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
There are few moments in life that remind us how fortunate we are simply because of where and when we were born. If I had been born in New Zealand just over 130 years ago, I would not have been allowed to vote. Had I been born in many other parts of the world today,…
Much of the media commentary frames housing as a market when in fact it is part of a more complex and intriguing housing system. This commentary is dominated by the opinions and analyses of bank economists, real estate agents and occasionally developers. It focuses on the current price of housing, mortgage interest rates and house…
Why we need to care about this (and every) election “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried…” (Winston Churchill 1947) “But what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6;8) It is easy to…
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💀 Death and taxes. Two things we can't escape.Nobody enjoys paying taxes, but imagine a society without them.From hospitals and schools to roads, housing and income support, taxes fund the essential services and infrastructure we rely on every day.With government spending more than $43 billion annually on welfare support alone, and billions more on other public services, how we raise and use tax revenue matters.A fair and effective tax system isn't just about how much we pay. It's about ensuring essential services are sustainable, supporting those in need and making every dollar count.🗳️ As we head towards Election 2026, we're asking political parties: How will your tax policies reduce poverty, fund essential services and ensure fairness for future generations?Explore our Pressing Issues 2026:🔗 www.salvationarmy.org.nz/sppu/2026#pressingissues2026#Election2026e#tax6#SocialPolicy6#TheSalvationArmycy #TheSalvationArmy
📢 You're Invited: Vote for Kai Political ForumVote for Kai is a growing movement, launched alongside Kore Hiakai, AFRA, Health Coalition Aotearoa, and The Salvation Army. With more than 2,000 signatures on our open letter and the support of over 100 businesses and organisations, the call for action is gaining momentum.This political forum is where we bring the conversation into one room.Join us to hear directly from political representatives, learn where they stand on food insecurity and poverty issues, and be part of an important discussion about building a hunger-free Aotearoa.✅ Register now and secure your place: events.humanitix.com/vote-for-kai-in-person-political-forumSoon we will decide the future of our government for the next three years. How we govern, run and design our food system. It’s something that affects every single one of us on a daily basis.Good food that keeps us well, accessed in a way that reflects our agency and choice and regenerates our natural world to ensure abundance for our children and all future generations, should not be up for political debate - but here we are.This political forum is where we bring the conversation into one room.Join us for a cross-party discussion on where our political parties actually stand on food, and what they’re prepared to do about it.Friday 16 October, 4:30pm - 6:00pmAuckland University of Technology, WG Building, Wellesley St, Auckland CBD. AUT The speakers joining us will include: Chloe Swarbrick - Green Party Chlöe Swarbrick GREEN PARTY of Aotearoa NZ 💚 David Wilson - NZ First Party New Zealand First Romeo Tevaga - Opportunity Party Romeo Tevaga The Opportunity Party Greg Fleming - National Party Greg Fleming NZ National Party Naisi Chen - Labour Party Naisi Chen New Zealand Labour Party In November, we’re voting for kai. Come join us and be part of the conversation.Limited space - registration essential! Link in bio to join us!
Missed the Porirua Meet the Candidates event?Watch the recording here: 🎥Stay informed and hear what the candidates had to say.
Are we addressing the causes of hardship, or making life harder for those already struggling?Last week, The Salvation Army's Service Development Lead, Emma Hunter, joined Breakfast to discuss the National Party's proposed welfare reforms, including random drug testing and reduced benefit payments for long-term Jobseeker recipients.Emma raised concerns about the use of benefit sanctions, highlighting the limited evidence of their effectiveness and the potential harm to individuals and whānau, particularly children experiencing material hardship.She emphasised that addiction requires a health response, not simply financial penalties. Greater investment in addiction treatment, harm reduction, peer support and supported employment pathways is needed to help people overcome barriers and improve their wellbeing.With 169,000 children experiencing material hardship, we cannot overlook the impact welfare policies may have on families already struggling to make ends meet.As we approach Election 2026, The Salvation Army is calling on all political parties to focus on policies that reduce poverty, strengthen income security and provide meaningful pathways into employment.Explore our Pressing Issues 2026 election material:www.salvationarmy.org.nz/sppu/2026-general-e#pressingissues2026I#Election2026e#welfare6#povertye#addictionsAddictions