Child hardship up 47,500 since 2022, nearly 170,000 children now affected

StatsNZ figures show 47,500 more New Zealand children fell into material hardship between 2022 and 2025, bringing the total to nearly 170,000 — one in seven. The rate has risen to 14 percent against a statutory target of six percent by 2028. CPAG chief executive Lyn Amos said the country was "absolutely going backwards."