Church Leaders Target Inequality

Church Leaders Target Inequality


Leaders of New Zealand major churches are supporting the launch of a New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) campaign to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

The ‘Closer Together Whakatata Mai’ campaign aims to focus attention on the impact of inequality—especially income inequality—on our nation. It was launched on 2 June at Downtown Community Ministry in central Wellington. Major Campbell Roberts, Secretary for Social Programme, represented The Salvation Army as a ‘Closer Together Whakatata Mai champion’.

NZCCSS President Ruby Duncan says that 20 years ago New Zealand was one of the most equal countries in the economically developed world, but that is no longer the case. ‘Our largely individualistic approach to economics and politics will lead us down a dark alley, where the nation we are becoming is increasingly divided. This separation is, on the face of it, an increasing divide between rich and poor, but underneath that is the reality of misery and despair for those growing up as the have-nots,’ says Ruby.

NZCCSS is urging regional networks to organise events and meetings over the next few months. They’re also aiming to collect more than 5000 signatures, either online or by postcard, from those committed to reducing inequality.

Those who have already committed to signing their support for ‘Closer Together Whakatata Mai’ include:

  • Major Campbell Roberts, Secretary for Social Programme and Director Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit
  • Ruby Duncan, NZCCSS President and CEO of Iosis
  • Vaughan Milner, NZCCSS Vice-President and CEO Presbyterian Support, Upper South Island
  • Archbishop John Dew, Catholic Diocese of Wellington
  • Rodney McCann, President of the Baptist Union of New Zealand
  • Archbishop David Moxon, Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
  • Bishop Muru Walters, Pihopa o Te Upoko o te Ika and Chair of Anglican Social Justice Commission
  • Professor Mike O’Brien, Massey University
  • Karen Morrison-Hume, CEO of Anglican Action Waiapu
  • Stephanie Macintyre, Director of Downtown Community Ministries

NZCCSS Executive officer Trevor McGlinchey hopes many other New Zealanders will also sign up so that reducing inequality becomes an election issue.

‘We are not seeking to promote one political party over another, but we want all parties and government agencies to develop or support policies that promote equality or reduce inequality,’ says Trevor. ‘We want to send a strong message to all political candidates that we don’t want a country of haves and have-nots; rather, we want to live in a society where everyone gets a fair go and is seen as a valuable member of our communities.’