Reports
Produced since 2004
Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit
Working for the eradication of poverty in New Zealand
We believe that a poverty-free Aotearoa New Zealand is possible.
Since the Unit began in 2004, we have established a focus for social research and policy evaluation, and a platform to engage with opinion-formers and decision-makers in politics, government, business, media, and academia. We believe that change is necessary and possible and so work to influence the direction of public policies for the wellbeing of all individuals, families, and communities.
State of the Nation
Foundations of Wellbeing—Poipoia te Kākano
Our 19th report diving deep into the 2025 data representing the state of New Zealand. How is the nation tracking compared to 2024?
- 0k+
Gambling Profits
A single pokie machine can generate more in a year than a minimum-wage worker earns.
0k+Food Parcels
90,250 food parcels were distributed in 2025 — 7% higher than 2024 and almost 50% more than 2019 (pre-Covid).
0k+Need Housing
There were over 19,000 people with high housing need on the public Housing Register in 2025.
Recent work
Summary • The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora strongly opposes this bill in its entirety. The bill is an unnecessary extension of Police powers and will increase harm to people experiencing homelessness. • Instead of further progressing this bill, we urge the government to focus on resourcing the proven and effective responses to homelessness that…
Summary The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora strongly supports the aim of this Bill to amend the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) to create a register of boarding houses and boarding house landlords.
Summary • The Salvation Army (Te Ope Whakaora) strongly opposes the policy changes implemented through this Bill. These changes add complexity to the income support system and do not address root causes of youth unemployment and unaffordable housing. • Introducing a combined parental assistance test for 18 and 19-year-olds applying for Jobseeker support means more…
