family I don't want to sit down and focus on that side, because I'm a very emotional person I'm going to cry the whole day not doing anything thinking of those things. I try to keep moving forward." Latu said she is grateful to Variety for sponsoring her children, meaning they each receive $50 a month as a contribution to household costs. Stats NZ figures show electricity costs have gone up almost 9 percent since June last year. Petrol has gone up 15.5 percent over the same period. Consumer NZ's annual energy retailer survey found seven percent of New Zealanders have had to take out loans to pay their power bills - unchanged since last year. Chief executive Jon Duffy said the number of people concerned about the cost of electricity has jumped 10 percent in the last year. "These financial concerns have led us into a dire situation where 11 percent of people are underheating their homes." Duffy said the underlying market structure needs an urgent overhaul in order to slow down the growing number of New Zealanders experiencing energy hardship. This week, the Electricity Authority announced it would force big electricity retailers to offer cheaper prices for off-peak power use prices, and fair prices to people who sell surplus power to the grid from roof top solar panels at peak times. It is changing sector rules to require retailers with more than five-percent market share to offer time of use prices from the middle of next year, after a report by a joint task force of the Authority and the Commerce Commission. The changes were aimed to give consumers more choice in how and when they use power, and put downward pressure on prices. Presbyterian Support Northern general manager of social services Grenville Hendricks said this winter is worse for those on the breadline. The organisation is helping 800 fewer families after its government funding was cut by $1.5 million last year. "Agencies are struggling to keep their services running, let alone try and support people coming in," he said. "It's also a challenge when there's been issues around benefit payments, there's been reductions in the numbers of available social housing." Hendricks said that all contributed to people struggling to pay their bills, including power. "People are trying to manage as best they can, but given all the other circumstances that are currently happening in New Zealand with the cost of living, unemployment, reduction in social services, it means that actually the power challenge becomes exacerbated." He said they have heard of families sleeping in one room and children sharing beds to keep warm, and that the health of those not sleeping in beds or in damp mouldy houses was suffering. Zero Hunger Collective executive officer Tric Malcolm said she is hearing examples across the country of families struggling to pay for basics. "What is normal now, most people wouldn't have even dreamed of several years ago." She said for the first time in almost a decade they were hearing stories of families across the country struggling to keep their power on this winter. "I haven't heard these stories since the global financial crisis. Families are putting the heating on in one room and sleeping in that one room so that they can save energy," Malcolm said. "It's those moments that cause me worry and make me feel sad because people aren't able to access good dry, warm homes because they don't have enough funds in their household income." She said people then reduce the amount that they eat. Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson said its services are experiencing increased demand and people would often cover their rent and utilities before buying food. "People are making terrible, terrible choices. Do I send kids to school, do I have the power on? Do I pay for the washing machine to be fixed, do I have the power on? Do I get food?" she said. "What we know is that the demand for food, so therefore the inadequacy of people's weekly income, is significantly increasing, so much so that we can't meet the need and I am deeply distressed to acknowledge that." Variety sponsors about 10,000 children and chief executive Susan Glasgow said the wait list has more than 3000 children living in material deprivation. "Unfortunately these are children all throughout New Zealand who are living in material deprivation, in cold, damp homes, sleeping on the floor, not having enough school uniforms to go around all the children in a household, they're living in really tough times." Glasgow said they hear from families regularly who are struggling to afford to heat their homes, and they often sleep in one room sometimes with the oven on for warmth. "New Zealand is teetering on the brink. I think if we don't take some pretty severe steps very soon we're going to see more children plunged into poverty and the long term outcomes for New Zealand are going to be dire," she said. "We want a healthy, vibrant group of young people who can contribute to our economy, who are well educated, who can support us in our dotage. You know, it's just good for New Zealand to invest, and it's not about charity, it's about investment in our future as a country." Unaloto Latu dreams of a bright future for her children and encourages them to help others. "Our hope for our children, we always teach them to go to school and study hard so you can get a job that will give you what you need." And when they have grown up, Latu has dreams of her own. "For myself, my hope and dream is when my kids are all in good places I want to travel around the world." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Cost of living: Charities see alarming levels of poverty as families struggle
There are a dozen people in the Latu household in the Auckland suburb of Mangere, but not enough beds for everyone. Three of Unaloto Latu's children have to sleep on couches in the living room. "Those three big chairs over here, our younger children sleep here... we know that sometimes it's hard for them but they have no choice." She and her husband have eight children aged between six and 18, and two relatives staying. Her husband has been off work with a knee injury for about three years and their household income, reliant on the benefit, is always stretched. They are not alone - social services said they are seeing an alarming level of poverty as families struggle with the cost of living. Unaloto Latu. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Four agencies RNZ spoke to said they regularly hear of families sleeping in one room and turning off the power during the day as they try to stay warm and pay their electricity bills. Charities - including the city missions, Variety, Kids Can and Family Works - are running winter appeals to help support families facing hardship. Latu sells her homemade cakes to help pay for eggs and milk for her family - but it is not enough. "Kids can go without milk, meat and bathroom stuff, cleaning stuff. Sometimes they need clothes and shoes, broken, husband can fix it he says he can get another two weeks from that." The power and internet bills are paid but Latu said dinner is sometimes just rice - her children's schools are part of the government lunch programme. "Sometimes if we have, we have. If not, they come [home] and just go in their room," she said. "It's crazy right now and it looks like everything in the shop is going up each before i can buy six [bottles] milk a week for our kids but now two." Latu said she sometimes struggles to remain positive. "It is so hard but I always say to my friends and family I don't want to sit down and focus on that side, because I'm a very emotional person I'm going to cry the whole day not doing anything thinking of those things. I try to keep moving forward." Latu said she is grateful to Variety for sponsoring her children, meaning they each receive $50 a month as a contribution to household costs. Stats NZ figures show electricity costs have gone up almost 9 percent since June last year. Petrol has gone up 15.5 percent over the same period. Consumer NZ's annual energy retailer survey found seven percent of New Zealanders have had to take out loans to pay their power bills - unchanged since last year. Chief executive Jon Duffy said the number of people concerned about the cost of electricity has jumped 10 percent in the last year. "These financial concerns have led us into a dire situation where 11 percent of people are underheating their homes." Duffy said the underlying market structure needs an urgent overhaul in order to slow down the growing number of New Zealanders experiencing energy hardship. This week, the Electricity Authority announced it would force big electricity retailers to offer cheaper prices for off-peak power use prices, and fair prices to people who sell surplus power to the grid from roof top solar panels at peak times. It is changing sector rules to require retailers with more than five-percent market share to offer time of use prices from the middle of next year, after a report by a joint task force of the Authority and the Commerce Commission. The changes were aimed to give consumers more choice in how and when they use power, and put downward pressure on prices. Presbyterian Support Northern general manager of social services Grenville Hendricks said this winter is worse for those on the breadline. The organisation is helping 800 fewer families after its government funding was cut by $1.5 million last year. "Agencies are struggling to keep their services running, let alone try and support people coming in," he said. "It's also a challenge when there's been issues around benefit payments, there's been reductions in the numbers of available social housing." Hendricks said that all contributed to people struggling to pay their bills, including power. "People are trying to manage as best they can, but given all the other circumstances that are currently happening in New Zealand with the cost of living, unemployment, reduction in social services, it means that actually the power challenge becomes exacerbated." He said they have heard of families sleeping in one room and children sharing beds to keep warm, and that the health of those not sleeping in beds or in damp mouldy houses was suffering. Zero Hunger Collective executive officer Tric Malcolm said she is hearing examples across the country of families struggling to pay for basics. "What is normal now, most people wouldn't have even dreamed of several years ago." She said for the first time in almost a decade they were hearing stories of families across the country struggling to keep their power on this winter. "I haven't heard these stories since the global financial crisis. Families are putting the heating on in one room and sleeping in that one room so that they can save energy," Malcolm said. "It's those moments that cause me worry and make me feel sad because people aren't able to access good dry, warm homes because they don't have enough funds in their household income." She said people then reduce the amount that they eat. Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson said its services are experiencing increased demand and people would often cover their rent and utilities before buying food. "People are making terrible, terrible choices. Do I send kids to school, do I have the power on? Do I pay for the washing machine to be fixed, do I have the power on? Do I get food?" she said. "What we know is that the demand for food, so therefore the inadequacy of people's weekly income, is significantly increasing, so much so that we can't meet the need and I am deeply distressed to acknowledge that." Variety sponsors about 10,000 children and chief executive Susan Glasgow said the wait list has more than 3000 children living in material deprivation. "Unfortunately these are children all throughout New Zealand who are living in material deprivation, in cold, damp homes, sleeping on the floor, not having enough school uniforms to go around all the children in a household, they're living in really tough times." Glasgow said they hear from families regularly who are struggling to afford to heat their homes, and they often sleep in one room sometimes with the oven on for warmth. "New Zealand is teetering on the brink. I think if we don't take some pretty severe steps very soon we're going to see more children plunged into poverty and the long term outcomes for New Zealand are going to be dire," she said. "We want a healthy, vibrant group of young people who can contribute to our economy, who are well educated, who can support us in our dotage. You know, it's just good for New Zealand to invest, and it's not about charity, it's about investment in our future as a country." Unaloto Latu dreams of a bright future for her children and encourages them to help others. "Our hope for our children, we always teach them to go to school and study hard so you can get a job that will give you what you need." And when they have grown up, Latu has dreams of her own. "For myself, my hope and dream is when my kids are all in good places I want to travel around the world." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Report Highlights Value Of Social Workers In Schools
Press Release – Presbyterian Support Northern Every $1 invested generates $3.5 of social value When we support tamariki to feel safe, connected, and confident at school, we help create real, positive change in their wellbeing and everyday lives – making a meaningful difference and delivering strong social value in financial terms. That's the key finding of a social return on investment (SROI) report released by social services provider Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN), whose services include Family Works, Lifeline and Shine. Produced by PSN's service evaluation team, the report found that for every $1 invested in its Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) service, $3.50 of social value was created. This is on top of positive changes experienced by children, parents or caregivers, and school staff. PSN General Manager Social Services Grenville Hendricks says the report helps to demonstrate the social value created through the SWiS service — not only through numbers and outcomes, but through the positive changes seen in the lives of tamariki and their whānau. 'We know that when children's basic needs are met and their emotional wellbeing is nurtured, they are more likely to attend school regularly, engage in learning and reach their full potential,' he says. 'Whether it's building trust with a family, addressing barriers to school attendance, or creating a safe space for a child to be heard, the SWiS service plays a vital role in strengthening foundations for lifelong wellbeing. 'What this report does is quantify exactly what this means in dollar terms through clearly showing a return on investment of more than three to one. 'This is an important finding and aligns with the Government's drive for clearer social return on investment.' Research for the report looked at 2981 children receiving individual support and those attending group-based sessions across 96 schools in the upper North Island during the period 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025. It also considered the social value created for other key stakeholders, such as parents and caregivers. The report is based on the internationally recognised Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework and follows the eight principles of Social Value International. In line with best practice, financial value was assigned to outcomes by selecting financial proxies from the NZ Treasury CBAx tool, relevant research and comparable programme valuations. 'Our findings align with other similar evaluations, including those outcome evaluations conducted by Oranga Tamariki and the Social Investment Agency, which consistently show positive outcomes for tamariki, whānau and schools,' says Grenville Hendricks. 'We believe our analysis can inform decision-making and has implications for future investment, highlighting the potential for broader system wide impact if SWiS services were scaled up across more educational settings. 'The SROI analysis demonstrates that our SWiS service is achieving not only service-level change but also offers a scalable model for improving tamariki wellbeing, whānau resilience and system coordination. Future government policy should build on these insights to extend the reach and impact of the SWiS service. The Social Workers in School Social Return On Investment report can be found here. About Social Workers in Schools Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) delivers the Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) service across primary and intermediate schools in northern New Zealand. Funded by Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children, SWiS supports vulnerable tamariki and their whānau through early intervention social work services, with a focus on improving safety, wellbeing and educational outcomes. The service includes both one-on-one casework and group programmes, delivered by qualified social workers based on-site in schools. By working alongside tamariki, whānau, teachers and other professionals, SWiS address social, emotional, behavioural and family challenges that may impact children's wellbeing and social engagement. About Presbyterian Support Northern Presbyterian Support Northern is a charitable organisation that has brought practical, compassionate support to New Zealanders and their communities for 140 years. Today, our social services are Lifeline, Family Works and Shine while our health and disability services are grouped under Enliven.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Report Highlights Value Of Social Workers In Schools
When we support tamariki to feel safe, connected, and confident at school, we help create real, positive change in their wellbeing and everyday lives – making a meaningful difference and delivering strong social value in financial terms. That's the key finding of a social return on investment (SROI) report released by social services provider Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN), whose services include Family Works, Lifeline and Shine. Produced by PSN's service evaluation team, the report found that for every $1 invested in its Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) service, $3.50 of social value was created. This is on top of positive changes experienced by children, parents or caregivers, and school staff. PSN General Manager Social Services Grenville Hendricks says the report helps to demonstrate the social value created through the SWiS service — not only through numbers and outcomes, but through the positive changes seen in the lives of tamariki and their whānau. 'We know that when children's basic needs are met and their emotional wellbeing is nurtured, they are more likely to attend school regularly, engage in learning and reach their full potential,' he says. 'Whether it's building trust with a family, addressing barriers to school attendance, or creating a safe space for a child to be heard, the SWiS service plays a vital role in strengthening foundations for lifelong wellbeing. 'What this report does is quantify exactly what this means in dollar terms through clearly showing a return on investment of more than three to one. 'This is an important finding and aligns with the Government's drive for clearer social return on investment.' Research for the report looked at 2981 children receiving individual support and those attending group-based sessions across 96 schools in the upper North Island during the period 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025. It also considered the social value created for other key stakeholders, such as parents and caregivers. The report is based on the internationally recognised Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework and follows the eight principles of Social Value International. In line with best practice, financial value was assigned to outcomes by selecting financial proxies from the NZ Treasury CBAx tool, relevant research and comparable programme valuations. 'Our findings align with other similar evaluations, including those outcome evaluations conducted by Oranga Tamariki and the Social Investment Agency, which consistently show positive outcomes for tamariki, whānau and schools,' says Grenville Hendricks. 'We believe our analysis can inform decision-making and has implications for future investment, highlighting the potential for broader system wide impact if SWiS services were scaled up across more educational settings. 'The SROI analysis demonstrates that our SWiS service is achieving not only service-level change but also offers a scalable model for improving tamariki wellbeing, whānau resilience and system coordination. Future government policy should build on these insights to extend the reach and impact of the SWiS service. The Social Workers in School Social Return On Investment report can be found here. About Social Workers in Schools Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) delivers the Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) service across primary and intermediate schools in northern New Zealand. Funded by Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, SWiS supports vulnerable tamariki and their whānau through early intervention social work services, with a focus on improving safety, wellbeing and educational outcomes. The service includes both one-on-one casework and group programmes, delivered by qualified social workers based on-site in schools. By working alongside tamariki, whānau, teachers and other professionals, SWiS address social, emotional, behavioural and family challenges that may impact children's wellbeing and social engagement. About Presbyterian Support Northern Presbyterian Support Northern is a charitable organisation that has brought practical, compassionate support to New Zealanders and their communities for 140 years. Today, our social services are Lifeline, Family Works and Shine while our health and disability services are grouped under Enliven.
Otago Daily Times
19-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Octacan support ‘huge'
Winter support for those in need is in the can following yesterday's annual Octacan campaign. Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO) team leader Jollene Warrington said the event in Dunedin's lower Octagon supported the Family Works foodbank, and she was delighted more than 17,500 cans had been counted so far. "And more are continuing to come in. "Our target was 18,000, so I think we're definitely going to reach that. "It's been a phenomenal, phenomenal day. King's High School student Gregor Watts, 15, displays some of the 3685 cans collected by his school for the Presbyterian Support Otago Octacan appeal, in Dunedin's lower Octagon yesterday. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY "The amount of schools, churches and community groups that have got behind this — it has been huge. "And I just think we are so privileged to live in this community. "This is my sixth Octacan event and it blows me away every year." Mrs Warrington was impressed with the support of schools — particularly King's High School, which collected 3685 cans for the appeal. "That's a super effort for one high school. "They were phenomenal, and then they came up and helped unload them at the Octacan collection point as well. "So between them and Taieri College, and a number of other high schools, they've probably helped us max out our numbers. "Each year we can rely on those guys." Family Works general manager Nicole Devereux said this winter, more than ever, people would need extra support because the cost of food and other essentials had soared, and more and more families were using foodbanks. "Kai security is becoming a significant challenge for an increasing number of whānau. "Our data for January to April this year shows that we have had a 53% increase in new clients seeking budget advice and support. "High costs of living, low wages, health issues and housing instability are just some of the factors placing increasing pressure on individuals and whānau with less support services available. "These aren't people living beyond their means — they are people whose means are no longer enough to live on." She said the Octacan campaign was Presbyterian Support Otago's major winter food drive, which aimed to help restock the Family Works foodbank with canned and non-perishable food. About 18,000 cans were needed to keep up with demand over winter until the annual Christmas appeal, she said.
