We need to remember that there is no break for families living in poverty. The heart of Christmas is giving and that can start with us.” Major Pam Waugh, Head of Social Services, Salvation Army. Welcome to the latest Policy Watch e-letter highlighting the latest news, research and policy developments relevant to the NZCCSS mission…
Continue Reading → Justice is not only about the right way to distribute things. It is also about the right way to value things. Michael J. Sandel Welcome to the latest Policy Watch e-letter highlighting the latest news, research and policy developments relevant to the NZCCSS mission to work for a just and compassionate society in Aotearoa New…
Continue Reading →
International Day of Older Persons 1st October Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society This year’s International Day of the Older Persons coincides with the negotiations to form a new coalition government in New Zealand. The theme for 2017 is “about enabling and expanding the contributions of…
Continue Reading → Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people. Nelson Mandela Welcome to the latest Policy Watch e-letter highlighting the latest news, research and policy developments relevant to…
Continue Reading →
It is great that inequality, poverty and housing are central issues for people in this election. Which policies are most likely to make good progress toward a fair and more equal share of income & wealth? The Equality Network has released a scorecard with star ratings of income, housing, tax and other policies…
Continue Reading →
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (Nr 2) NZCCSS Submission The proposed changes to rental laws are not sufficient and another example of a piecemeal approach to rental law in this country. This is the key message of the NZCCSS submission to Parliament in August. Rental law changes are on the table in Parliament and even though…
Continue Reading →
Fair Incomes and Affordable Housing for Older People The economic wellbeing of older people, is crucial says Age Concern. Three out of five older people rely almost completely on NZ Super for their income with little or no savings or other income. That means that what happens with NZ Super is a central issue. Grey…
Continue Reading →
Equality Network Election Statement 2017 – Immediate Actions and Longer Term goals Inequality remains the big issue in peoples’ minds heading into this election. The “Great Divergence” that opened up in the 1980s and 90s, is not reducing so the groups that are part of the Equality Network have come up with 3 immediate action…
Continue Reading →
Elections and Social Services Policy As we move towards 23 September and the General Election we know that we will have a new government in place. Whether that is a new version of the National Party led government we have had for the last 9 years or a Labour led alliance we do not know….
Continue Reading →
Media release 5th September 2017 “We are extremely happy that the leaders of both the largest political parties have committed to lifting 100,000 children out of poverty”, said Trevor McGlinchey, Executive Officer of the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS). “Whatever the outcome of this Election we will be holding the ruling majority…
Continue Reading → “..Vital services like early childhood education and home support for older people are being cut back and unable to meet increasing need. One key reason – too little tax is being collected to fund “… Trevor McGlinchey Welcome to the latest Policy Watch e-letter highlighting the latest news, research and policy developments relevant to NZCCSS’ core mission…
Continue Reading →
The Equality Network is asking for politicians to commit to a truly free education, which will benefit all children, irrespective of their household incomes. Members of the Equality Network, a non-partisan network of 37 members united by the vision of a more equal Aotearoa New Zealand, say that the hidden costs of education are putting…
Continue Reading → Media release 23rd August 2017 A fairer approach to tax would mean more could be done to help those in need. Bringing in a higher tax rate on the highest incomes could provide the resources needed to lift kiwi’s out of poverty – a way to help those facing hard times get back on their…
Continue Reading →
We need politicians to show a courageous vision in order to turn the housing crisis into a housing opportunity. We need to build genuinely affordable homes that stay in the hands of hard working New Zealanders. This is one message shared by Kate Day, advocate from the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, in the video below….
Continue Reading →
MEDIA RELEASE: Tuesday 15th August 2017 The Salvation Army’s call for 2,000 to 2,500 more State and social houses per year is strongly supported by the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS). The Salvation Army report “Taking Stock; The Demand for Social Housing in New Zealand” provides a well-balanced but sobering overview of…
Continue Reading →