FAMILY 100 RESEARCH PROJECT JULY 2014

Speaking for Ourselves

THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT KEEPS PEOPLE IN POVERTY FROM THOSE WHO LIVE IT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive summary.

In the last twelve years the number of food parcels provided by the Auckland City Mission food bank has almost quadrupled to 11,168 and the number of times people have accessed food parcels has increased.

Ten years ago people accessed food parcels Ultimately, it is hoped that two key outcomes when they experienced a crisis in their lives. result through the dissemination of this Today, thousands of families rely on food banks publication. The first is that the Auckland City as their regular source of food as money for Mission, along with other service providers, food is considered to be discretionary spending will be better able to support their clients as by many. The increasing long-term use of the they try to meet the daily challenges they face. Mission’s food bank is a growing concern. And the second is to bring the experiences of And, whilst we have an understanding of beneficiaries and low-paid workers into the

why people experience financial hardship, public domain, and to encourage constructive FAMILY 100 there is little understanding of what stops conversations with people on low incomes people moving out of poverty. With a prevailing rather than divisive rhetoric about them. opinion held by many that those living in poverty do so simply because they lack the initiative to A word about the free themselves from it, there is little impetus or pressure to address what is for many thousands Family 100 Research Project. of New Zealand families a desperate and The Family 100 Research Project is a Acknowledgements. deteriorating set of circumstances. collaborative study undertaken by the Auckland City Mission in conjunction with a group of The Auckland City Mission has listened to the researchers from Waikato University, Massey Lead Author: Emily Garden. John Cashmore, John Bonner, Hedi Brightmore, stories of 100 families who are long-term food University and the University of Auckland. It is Anne-Marie Keenan, Tanya Tapatuetoa, bank users in order to better understand the Contributing Authors: Angela Caldin, born out of the belief that a more constructive Matt Peterson and Robyn Tchernegovski. factors that trap some families in a repeating Diane Robertson, Julie Timmins, dialogue about the plight of people living in cycle of poverty. Speaking for Ourselves Tom Wilson and Tim Wood. Diane Robertson, the City Missioner, wishes to poverty is best be achieved by hearing directly (a summary report drawn from the Family 100 acknowledge the team who collaborated on from the people who live in those circumstances. The Auckland City Mission gratefully Research Project data) brings the voices of these the design and development of phase one acknowledges the many people who have 100 families, both individually and collectively, of the study: Professor Kerry Chamberlain To that end, the Family 100 Research Project contributed to the production of this publication. into the public domain. This report clearly (Massey University), Professor Darrin Hodgetts engaged 100 families living in poverty in highlights the plight of those living in poverty in Foremost we thank the participants of the (University of Waikato), Dr Shiloh Groot Auckland and, over the course of a year, their own words, and defines the eight key drivers Family 100 Research Project for their dedication, (University of Auckland) and Yardena Tankel documented and explored their experiences that keep people locked into a state of constant generosity, honesty and integrity. Without them (Auckland City Mission). The Family 100 Research of everyday life including their joys, financial hardship. Speaking for Ourselves also sharing their time and stories this research would Project Advisory Board also played an important achievements, frustrations and dilemmas. highlights our families’ key concerns, and their not have been possible. role in the shaping of phase one of the research: All Family 100 Research Project participants views on what would make a difference for them Dr Christa Fouche (University of Auckland), are long-term users (two to five years) of the We thank the JR McKenzie Trust for their if they are to stand a better chance of freeing Associate Professor Niki Harré (University Auckland City Mission’s food bank and were generous $100,000 funding for phase two themselves from poverty. of Auckland), Elaine Lolesio (Monte Cecilia), selected to be representative of those who of the Project, which covered data analysis, Dr Penelope Carroll (Massey University), regularly access the service; the cohort and publication costs. Mohi Rua (University of Waikato) and consisted of 40% Maori, 25% Pacific Islander, The Auckland City Mission assessment Dr Michael O’Brien (University of Auckland). 22% European, and 13% Asian and other professionals who conducted the Family minority groups. Approximately 80% of Thank you to the team at RAPP Auckland for Research 100 Project interviews played an Project participants were female. their work on the editing, design and production integral role in the shaping of the project of this publication. and the gathering of data: Linda Murphy,

1 FAMILY 100 member dies. happens whenyourchild getssick orafamily for familiestoliveinpoverty. Aboutwhat information aboutwhatit’sactually like There is,however, astrikingabsenceof lack theinitiative tofree themselvesfrom it. living infinancialhardship dosobecausethey bludgers, leading manytoconcludethatpeople often accusesthemasbeinglazyordependent of mediaattentiongiventobeneficiaries,which At present inNewZealandthere isnoshortage inpoverty. trapped people Eight keydriversthatkeep has beenproduced. set thatthisreport, SpeakingforOurselves, Project anditsrich andcomprehensive data to theirneeds.Itisfrom theFamily100Research enable supportagenciestobemore responsive and thecomplexityoftheirlives,tobetter and share understandings ofthesefamilies secure lives.The Project alsosoughttodevelop families are abletomoveforward andlead more to keep somefamiliesinpoverty, whileother Project istounderstand whatfactors work The ultimategoaloftheFamily100Research were recorded andtranscribed. hours ofwhich were interviewed,over390 visits duringwhich Family100participants professionals hadconductedatotal1,400 to moveforward. ByProject’s end,assessment often workinconcerttolimitaperson’s ability issues relating topoverty, andhowtheseissues in which theMission’sclientsdealtwith a comprehensive understanding oftheways professionals. These interviewssoughttogain conversations betweenfamiliesandassessment techniques documentedanddeepenedthe involving arange ofmappinganddrawing long-term relationship. Fortnightlyinterviews professionals sotheycoulddevelopa Families were matched withassessment EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE 2 is insurmountableformostpeople toovercome. act inconcert,exertingacombined influencethat poverty, andalsohowmanyofthesedrivers often people’s livesoperates tokeep peopletrapped in key drivers indetail,howtheirdailyinfluenceon This publicationexamineseach ofthese eight 8. Education 7. Services 6. Foodinsecurity 5. Health 4. Employment 3. Housing 2. Justice 1. Debt following areas: constant financialhardship. These relate tothe drivers thatkeep people trapped inastateof for themajority. Inshort,there are eightkey themes surrounding povertythatholdtrue is thatthere are particularexperiencesand isunique,whatbecomesevident person’s story to liveinpovertyNewZealand.Althougheach reveals thetruenature ofwhatitreally means our 100familiestotheforefront and,indoing so, Speaking forOurselves bringsthevoicesof free themselvesfrom them. navigate theseissuesand,insomeinstances, those peoplewhomanagetosuccessfully a conspicuousabsenceofreporting about forward andoutofpoverty. There isalso secure financialstrategies tohelpthemmove people cannotfinddecentjobs,housesor And abouthow, effort, inspiteofevery DEBT 3

1. Debt FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 is whentheexpenditure theincome,I’mintrouble. exceeds The The simplefact perweek. rent itselfis$380. $386 I receive Helen’s story. costs thatnooneelsewillcater for”. mybacon afewtimes...theunforeseen saved I tellyouwhat,they’ve[finance company] isn’tavailable… WINZ [Work andIncomeNZ] likethat,andthat’swhen repairs oranything thathelpmewithcar and they’re the people “What Idoishavethefinancecompany her inhardship. out loansatahigherinterest rate, oftenleaving because ofherlowincome.Sheendsuptaking though shehasbeenwiththemforyears Helen cannotgetaloanwithherbankeven balance, sheisforced toturnfringelenders. When Helen’sincomeandoutgoingsdonot children’s school hours. looking forapositionthatfitswithher a degree insocialwork,andiscurrently After leavingherpartner, Helenhasachieved child andhashadnocontactwithhimsince. was eightmonths’pregnant withhersecond a result. Shelefthernowex-partnerwhenshe father andhassustainedpermanentinjuriesas domestic violenceatthehandsofherchildren’s unit inEastAuckland. Helenwasavictimof (HNZ) ten, livinginatwo-bedroom HousingNZ Helen isasinglemotheroftwochildren under DEBT 4 anymore. Andrightfullyso.” Friends, familiesandno-onewantstobeafriend is borrow, in debt. which Ihavedone,heavily why Iamreliant oncharity...The optionhere the income,I’mintrouble. That isbasically The simplefactiswhentheexpenditure exceeds The perweek. rent itselfis$380. $386 “I receive immediate needs. important toherthanaddressing herfamily’s awareexploitation ofwhich sheisvery isless aweek.Howeverthebroader issueof pay $60 loaned herthemoneyshewouldonlyhaveto become unmanageable.Shesaysthatifherbank around Christmas,birthdays andwhenherbills As aresult, Helenoftengoestoloansharks mobile trucks.” to usethemostexpensive optionssuch asthe somethingyouhave need debt iswhenyoureally “Debt causesdebt.The worstthingabouthaving juggling acttomeetallherexpenses. become discretionary itemsinHelen’sconstant left withlittlemoneyforfoodandpower, which loans andrent byautomaticpayment,sheis companies outofherbenefit.Afterpayingoff Helen ispaying$125aweekback tofinance

Crippling debtcan weekly payments. that donotrequire themtoincrease their approved linesof‘credit’ (actuallymore debt) families intopaymentplans, including pre- Participants speak oflenders’ tacticstohook a vehiclebreaking down oranewschool uniform. when metwithanunexpectedexpense,such as Others seethemastheironlyoption (WINZ). NZ humiliation ofbeingrejected byWork andIncome to gointodebtwithfringelenders toavoidthe lenders isacomplex one.Somepeoplechoose relationship between participantsandfringe interest rates andcharges. However, the to fringelenders withtheirassociatedexorbitant the onlyoptionformanyfamiliesistoturn When facedwithafinancialshortfallorcrisis, are charged themost. Those whohavetheleast expensive linesofcredit topaythebills. spiral withnooptionbuttoturnevermore themselves trapped inadownward financial off such debts,manypeoplequickly find With littlepossibilityofevercompletelypaying lenders andischarged atinflatedinterest rates. which meansmuch ofthis debtisheldbyfringe to obtaincredit from majorfinancialinstitutions, usually notpossibleforpeopleonlowincomes This cycleisexacerbatedfurtherbecauseit their day-to-dayexpenses. increasing levelsofpersonal debttocover most peoplehavenooptionbuttoincur Despite understanding howtobudgeteffectively, meagre resources. resourcefulness inseekingwaystolimitdebtandlivewithintheir rhetoric, however, manyparticipantsdemonstrate considerable in participants’accountsoftheirfinances.Contrary tomuch public The sources andimplicationsofpersonal debtfeature prominently perpetuate itselfindefinitely. DEBT 5

is seenasanecessitythatdifficulttoavoid. However, engagingwithlenders ontheseterms inflated pricesforitemsfrom mobiletrucks. paying highinterest rates withpenaltiesor to theserelationships; theyknoware well aware thatthere isanexploitativeelement when theydon’t.Participants alsotendtobe have sufficientincometoservicethedebteven loans bymakingitappearasthoughthey about howtheymightsucceedinobtaining Fringe lenders alsoprovide advicetofamilies people optingoutofsuch events. to meetcultural obligationsoftenresults in the senseofshameandstigma atbeingunable contributing, such asvolunteeringinthekitchen, debt. While someparticipantshavestrategies for financial strain and further increase personal unveilings and birthdays;thesecancause add furtherfinancialpressure, such asfunerals, are certainexpected contributionsthatcan For familiesofMaoriorPacific heritagethere avoid social,familyandcultural events. isolation withparticipantsexplainingthatthey systems. Alack ofincomecontributestosocial causes extra strain affectingfamilysupport The needtoborrow from familyandfriends and particularlysobetweenpartners. takes itstollonfamilyandsocialrelationships, Financial pressure, includingmultipledebts, isolation. self-imposed exclusion and to social Living withdebtleads FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 unmanageable andinescapabledebt. when peopleare forced toliveinastate of psychological burden thatmustbeborne But perhapsmostcripplingofallisthe for manyparticipants. pharmacy, isoftenseenasdifficultorimpossible or essentialmedicalservices,like adoctoror of theirchildren instead.Accessingevenbasic their health-related issuestoattendthose own healthduetoalack ofmoney, ortoignore Others are forced tocompletelyneglecttheir or tocoverunexpectedsickness expenses. health reasons such asdentalwork,newglasses in ourfamilies’accounts.Sometake ondebtfor Debt andhealthare much interconnected very more thanmoney. much Debt costspeople the womenare leftwithsomeoneelse’sdebt. family members defaultontheirpayments, loans forfamilymembers. However, whenthose credit rating mentionbeingpressured totake out have died.Femaleparticipantswhoagood of inheritingdebtsfrom familymembers who the extendedfamily. Others speakoftheimpact women, iscredit thatistaken onformembers of Another source ofpersonal debt,particularlyfor DEBT 6 and psychological health. participation, aswelllong-termphysical lives such asmotivation,socialinteraction and all ofwhich directly impactotherareas oftheir extreme stress, anxietyanddepression, Many participantsspeakofexperiencing interest rates charged byalllenders. would beofgreat help,aswouldcappingthe microfinance schemes orlow-interest bankloans that accesstoaffordable credit intheforms of ‘fringe lenders’ iskeeping thempoor. They say for expensivecredit offered bysecondtier and Families tellusthatpayinga‘povertypremium’ The tosee. keychange weneed about debt. forOurselves Speaking money to feed yourfamilyatthattime.”money tofeed (Kali) waytoget be indebtagainbutit’sthe easiest [finance companies],knowing thatyou’re gonna forhelp,ratherjustgotofinances going toWINZ of expensive it is andthingslikethat.Instead theydon’tthinkaboutthegas,how go collect, elsetheywantusto budgeting andeverything travelling andthingslikethat…The travellingfor much more from us.They don’tthinkaboutthe so andtheyneed lawshavechanged [WINZ] their frustratingbecause enough…It’s too back tothemisnot whatever’s redirected wecan’tafford topayitbackbecause and just brought ustomore debt ontopofdebts to supportusgetbythenext dayandit’s it isjustfinances[financecompanies]…just “I’ve gotsomanydebtsandthemajorityof (Vincent) andalltherest ofit.”some butterandmilk and little bitofmoneysowecangetsomebread You’re third week. week, second every gettinga just aboutinthere [pawnbrokers] justmaybe “Sometimes itcangettothepointwhere we’re ”(Kim) myselfbackwards. I’ve dragged haven’t gotthatenergy tomoveforward because Ijust I shouldbedoing,can’tdoitbecause the roof…When stuff,what itcomestothereal youranxiety’sgoneto just can’tdoitbecause grantsyou forfood WINZ stuff likegoingtosee oh, mygosh.Then whenitcomestothesimple torepossess somethingandit’s, your door on toknock and you’re waitingforpeople it’sshocking, youwakeupworried, worried, and it’sunbelievablyastruggle.You gotobed no extras todohire purchase, butI’d doneit actual fact,onlypaystheessentials.There is [nowSoleParents Support]inreal “The DPB DEBT 7 that $8.00. I don’t wanna be with you anymore.” you with be wanna don’t I $8.00. that “That’s fine,” “That’s they’re like, the endofdriveway, doourshoppingand for meandthekids,wecouldgojustoutto so you’re gonnagoshopping,such abigthrill as youuse.The truck’s cominguptheroad, youcanpayaswear,they’re good, orpay soheleft… Inaway I didn’tgetanything and Iwasabletogetitforher. Isaid, money through rough needed stuffbutshe really his biologicalNana,atthetimeshewasgoing myson’sbiologicalfamily,“It wasbecause are abigtrap.” (Charlotte) andthat’sthetrap.Themeasier sharks andloan week. AndIsaid, week. a mypaymentsat$30.00 shop, andthenkeep Ican around...he by$500.00, saidI’mincredit left topayonmyaccount.ClothesTruck came “Being aclothingtruck [customer],Ihad$8.00 get tothedoctor’s.” (Ofa) money to forthekids,orborrowed medication ifI needed moneyformedication, “I’ve borrowed happen.” (Jade) paymentsbutthatdidn’t to maketheweekly a coupleofgrand-andshewassupposed “Yeah, we got new clothes,” new got we “Yeah, andIgotagrandhalfor “No, no, I just want to pay off off pay to want just I no, “No, itwas

FAMILY 100 FAMILY JUSTICE JUSTICE

Amy’s story.

He was missing his father being around because with 2. Justice his father gone, there was no father role model. FAMILY 100 FAMILY 100 FAMILY Amy is a mother of four children; two are at “My son had an episode when he was probably primary and two at high school. Amy lives in a on his last year of intermediate, his grades HNZ home and has been on a benefit since her weren’t great, he was getting into trouble and oldest child was young, but is currently studying fighting. He was missing his father being around towards an elder-care work qualification. because with his father gone, there was no Amy is separated from the father of her father role model.” children who has a history of alcohol abuse. However, he continues to play an active role in Amy believes it is of great importance that the family’s life. Amy’s ex-partner was recently her children visit their father in prison in imprisoned for a number of years. The financial order to maintain their relationship with him. impact of his imprisonment on Amy and her However she also feels that bringing children into family has been significant as he was a key a prison environment that is not family friendly source of financial support. Making matters and which feels unsafe is a difficult thing to do. worse, the ongoing cost of bringing her children “Yes, it’s just struck me that I just wouldn’t want to regularly visit their father is a challenge. any mother, children, families to go through this “Petrol costs, travelling from south Auckland out – it’s not really nice…because there are some to Albany, clearly it’s not a cheap trip, so I hardly adults there and they’d see each other and ever took the children, they’d go once a month.” they just do some really inappropriate things. Also, when you go there, you are checked However, there are times when budget whether you have any weapons or contraband constraints mean that Amy is unable to bring the on you. It’s just really uncomfortable, not a good children for visits with their father for a number of place to go…there’s all these high risk offenders months. Amy also describes the consequences in there and it’s just quite scary.” of prison and how it impacts her family and notes that the impact on her son was particularly strong, as his engagement with school has deteriorated significantly.

8 9 JUSTICE JUSTICE

The constant presence of the justice system.

The justice system figures disproportionately highly in the lives of Understandably, this causes intense frustration Family 100 Research Project members. For some, this is because crimes for those it affects, which over time can lead to the temptation to reoffend and a return The key change we need to see. or violence have been committed. For others, it is more frequently related to criminality with the certainty that it offers. Families speak about the serious impact of With little support available and their history to traffic matters. But whatever the reason, all participants are well aware having a family member in prison. They ask that preventing them from participating fully in society, this be considered when fining or imprisoning of their own responsibility in these situations. some participants see returning to prison as a people, as the act of doing so affects more real and viable alternative. than just that person. Our participants with For Project participants, lack of money often A significant amount of contact with the police family members in prison would also like to leads to a cycle of experiences with the justice comes about because of domestic violence. When that occurs, it has obvious and immediate see prison family visiting areas humanised system. A common scenario is a lack of money to And for many of the women in the Family 100 financial impacts on the families left behind with to enable parents to engage with their pay car registration and warranty, which results project their experiences have been positive in mothers left to raise children by themselves while children in a suitable environment. in a fine. These fines are disproportionately these sorts of circumstances. However, other dealing with all the difficulties of having a family high for those on low incomes and an inability women speak of the ways in which police can member in prison. In particular, trying to maintain

Our families also speak about how a criminal FAMILY 100 a relationship with a person in prison presents to pay results in further fines and court have a potentially negative, if unintended, record can permanently impede their ability significant challenges as visiting hours are very appearances carrying more significant influence at such times. For example, some to gain employment. We also hear how a lack short and conditions for visiting prevent any real punishments. Often, people resort to fringe women thought police demonstrated a lack of knowledge about the Clean Slate Act, FAMILY 100 FAMILY privacy. Unsurprisingly, many participants also lenders to remove themselves from the of empathy by sending two male police officers and the complex processes required to consider environments such as prison unsuitable court list, only to end up with even bigger to a domestic violence incident thereby imposing engage with it, prevent people pursuing this for children thereby impacting father and child debts with their associated consequences. even more masculinity into a situation where course. Families would like more information and relationships even more severely. a woman had been threatened and attacked support to be made available around this option. Participants speak of their experiences with by a male. the justice system and many believe there is As an adjunct to this issue, it is both a telling and an inherent bias against those with less money Parents are very keen that their children trust tragic fact that many participants are completely and less access to remedies. Participants feel the police and are frustrated when police unaware that they can apply for the erasure of strongly that the justice system works for those actions cause their children to become a past, non-violent conviction through the Clean with money and many feel there is a genuine frightened. Male participants often feel Slate Act. imbalance in power when they have any victimised because of previous behaviour involvement with the justice system and with and feel they are badly treated by both other government agencies. police and the justice system overall.

A love and hate relationship A criminal record becomes with police. a life sentence. Feelings about the police vary from very positive A recurrent theme in many participant interviews to totally negative. Interestingly, whether a person is the impact that their criminal record has on holds a positive or negative opinion appears to their ability to move forward. Time and time be influenced by the way the police presence again, participants talk about how they cannot manifests itself in their neighbourhood as a get a job because of their criminal history. whole. Several people gave accounts of very Importantly, this deleterious effect continues to good experiences they’d had, with police impede people’s progress regardless of what the taking the time to get to know their family, crime was or how long ago it was committed, organising barbecues and surprising people potentially locking people out of many viable with kind actions. options for the rest of their lives.

10 11 FAMILY 100 about justice. forOurselves Speaking (Autumn) couple ofparcels forthekids,itwasawesome.” meoffa kids andtheycameoverdropped holidaysIhad12 Overtheschool pretty cool. withthem.So,they’recommunity togetinvolved “They andencouragethe police]try [thelocal junior prosecutor.” (Helen) the finance,youcanhire aQCagainst which isbasically “If youhavethemeans, You inadaythatmuch.” don’tearn (John) “Why Somuch. thesefinesare $150? end upinthesameplace.” (Will) makeanydifference, Istill that anditdoesn’t toworkwiththesystemand and nowI’mtrying thesystemsomanytimes tobeat And I’vetried department, thesystemneverworksforme. todowiththejustice time I’vehadanything atitbutevery a bitofcynicalwaytolook on there isnojustice,justus.Andit’sprobably “Through early itreal thejusticesystemIlearnt JUSTICE 12 old makingallthedumbmistakes.” (Will) make. They melikeIwasthat17 stilltreat year to andthechanges I’vetried I haven’toffended yesterday. There’s noclemencyforthetimethat youliketheysaw of thejudgestheytreat get ridofthatlifestyle,whenyouendupinfront to mylifeandI’vetried “…now thatI’vechanged (Fiona) todointhemeantime?” what’s hesupposed gonna takehimforever topay…butit’sjustthat, his finesandhe’sstillpayingthoseoffit’s slateuntilhe’spaid he can’tapplyforaclean willevengivehimachance… down…nobody gettingshot interviews andhejustkeeps tosomanyjob He [herpartner]hasbeen hurt byamale.” (Charlotte) you’vejustbeen more because overpowered had thathappenandjustmakesyoufeel ispolicestandingoverher,need I’ve because kids upwomanwithhercrying thing abashed intoitmore thanacop.Theworker cansee last thenthatsocial a domesticincidentbecause to actuallygooutoncarswithpolicewhenitis workerstrained “I thinkthere shouldbesocial HOUSING 3. Housing

13 FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 in the room with us. Sometimes I sleep onthefloor… withus.SometimesIsleep in theroom My 17-month-old boyare sleeping andmy3-year-old Solomon’s story. beds…so they have to share a single bed each.” they have toshare asinglebed beds…so upforthemandIdon’t haveenough rooms withtheboys–halve my daughtersleep cosmyboysliketheirspace…I let on thefloor withus.SometimesIsleep intheroom sleeping “My 17-month-old boyare andmy3-year-old size bed. parents sleepwiththe twoyoungestinaqueen – theyoungerkidsshare singlebeds,andthe Solomon’s homeisseverely overcrowded he andhisfamilyare “fightingjusttosurvive”. focusing onworkisincredibly difficultwhen to findfulltimework.However, henotesthat Qualified atmanytrades, Solomon’sgoalis for friendsandfamilyorcollectingscrap metal. from family, occasionalcontract work,working the benefitwith remaining 20%from loans ofthefamily’sincomeisfromApproximately 80% but thefamilyiscurrently survivingonabenefit. years. InthepastSolomonhasworked fulltime homeforthepastfour their three-bedroom HNZ eight children. The familyhavebeenrenting thirties andliveinSouthAuckland withtheir Solomon andhiswifeare bothintheirmid- HOUSING 14 weeks atatime. Starship hospital thatcanlastuptoonetwo have ayoungchild whorequires frequent visitsto frequently stayinSolomon’s livingroom asthey extended familywhoreside ontheeastcoast family members permanentlylivinginthehouse, attendance alsosuffers. Inadditiontotheten and asthechildren are frequently ill,theirschool like thechildren’s abilitytocompletehomework, The cramped spacealsorestricts otherthings purchase theprescriptions duetolack offunds. prescribing cream, buttheSolomonisunable to but theproblem persists. The family’sdoctoris hastriedfumigatingthehome in bites.HNZ iscoveredis affectedbybedbugs;everybody and thegeneral healthoftherest ofthe family crowding, such assevere eczemaandasthma, from healthproblems associatedwithover- home butare onthewaitinglist.The kidssuffer The familyhasrequested atransfer toalarger Living insub-standard being fairlyeven. tenancies between privaterentals andHNZ report thattheyrent theirhome,withthesplit accommodation. The vastmajorityofparticipants families tofindaffordable andappropriate a hugeimpactontheabilityoflow-income The housingshortageinAuckland hashad families withfewoptions. housing present low-income Both privaterentals andstate mental wellbeing. implications foraperson’s physicaland has direct, detrimentaland,attimes,severe sub-standard housingforextendedperiods shows, however, isthatbeingforced tolivein What theFamily100Research Project clearly vermin, andpoorornoheatingthroughout winter. in theconstantpresence ofbedbugsandother persistent respiratory andskinconditions,living housing astheyimpactparticipants’healthare the commonlyrecurring themesregarding in theHealthsectionthispublication, Although dealtwithinmore specificdetail garages are frequently beingusedasbedrooms. flat. Limitedspacemeansthatliving rooms and of eightpeoplewere livinginatwo-bedroom uncommon. Oneparticipantreported theirfamily 10-12 shared athree-bedroom houseare not Permanent arrangements inwhich familiesof relatives stayingforweeksatatime. taking onthecare ofadditionalchildren or For some,familysizefluctuatesduetoparents with friendsorfamilywhenbetweenhomeshomeless. is along-termreality formanyfamilies,asitisthoseforced tolive Chronic overcrowding isasignificantissueformanyparticipantsand housing adverselyimpactshealth. HOUSING 15

participation atschool. depend uponaswelllimitingtheirchildren’s support systemsthatlow-incomefamilies relocation undermines theestablishedsocial were renting wastobesold.This sortofforced their neighbourhoodbecausethehousethey with manyfamiliesreporting theyhadtoleave Insecure tenanciesalso leavepeopleexposed must incur. expense tofamiliesbutisonetheysimply the ownership ofacar, which comesatgreat to socialisolation.Forothers, itnecessitates to servicesandtransport significantlycontributes work ortransport. Forsome,therestricted access and force themtomoveintosuburbsfarfrom sub-standard andovercrowded housingforyears, Such issueskeep manyfamilies trapped in paying rent isgood. poor credit of historieseveniftheirhistory applications, which disadvantagespeoplewith estate agentsundertake whenassessingrental been changes madetothecredit checks to workandpublictransport. There havealso desirable suburbsandintheareas convenient along withtherisingcostofrent inmore cover bondandothermoving-related costs, choices includehavinginsufficientmoneyto participants report contributetolimitedhousing lack ofproperties ingeneral, otherfactors that find suitableaccommodation.Alongwiththe to options forlow-incomefamilieswhentrying doesnotnecessarilyprovide more using HNZ Choosing torent ahouseprivately, rather than FAMILY 100 FAMILY HOUSING HOUSING

Speaking for Ourselves about housing.

HNZ service is inconsistent Another common concern is the lack of influence participants feel they have over and frustrating. the neighbourhood they are to be housed in, Participants report a range of positive and believing that HNZ houses are often situated in “I have a rental property, it’s a two-bedroom “My health it’s always not perfect. I always feel negative experiences when dealing with HNZ. ‘bad’ areas. Akin to this were people’s further unit located in Mangere…We have a size of sick when I feel cold, like this pain everywhere, But a key issue commonly reoccurring in many apprehensions about their assigned property six children plus myself and my wife, a total in my back. My legs can’t move properly and accounts is the impact that recent changes, and whether it is actually sufficient to meet of eight persons in a two-bedroom unit in south the house it’s too old and I get sick. It affects namely the closure of offices, has had to service their needs as a family. For some participants, Auckland…I get $360.00 for both of us. Of that my health because the house it’s cold… delivery. The result being many people now feel such fears lead them to take up a private rental $300.00 for the whole rent. The extra $60.00 My granddaughter, my daughter, they always less able to advocate for themselves because even though that comes at greater expense. that’s the money for the food, for the power, got a flu, they always get sick or sore back, they can no longer engage with a single tenancy or the phone, for any other necessity of life. sore legs…and I worry.” (Eva) manager who they used to visit, in person, The $60.00 has to go there.” (Helen) at their local branch. “The kids suffer from asthma and because “I’ve seen beautiful homes for $450 on the it’s quite cold and it’s damp, they get sick The key change we need to see. FAMILY 100 Participants recount their frustrations when computer but it’s just the money to get into that quite regularly during the winter.”(Autumn) being asked to explain their issues over and Low-income families tell us they want the same home…I’m thinking I’m paying all this money over again by multiple phone operators, things all families want – a house that is dry, and…it’s cold and the rooms aren’t that big and “We call it a ghetto mansion but it’s like the two FAMILY 100 FAMILY and then having to wait for a response from warm and secure. It is clear from our families’ I could do something better. But I don’t have any storey houses and they’re joined together but a tenancy manager, who may or may not follow accounts that a minimum standard for all rental money to move so I feel trapped really, that’s the they cut them into four and then there was little up within the promised 48 hours. accommodation, both for HNZ properties and problem, otherwise I’d say, “Shove your house,” door in the middle where you walk in and up a private rentals, must be set. and I’d gladly move. And people won’t let you stairwell. That smelt of urine and it had cigarette pay off a bond, they want the bond before you butts and it was just really gross. In the house move in…I thought about selling the car and down the bottom there was all these guys out then I thought, what’s the point in that cos there partying on the front lawn and stuff and I won’t be able to get anywhere and buses is they wanted us to have the unit upstairs. a hassle with bags of shopping and taxis are I looked through the window and it looked nice too expensive, so I need the car…I just feel a bit and clean and done up and that but I was just, depressed and down, I’ve been here five years “No, I can’t – it’s too scary.” (Adele) and it’s time for a bit of change now. I wanna “[With private rentals] you can choose your get some work and I want to move on.” (Hanna) own house. Housing New Zealand – they have “I’ve got me and six of the babies, but I always some nice looking homes but that’s it. It’s like have Sarah, Jamie and Robert [children from some wood wearing makeup. When you choose another relationship] comes back to me your own house, you can actually have a look every other night. So that’s just like 10… if it’s insulated, you can check all those things Three bedrooms. When me and James were out…And then also your area – you choose the together there was 12 of us. I ended up turning area as well so you know where to go and live.” the living room into a bedroom because (Marama) I’ve gotta put the bunk beds into the rooms. There was no way I could fit two bunk beds into one room, because two of the bedrooms are small, they only fit one bunk bed in each room. I ended up with a bunk bed and the queen sized bed in the sitting room so I could fit three babies all in the one bed. Fit three of them all in the one bed so the girls can have the bunks.” (Tina)

16 17 FAMILY 100 4. Employment EMPL0YMENT 18 you can’tgoanddoanysortsofjobs. If you’vegotnoqualifications,diploma,nothing, story.Chelsea’s would make budgetingimpossible. Added toherpartner’sdebt, a studentloan love todothis,butforhermoney isabarrier. certificate inearly childhood care. Chelseawould but cannotbehired unless shegainsathree-year She wasrecently offered ajobatbothcentres, volunteered intwoearly childhood centres. Chelsea ispassionateaboutchildcare andhas nothing, youcan’tgoanddoanysortsofjobs.” “If you’vegotnoqualifications,diploma, However, noneofthesehasledtopaidwork. partially completedahospitalitycourse. on jobseekingandcomputerskills,has Certificate andhascompletedtraining courses School secure herfuture. ChelseaholdsNZQA seekers iseagertofind permanent worktohelp (since thebirthofherson)butlike manyjob has notbeenformallyemployedforfiveyears that hersonhasreached school age.Chelsea support andisrequired toseekemployment now day perweek.Chelseaisreceiving sole-parent five-year-old son,wholiveswithhisfatherone separately andshare intheparenting oftheir Chelsea andthefatherofherchild live EMPL0YMENT 19 boss willlikemetakingtimeoff.” If Ihavetogoinforsurgery, Idon’tthinkthe patternchanges… over-wound mysleeping it gonnabelikewithbeinginajob?When Iget right now, ifI’mnotsleeping “Because what’s surgery foramedicalcondition. bouts ofinsomnia,andthepossibilityrequiring full-time work,namelyherincreasing anxietyand Chelsea alsohasotherconcernsabouttakingon arrangement.this, butit’susuallyavoluntary weekends. OccasionallyChelseagetspaidfor school, andcares forthemafterschool andon she takes friends’andneighbours’ children to childcare, Chelseahascreated workforherself; Although shecan’tcontinueworkingformallyin isfittingstudyinwith childcare.Another worry to $40K,butIcan’tafford that.” anditcangoup years, three “It’s $30K...for FAMILY 100 People wanttowork. People to spend with her family every night. to spendwithherfamilyevery the samewayeach day, leavingheronly anhour train stationjusttogetwork,returning home that shehastowalk10kilometres tothenearest a carare simplytoohigh.Oneparticipantreports to work,andforsomethecostsofmaintaining Many participantsneedtotravel longdistances Transport isanother commonbarrier. occurred longago. a priorcriminalrecord evenwhentheconviction challenging to meet.Others notethatholding parents findthetime commitmentsforcourses put theminlong-termdebt,whilemany Several peoplesaythat astudentloanwould or part-timeemployment. in earlychildhood care, keeps manyincasual certain jobs,such asathree-year certificate The for costofthequalificationsnecessary factors continuallyinhibitmanyfrom doingso. to findpaidwork,anumberofsignificant Despite participantsbeinggenuinelywilling from enteringtheworkforce. prevent manypeople Barriers pressured tofindpaidemployment. volunteer whileonthebenefit,others are branches. While someare encouraged to workers isinconsistentand variesbetween offers tounpaid that thesupportWINZ work.However,voluntary thisstudyshows without payandoverhalfhaveengagedin immediately, theywouldtake it.Manywork unemployed saidthatifajobwere available The majorityoftheparticipantswhoare to ensure abetterfuture fortheirchildren. Many parents seemaintainingworkasnecessary status, identity, andtheabilitytomake long-termplans. source ofincome,butalsoasameansestablishingindependence, her securityandwellbeing.People seeemployment notonlyastheir participantviewsemploymentasbeingcentralAlmost every tohisor EMPL0YMENT 20 in acontinuedstateofunemployment. while unemployedmayalsoservetotrap them financial safeguards designedtosupportpeople participants, thebenefitpaymentsandother they can’triskdoingwithout.Ironically forsome is seenasanessentialsafeguard andonewhich entitlement doesnotexist.Forsome,thisgrant However, inmostformsofemploymentthis face anemergency such asunexpectedillness. they canaccessanemergency grant ifthey Many participantsnotethatwhileonthebenefit employment canleavepeoplewithlittlesupport. Likewise, movingfrom thebenefittofull-time because ofirregularities inherbenefit. over $200inherfirst weekofpart-timework one woman’sincomeactuallydropped by little more thanthebenefitalone.Inonecase, for 20hours ontheminimumwagetheyearn additional costsmeanthatevenafterworking contribution. Forsomeparticipants,these costs, such aschildcare andincreased rent Finding employmentcanalsointroduce extra making itdifficulttobudget. work canaffecttheirbenefitentitlements, irregular incomethatcomesfrom casual source ofincome.Participants report the vulnerable andleftwithalessdependable part-time orcasualwork,canfindthemselves Those whodofindemployment,particularly financially secure. less actually makepeople Finding employmentcan on relationships. with theirfamiliesandcanalsoputpressure extended periods,deprivedthemofcontact overworking keeps parents outofthehomefor when herpartnerwasmaderedundant. However, hours perweektosupportherfamily working 80 income fortheirfamilies:oneperson spoke of multiple jobsinorder toprovide amore secure the otheratnight.Others participantstake on working in‘shifts’–oneparent duringtheday, Some couplesovercome thesestresses by when herchild fellseriouslyill. One motherwasforced toquitherfull-timejob not beabletotake timeofftocare forthem. that iftheirchildren becomesick, theywill lean onfamilyandfriends.Someparents worry childcare feesandhavenootheroptionbutto don’t know. Otherparents simplycan’tafford leaving theirchildren inthecare ofpeoplethey For some,thisisbecausetheyfeeluncomfortable either familyorfriends,rather thaninchildcare. many parents prefer toleavetheirchildren with with childcare responsibilities. Where possible, tobalancework they experiencewhentrying Parents commonlyspeakofthedifficulties when children are involved. The pressure intensifies EMPL0YMENT 21

to make endsmeet. to take oncripplingandunsustainabledebtjust education maybemetwithouttheneedforthem human needsoffood,shelter, healthcare and must bereviewed toensure thatthemost basic the minimumwageandbasebenefitlevels, Our familiestellusthatincomelevels,including is almostimpossibletomoveoutofpoverty. close totheminimumwageare solowthatit on benefitsandemployedsalariesthatare Furthermore, thelevelsofincomeforpeople would givethemmore securityandprotection. casual or“As-And-When-Required” contracts Participants tellusthattoughermonitoringof without sufficientmoneytocovertheirexpenses. where hours drop suddenlyleavingpeople people ofregular incomecanleadtosituations Workplace agreements thatdonotassure The tosee. keychanges weneed FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 about employment. forOurselves Speaking but it doesn’t matter.”but itdoesn’t (Trinity) and said, but where’s thejobs?Iftheycametomydoor “There outthere are whowannawork, people reacts again?” again?” reacts look at my history andgo, atmyhistory look theywillstill somanyyears, Even ifit’sbeen likethat… they wouldn’twannahire someone aboutmyhistory,want me,andoncetheyhear But thethingisiftheyaskme,really I handleaolderpersonandwashelpful. they actuallywriteupapercent ofhow “When Iwasdoingthecaringforelderly, (Fiona) andthingslikethat.”explain yourself topeople yay, welfare! nomore Nomore social havingto up withjobsearches orwhatever. It’samazing, what you’re doingwiththisandifyou’re keeping explain yourself,where your money’sgoingor welfare andhavingto withsocial having todeal “There’s noonetofallback onandyou’re not (Will) topaythebillsorwhatever.”work foraweek, there asthatsafeguard, just incaseIdon’tget Income altogether, butIstillgottahavethem I’d justlovetobe110% awayfrom Work and I’monlycasual,Ihaven’tgot… and, because do it,butI’vejustgottaworkthatlittlebitharder dollar. What’s thepointofgoing towork?Istill centstothe After20hours,theytake80 cheque. amount thenallofasudden,theygetmypay Work overcertain butifIearn andIncomegoes, “They don’tgivememuch tostartwithasfar and canafford to.” (Hanna) provide formyownkidsandtakethemout is formetocomeoffthebenefitsothatIcan I’d comeoffthebenefit,that’smain goal I’d takethejobstraightaway. It’sajoband ‘Look, there’s a job here you know,’ you here job a there’s ‘Look, Even thoughIsay, “What happens if she she if happens “What “I’ve changed,” changed,” “I’ve

EMPL0YMENT 22 school hours.”school (Helen) daysduring thanitisduringtheweek weekends so theyhavemore workatnightorduringthe have thehourscosit’sahospitalityindustry, if theyhadthehoursforme,butdon’t CityCasinoandwork, “I couldgoback toSky of acarer theydon’tknow.” (Charlotte) child’s safeinthehands me.. Idon’tthinkevery in thehandsofastranger, soabigno-nofor bybeingleft through thingsintheirchildhood outthere withkidsthathavegone also people “Again, youryoungone,andthere’s it’sleaving paid ornoneofthosekindbenefits.”(Nicole) casual fulltime,soifIwassick, Iwouldn’tget fulltimebutitwasonly benefit andworked my sonwastwoandIactuallywentoffthe when agowaswhenIstarted About fiveyears sick I’dIf someone’s getrungupandgothere. the centre andalsofrom agencies. recruitment fromalso privatelyatthecentre, just employed a reliever. doingitatcentres and I’vebeen workingas –I’vebeen “Early childhood HEALTH 23

5. Health FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 doctors andtheysaid,“Oh,youhaven’tmade apayment. doctors whenIgotothe I don’thardly godoctors…sometimes Tara’s story. it issometimes.” howdamp condition…youcansee good not in itwarmwithoneheater…it’s tokeep I try coldaswell. – nocarpetsandbigit’s very “The freezing conditionofthehouseisvery and it’smadeTara’s asthmaworse. coldanddamp over herhead,thehouseisvery into aprivaterental. Although shenowhasaroof officerhelped Eventually aWINZ Tara tomove in acarwithhernewbornandtwootherchildren. birth prematurely, andhadnooptionbuttolive This meantTara was homelesswhenshegave Tara coverthecostofstayingatrefuge. declinedtohelp even more desperate, WINZ she already heldatenancy. Makingmatters wouldnotgiveheranotherhousebecause HNZ and wasalsocaringforherothertwochildren, shelter. AlthoughTara wasabouttogivebirth houseandmovedtoaWomen’s Refuge her HNZ Threatened byherex-partner, Tara abandoned healthservices. and secondary Women’s Refugeandbothprimary HNZ, WINZ, government andsocialserviceagenciesincluding Tara iscurrently engagedwithmultiple escaped anabusiverelationship. Consequently, Tara hasmultiplehealthissues,andrecently HEALTH 24 I go to the doctors andtheysaid, I gotothedoctors when “I don’thardly godoctors…sometimes otherwise shecannotafford togo. are togetprescriptions forinsulin; homeless. Heronlyvisitstothedoctor was unabletobuysuitablefoodwhile In addition,Tara suffers from diabetesand give himmyblanket.” soIhaveto and thathegetsfrustrated, hisblankets it’s raining,Ican’tafford todry myson…whenit’swinterand thing is,because oftheconditionsathome.Thebecause main sick now “My kidsandmyselfhavebeen become abigchallenge forTara. the bedclothesinacold,damphousehas from bedwettingeversince.Constantlydrying was thevictimofahitandrunhassuffered Adding tothepressure, Tara’s 14-year-oldson toafter.will try SometimesIjustdon’tgo.” haven’t made a payment.” a made haven’t Yeah, Iknow, butI “Oh, you you “Oh,

on physicalandmentalwellbeing. are strikinglycommonintheirreports. ‘rotten carpet’, ‘freezing’ and‘cockroaches’ Words like ‘mould’, ‘condensation’, ‘mildew’, conditions ascold,dampandovercrowded. Participants frequently describetheirliving throughout theFamily 100Research Project. poor healthoutcomesfeatures prominently very Housing andthecentral role itplaysindriving sick. housingmakespeople Poor dominates thelivesofmanyparticipants. about moneyisamajorcauseofstress, andit a deepfeelingofdespair. Continuallyworrying from engagingfullyinlife,leavingthemwith bouts ofdepression, which thenprevents people low-income families.This canoftenleadto a commonfeature lifefor ineveryday significant andpersistent issue.Stress is Time andtimeagain,mentalhealtharisesasa for emergencies. healthcare, asalowincomedoesnotallow that employmentnecessarilyequalsbetter What’s more, participantsdonotbelieve their potentialtoearnorimprove income. opportunities, which ultimatelyaffects limits afamily’sworkandeducational health becomingentrenched. This, inturn, a lack ofaccesstohealthcare, leadstopoor nutritional food,chronic sickness, stress and substandard livingconditions,absenceof combined withtheconstantburden of the faceofunrelenting financialhardship, clearthatstrugglingtosurvivein It’s very other sectionsofthisreport. poverty, somuch sothatissuesrelating tohealthalsofeature inmany Family 100Project isthestrong connectionbetweenpoorhealthand One ofthemostfrequent anddominantthemestoemerge from the Poverty impactsgreatly HEALTH 25

an extendedor indefiniteperiod. option buttoendure thesesortsofconditionsfor circumstances, themajorityparticipantshaveno With littleornowaytoinfluencetheirimmediate have todowithout. curtains are thatmany families seenasaluxury heating byreducing insulation. Aswithheating, privacy whilesimultaneouslyworsening home curtains, which raises furtherissuesaround Families alsodescribehavingtodowithout to timeinhospitalforbothparents andchildren. a highrate ofrespiratory illnessoftenleading winter tokeep warm.Notsurprisingly, there is as itforces familiesto sleepinoneroom during health problems while exacerbatingovercrowding cold andcramped conditions furtheraggravates they usuallycannotafford. Consequently, livingin home isconsidered discretionary andsomething Repeatedly, participants report that heating in the common andpersistent. Severe andcontagiousskindiseasesare bed linenandinadequatewashingfacilities. infections are easilyspread duetoshared person intheirhome.Insuch cramped conditions, means participantsreport there isoftena sick extended familymembers whomaybeunwell and physical.Awidespread desire tocare for causes otherhealth-related issues,bothmental and cluttered conditions.Overcrowding also are hard toeradicate duetotheovercrowded of cockroaches, rats andotherverminthat mention havingtoliveintheconstantpresence forced toshare onebed.Participants frequently are commonplacewhere twotothree peopleare respiratory andskinconditions.Andbedbugs participants andtheirfamiliessufferingpersistent overcrowding are clearlyevidentwithmany The healthimplicationsoflong-term FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 own teethtoendtheinfectionandpain. It isnotuncommonforparticipantstopulltheir or, whenthingsgetreally bad,extracting teeth. painkillers, using medicationtonumbthearea other managementstrategies such astaking the fees.Instead,theytypicallyemploy is simplynotanoptionastheycannotafford treatment, evenacheck-up fewyears, every Many participantsreport thatgettingdental so becauseloanrepayments needtobemet. is acommonlyexpendableitem,andfrequently medicines. Basichealthcare, alongwithfood, report theyare unabletoafford theprescribed medical helpisaccessible,parents often be aneffectiveparent. Evenatthetimeswhen and thatstress levelsimpedetheirabilityto their ownpoorhealthishavingonthefamily, Participants are alsowellaware oftheimpacts extreme stress andanxietyamongparents. poor healthisanothercommonsource of abouttheirchildren’sin abed.Constantworrying on thefloororcouch sotheir children cansleep essentials fortheirchildren, orfrequently sleep wellbeing toprovide medicinesandother Parents oftensacrificetheirownhealthand there are life-longimplicationstobemanaged. school. Incasesofchildhood rheumaticfever, common andimpactachild’s abilitytoattend and work.Respiratory diseasesinchildren are severely restricts aperson’s abilitytolearn There isnodoubtthatsustainedpoorhealth and employmentopportunities. inhibitseducation health Poor HEALTH 26 care theyhavetoprovide. still feelundervaluedbythegovernmentfor members and,whilerelieved thattheycandoso, work becausetheyare caringforsick family values paidworksohighly. Others cannotseek particularly soasthecurrent economicclimate a great dealofanxietyandstress, and because ofillhealth,causesmanyparticipants A genuinedesire towork,butinabilitydoso continue toworkdespitedebilitatingconditions. various agencies,others feelgreat pressure to with seriousillnessesfeelsupportedbythe affects theiremploymentchances. While many For avastmajorityofparticipants,healthgreatly of beingemployed. and cannegativelyimpactontheirchances confidence inmanysocialsituations, poor ormissingteethcanleadtoalack of extracted. People alsodescribedhowhaving One participanthashadallofherteeth free ofcharge. families andthosereceiving benefitsshouldbe of incomes,andthathealthcare forlowincome dental care provided forthoseonthelowest this issuemustbeaddressed withsubsidised employment opportunities.Familiestellusthat consequences tobothsocialinteractions and as simplyunaffordable, oftenwithdisastrous The majorityofparticipantsviewdentalcare The tosee. keychange weneed about health. forOurselves Speaking keep thecoldoutofthere sometimes.”keep (Tara) thedoor,clothes toputunderneath justto Then Ijustdozeoff.Sometimesweuseour sit ontopoftheirmattress. Ijustwatch TV. that, butIdon’twanthimtobecold,sojust wets and on theotherside,eventhoughhebed put mysonontheothersideanddaughter month-old baby, andputherinthemiddle other. Igetallmykidstogether, evenmyeight togetblanketsandthat,putitallover each “I try (Jade) “The truthis,ourhouseismakingussick.” (Renee) years.” three skin. Ihaven’ttakenthatfornearly tobetakingforthesunmy I’m supposed afford it.Igiveittothekids.Justtabletsthat Ican’t tablets, inhalersometimesbecause depression Dentist,smears, what Ido.[Ineglect] –morecare than andattentionwiththeirhealth they’re stillyoung.morefirst because They need Ithinkofmykids “I don’tthinkofmyhealth, It isalwaysmoney.” (Yvonne) to dothis,howweare goingtodothat. the place…thinkingabouthowweare going “I justcan’tconcentrate.Mymindisallover committing suicide.” (John) like andyoufeel depressed and thenyoufeel healthy,don’t look towork, you’re notmotivated well,you well,youdon’tlook you don’tsleep Youemotion, alloftheeffects. well, don’teat –thefamilylife,relation,stress andallitaffects “Then yougothrough thesamecycleagainof HEALTH 27

(Fiona) money…the dentistisunaffordable fullstop.” tothedentistforyears…it’s “I haven’tbeen that Ineed.” (Amelia) cos Idon’thavethemoney…andit’sstuff isstillsittingatthechemist’s “My medicine for alarger, homeforus.” healthy (Tina) inthatsamehome.We’rewe’ve been stillwaiting since 13years waiting forthathome.It’sbeen they saidthey’d tofind usahome. try We’re still andwhat themcopiesofeverything home –took nursethatcomeintothe the hospital,health theminthelettersfrom thedoctors, “I took FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 6. Food FOOD 28 help and support you really need? help andsupportyoureally – howcanyoudothatwhentheydon’tgivethe And theysaytobudgetyourmoney, saveyourmoney Ofa’s story. times. Butifthese personal support networksare Friends andfamilyalsohelpout bybringingfoodat possible, usuallyintheformof ashort-termloan. her family, Ofaseeksassistance from familyfirst if extra fees.When she isunabletoafford foodfor finance company repayments, toavoidincurring jeopardised. Sheprioritises rent, essentialbillsand ensure thathertenancy andvitalutilitiesare not Ofa isconstantlyjugglingherexpensesto withyourmoneysituationmykids.”week put moneyasideforthat.So,thingschange every grown outof her uniformandthenyou’vegotta orhe’sgrown outofhisuniformorshe’s new book Things a arises–atripcomesuporyouneed Youweek. cent. can’t calculateforevery “Like thingshappenwithyourkidsduringthe that make herdifficultsituationevenworse. expenses such asextra-large billsorschool costs these highrepayments, coupledwithunexpected makes weeklypaymentsfrom herbenefit.Itis suffers. Ofahashighpersonal debtforwhich she exceed herincome,itisthefoodbudgetthat consuming andstressful. Andwhenheroutgoings finances are overstretched, ishugelytime- Accessing food,particularlyonweekswhen reliable childcare thatfittedinwithherhours. she hadtogiveupbecauseofdifficultiesfinding a jobascarer inahomefortheelderly, which work overthepastfewyears, mostrecently with two youngerchildren. Shehasbeeninandoutof She receives soleparent supporttoprovide forher Ofa liveswithherthree children insouthAuckland.

FOOD 29 why did you put yourself in that pr that in yourself put you did why If you knew you were gonna be in that situation, situation, that in be gonna were you knew you If money you need tohelpwithyouandyourfamily.”money youneed triple theamountofmoneyback forthelittle bitof gosomewhere elsewhere you’reneed gonna pay And you you the help and support you really need? money –howcanyoudothat whentheydon’tgive “And theysaytobudgetyour money, saveyour last portofcall. shouldrealise theyare her agencies andNGOs pulls herbackwards. Shefeelsthatgovernment to borrow moneyfor food, andisaware thatthis companies. Ofafeelsfrustrated whenshehas neighbourhood, orfrom pawnbrokers orfinance remaining optionisto borrow from peopleinher Ofa’slast If sheisdeclinedbyWINZ, around andsay, you’re gonnagetayesorno,costheycanturn there forthem…youdon’tevenknowif everything you’vegot Even thoughyou’vegotyourreceipts, it’snotcomfortable… you’ll haveallyourreceipts, “I’d bank,coseventhough rathergotoafood canbehumiliating. asking forhelpatWINZ becauseshefindsthat bank before WINZ Generally, Ofawouldrather gotoafood at shortnotice,ascananappointment. documentation thatcanbedifficulttoobtain However, accessingthisassistancerequires Army or, asalastresort, afoodgrant from WINZ. food parcel from theCityMissionorSalvation toobtaina not available,Ofa’snextstepistotry months ago,” months or, “You were just here a couple of of couple a here just were “You “You’re in the same situation. situation. same the in “You’re edicament?”

FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 Food isoftenthefirst neighbourhood fruittrees andotheredibleplants, as possible.Accessingfree foodsources like packs, inorder tomake resources stretch asfar to constantlyportionpurchases, such asmeat to accessmore affordable foodsupplies,and Added tothisstress is theneedtotravel often and emotionallytaxing. impossibly smallbudgetisclearlyphysically the taskofmanagingwhatisoftenan meals withhighlyrestricted resources, and displayincredible ingenuityinproviding Although participantsare creative typicallyvery the challenge ofaccessingfoodfortheirfamily. their timeandmentalresource istaken upwith For manyparents, asignificantproportion of meals altogether. table, ordisguisingthefactthattheyare skipping children havehadtheirfill,eatingataseparate food insecurityare thingslike eatinglaterorafter protect theirchildren from thestress of long-term obvious. Commonstrategies parents use to make thelack offoodin the houseseemless can eat,andthattheygotogreat lengthsto choose togowithoutfoodsothattheirchildren their children. Parents frequently report they tohidethefinancialstrainspeak oftrying from and stress andparticularlysoforparents who Food insecurityisanobvioussource oftension once rent, debtsandutilitybillsare paid first. Therefore, foodshoppingisusuallyonlydone to reduce istheirweeklygrocery shop. basics, theonlyexpensetheyhaveanypower when theirincomedoesn’tcovereventhe importance ofahealthyandnutritiousdiet, Although participantsare wellaware ofthe frequently thefirst thingthatpeoplemustdowithout. constant jugglingoffinancialpriorities,andconsequentlyitis For manyparticipants,foodisthemaindiscretionary itemintheir thing tobesacrificed. FOOD 30 they mustfrequently endure. of goingwithoutfoodisafactlifeandonethat efforts ofmanyparticipants,theconstantthreat are alsocommonactivities.Butdespitethebest andotheragenciesforhelp or approaching WINZ must gowithoutfood. children. Or, asisoftenthecase,familiessimply loans from fringelenders justtofeedtheir from friendsorfamily, ortotake outhigh-interest orfoodbanks,toborrow assistance from WINZ gets spentelsewhere forcing familiestoseek budgeted forfoodisusuallythefirst thingthat financial challenge. At such times,the money a child needing newshoes,presents asignificant families, evenarelatively minorexpense,such as faced withunexpectedexpenses.Andforthese little mostparticipantscandowhentheyare income tonear-impossiblelengths,there is However, despitetheabilitytostretch ameagre have toinorder tosurvive. talent intheirabilitytobudget.Putsimply, they false andtypicallydemonstrate considerable Family 100participantsprove thistobelargely to balanceaweeklybudget.The vastmajorityof their money, andthattheylack theskillsneeded poverty dosobecausethey’re pooratmanaging leads manytoassumethatpeoplelivingin Negative mediastereotyping andmisinformation excellent budgeters. of thoselivinginpovertyare many tothemyth, Contrary events thatare important tothem. feel sociallyisolatedandunabletoparticipatein than supplyingfood,alltoofrequently families other strategies, such asvolunteeringtimerather are bare. Althoughsomeparticipantsdoemploy fear visitors might noticethattheircupboards toeat,and unable tooffertheirguestsanything of avoidinginviting friendsoverbecausetheyare contribute asexpected.Finally, participantstalk social, familyorcultural eventsastheycannot participants toself-excludethemselvesfrom it most.Andasenseofshamealsodrivesmany leaving themwithlesssupportwhentheyneed negative implicationsforthoserelationships, for loans,andalsonotethatdoingsohas they havetoaskparents, siblingsorchildren Participants talkabouttheshametheyfeelwhen same reason. about takingupfree foodprogrammes forthe them outasbeingpoor. There isalsohesitation to givetheirchildren foodforlunch thatsingles home from school becausetheydonotwant isolation. Parents speakofkeeping theirchildren how foodinsecuritycontributestosocial relationships. Often,participantsalsotalkof up placesextreme stress onpartners andtheir Balancing abudgetthatsimplydoesnotadd social networksofmanyourparticipants. has adestructiveinfluenceonthewider tollonfamilies,and insecurity takes aheavy The unrelenting stress oflong-termfood networks. and social damages personalrelationships insecurity Constant food FOOD 31

no entitlementslefttobereferred tofood banks. to seeprocesses streamlined forthosewho have benefitswouldalsolike Families receiving WINZ to combatthis. all children indecile1and2schools wouldhelp can behighlystigmatising.They saythatfeeding programmes are ahelp,butthataccessingthem their school agechildren. They noteschool food they facewhenproviding school lunches for Families talkingreat detailaboutthechallenges The tosee. keychange weneed FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 about food. forOurselves Speaking three, four meals duringthatweek.” fourmeals three, (Solomon) of buyingthelittlebags,thenwehavemaybe Ijustbuybigbagsinstead last acoupleofmeals. sausages…and thenmakesure thatthey’sgonna of buyingextra. Iwill,say, buyawholebigbagof buy basics.We instead normallyusewhatweeat left from paying thatbigbillwehaveandthen “We stuff–whatever’s forthecheap justgolook well.” (Ngaire) to liethemandtellthatthey’re notfeeling andIhave them homeifIhaveto.ringtheschool them athomewithwhateverwe’vegot.Ikeep but Iknowcanfeed thematschool, I can’tfeed whenIknow I don’tlikesendingmykidstoschool kids’ lunch hungry. whenIknowthatthey’re very atotherpeople’s kids. Idon’twantthemtolook andtakingitdownforthe I’ve gotinthecupboard tomakesomethingoutofwhatever up justtrying that’snottheirpolicy,me awaybecause soIend of timestoaskforsomehelpandthey’veturned I’verungthemupacouple encounters because have fortheirlunches? The –I’vehadafew school alotofworry.“I justfeel What are theygonna lunches.” (Tina) withno home, wedon’tsendthemtoschool lunches them thenext forschool daywekeep well, sobeit.Ifthere’s notenoughmoneyfor we havetogowithoutsotheycanit, No, wealwaysputchildren first.Ifitmeans just forthefactofknowingthatourkidsare fed. “We oftimes, heaps wentwithoutmanymeals

FOOD 32 “T before what’sleftissupermarket.” (Nani) likepaythebillsfirst I havetodoeverything “Supermarket sometimesthatisthelastthing. “You getyourflour, yougetmeat. You don’t lacking thebasicessentialsofdailylife.” (Lana) they’re andthat’sbecause they’re weak sleep, onthem,isthey ofhavingnofood, and theeffects twostraightdays, gone fortwodayswithoutfood, You gottadosomethingtosurvive.Mygirlshave butwhatcanyoudo?There isnochoice. WINZ, banksandIhategoingto I hatecomingtofood runningback. can’t domuch andwecan’tkeep to budget,butyoucomeastagewhere you realistically, it’snotenough.You sohard cantry saywecanbudgetandliveonit,but, people fill up.” (Marama) it.Ifyoupick ityourself,it’s$2.00abagto need foreverybody, So wecangetheaps cosweall in andthere’s $10.00gastogetthere andback. bags. You fillthemup…You each canput$2.00 next tonothing –$2.00abagandit’stheshopping your own,orgogetownveges,youitfor now normallywecangetoutthere, ifyoupick never nothingyoucan’tdo.IfgotoPukekohe, you mowyourlawn…We nevergohungry. There is packets, justgetitoutoftheblinkengutterwhen togoandbuythose grow onourgrass.Don’tneed Weweeds. lovepuhaandstuffthen,they intheground,– there’s evenin somuch food out ofnothing…Whatever yougetfrom theground the country, soweknowhowtomakesomething We sake.I’mpretty good. for goodness grew upin You bread. always buysliced canmakebread, he money that we get from the government, he moneythatwegetfrom thegovernment,

for a special every day.” every for aspecial (Tina) We’re people”, “special called looking cosI’m benefit offthatwholebox ofsomething. weallgetto and ifyouallputin$2.00each why?Cosit’scheaper Bulk, go shoppinginbulk. andweall and…weallgotheonebigblock each wants togosomewhere weallputinalittlebit and back! We knowcoswe’vedoneit…ifanyone get youonesideofsouthAuckland totheother got fourofyou’s,that’s20bucks 20bucks can garden. We each allputinfivebucks andifyou’ve garden, soI’d makeallthekidshelpmeinmy Grow ourown,coslikeIsaid,alwayshadmy that from themsowecanallhavesome. andthevegies back thebagsoffoods downwiththemsotheycanbring send someone togodownthelineourfamiliesand someone “We gooutfishing,waitfor goouttothebeach,

FOOD 33 anyone cometomyhouse.” (Pirihira) it’s embarrassingallthetime.Ihardly have bad habit, I’vealwaysgota opening upmycupboards, Ihatethethoughtof house. Evenforcoffee. cometomy whenpeople embarrassed I feel inthecupboards. “I stress overhavingnofood then wecamehome.” (Joan) and morning, wehaddinnerthere lastnight,too, there there, inthe wehadbreakfast we stayed So wehadnofood. and Dad’shousebecause “On Sunday, wespentthedayoveratmyMum excuses, embarrassing situationswhere I’vehadtomake It’s alwaysthat.Stress…I’ve hadalotof “Sorry, there’s nothing there.” nothing there’s “Sorry, “I haven’t done no shopping yet.” shopping no done haven’t “I To me,

FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 7. Services SERVICES 34 you one thing and then you talk to someone else... tosomeone you onethingandthentalk tooneperson,they’lltell whenyou’re talking …because Shelley’s story. you don’t even know what the situation is,” situation the what know even don’t you and I’msaying, “When atthedeskistellingyouonething someone discouraged andhopeless. it’s somethingshefindsleavesherfeeling andtoughpresenthistory circumstances; serves asaconstantreminder ofherdifficult this requirement tocontinuallyretell herstory As wellasbeingtimeconsuming,Shelleyfeels engages withagovernmentserviceorNGO. repeatedly need totellherstory each timeshe Shelley feelsfrustrated anddegraded bythe suppliers, budgetingadviceandfoodbanks. service providers such asfinancecompanies,utility well asagenciessuch asFamilyStartandother has aProtection Order againstherex-partner, as has regular interactions withlocalpolice as she works togetherneedsmet.Inaddition,Shelley timeconsumingasshe of servicescanbevery home.Herinvolvement withawiderange HNZ She receives soleparent supportandlives ina a large numberofgovernmentagenciesandNGOs. and visitheronweekends. Shelleyinteracts with her whilethetwooldestboyslivewithmother Shelley hassixchildren, fourcurrently livewith your appointmentandthenyou gointotheoffice… you’ve gottaexplain itonthephonewhen you get toknowanyofthatinformation… even need atthe deskyetit’sirrelevant, theydon’t tell people you’ve gottare-explain itagain,yetyou’vegotta yourcasemanagerand then yougoandsee “Look, lady, you’re a receptionist, receptionist, a you’re lady, “Look,

and and

SERVICES 35 want thatbitofpapertoprove it…” matter, butitdoesn’t week, enough each theyjust thatthere’sbudget report not andstilltheysee care –theygetthe doesn’t I’m short.ButWINZ the conclusionyou’re short.Well, know Ialready andcomeupwith down where all yourmoneygoes Ihaveto.They“I justgothere because justwrite it thatherincomeandoutgoingsdonotaddup. wouldtake herword for Shelley wishesthatWINZ her budgetingservicethatshe’srequired tomake. As anexample,shecitestheengagementswith mistrusted bymostoftheservicessheaccesses. Another commonfrustration forShelleyisfeeling else...” tosomeone then youtalk tooneperson,they’lltellyouthingand talking whenyou’re from themagain…because don’t hear And thentheysayonethingtoyouand onthephone.Talkingeverything’s onthephone. youcan’tevengointoanofficenow,“Because for herself. phone contactmakes itdifficultforhertoadvocate face-to-face contactandlongwaitingtimesfor where thereduction of engagement withHNZ, She expresses comparable feelingsabout her repeated questioningaboutherpersonal situation. Start duetowhatsheregards asintrusive and Shelley hasalsodisengagedfrom Family and explain itagain…it’sjustcrazy.” and yetyou’vestillgottagotothecasemanager

FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 Dealing withsupportservices Dealing with respect oras‘ordinary citizens.’ All participantsexpress adesire tobetreated employment ormaritalstatus, orethnicity. service providers, usuallyonthebasisoftheir their timealongwithasense ofbeingjudgedby feel isalack ofrespect orconsideration for of theseinteractions. People describewhatthey to thecomplexityandtime-consumingnature opt todisengagefrom vitalservicesentirely due positiveinteractionsvery withagencies,others for gettingtheirneedsmetandalsodescribe While somefamiliesemployexcellentstrategies complaint madebymanyparticipants. and tellretell their story, which isacommon by havingtoconstantlyrepeat key information already is,such feelingsare furtherintensified job. And as time consuming and frustrating as this support servicesthatisakintohavingafulltime Many peoplehavetonavigateamyriadof is notvalued. theirtime Participants feel their caseforward whentheirneedsare not met. and speakoffeelingincreasingly lessabletoput be treated asindividualsrather than‘anumber’, a de-personalised service.Participants longto added toparticipants’feelingsofdealingwith offices,have andtheclosure ofHNZ at WINZ termination oftheindividualcasemanagers Changes inservicedelivery, such asthe member theyengagewith. variesgreatly dependingonthestaff and HNZ ingovernmentagenciessuch asWINZ delivery service. Manypeoplecommentthatservice be workinginpartnership, butalsowithinasingle agencies, includingthosethatare supposedto ofservicesbetweendifferentin thedelivery Their accountstellofinconsistencies notonly navigate acomplexandchaotic servicelandscape. services andoftenspeakofhowdifficulttimeconsumingitisto Family 100participantsare oftenengagedwithmultiplesupport is complicated andconfusing. is complicated SERVICES 36 of beingturneddownforassistance. fringe lenders rather thanriskthefearorshame to communityagenciesoraccruedebtfrom with theservice.Otherparticipantsprefer toturn and drinkingwateraddstothestress ofengaging facilities such asclienttoilets,privacyscreens unpleasant environment where thelack ofbasic is inpartduetowhatsomedescribeasthe means. This reluctance toengagewithWINZ they’re unabletomeettheirneedsthrough other agency asa‘lastresort’ tobeusedonlywhen describingthe not wantingtobereliant onWINZ, unemployed. However, manypeoplespeakof participants whethertheyare employedor isakey serviceinthelivesofmost WINZ Asking forhelpishumiliating. constantly having torepeat theirinformation. would savepeoplefrom thelaborioustaskof that enablestafftocapture aperson’s history the livesofthosewhousetheir services.Systems better understand thecomplexityanddifficulty of client-centered focus,andmake attemptsto add thatsupportservicesshouldadoptamore and serviceproviders isgreatly needed.They types andqualityofinteractions betweenpeople Our familiestellusthatareview toimprove the worth inthosewhoare forced tonavigateit. and itreinforces alack ofself-esteemandself- consuming anddehumanisingtoengagewith, meeting theneedsofmanypeople.It’stime the complexsupportservicelandscapeisnot them from movingforward. We alsohearthat living infinancialhardship are actuallypreventing the servicesystemsdesignedtosupportthose We heartimeandagainthatpeoplefeel The tosee. keychange weneed about services. forOurselves Speaking ‘Which window is it?’ is window ‘Which Housing again, a voicemail.JustcoupleofdaysagoIrungup to the factthatnoone’slistening.I’mstilltalking Iavoidat my lifetothem.HousingNewZealand I’msick ofrepeating Iavoidnowbecause “WINZ appointments ontheonedaywithWINZ.” (Hayley) anyother Idon’tschedule appointment forWINZ. an ifIwastobook make awholedayforWINZ, would till12,12.30…I and youdon’tgetseen “You makeyourappointmentat10o’clock to go.” (Ebony) Ididn’twannagetcharged, butIhad because nappies,andIdidn’twannaleave and Ineeded stuck before to behomethewholeday…I’vebeen you aphonecalloranhour, you theyjustexpect turns uptofixyour repair, buttheydon’tgive ifyou’re nothomewhentheperson a calloutfee iscoming,otherwiseyougetcharged someone it andyouhavetobehomeforthewholedayif at broken andtheyhavetocomeoutlook Ifthelock’s “Sometimes HousingNewZealand. off.”brushed (Yvonne) tobe [rather than]alittlegirl,justsomeone more person likeanordinary Just makingmefeel because thecallcentre wassaying, because what you actually feel and what’s actually inside andwhat’sactuallyinside what youactuallyfeel being, withaperson.Andthat personcansee withahuman thatyou’re dealing to faceit’sgood toapersonface faceto face...If youtalk people to would liketotalk That’s People nogood. their otherbranches, there’s nooffices. Howtheysaidthey’re closingdownall good. to ananswermachine andyouwait.That’s no “With thenewservicenowyouringandspeak ago.”I rungupaboutayear (Tiare) things likethat,like, and a shop…bydifferent agencies,likeWINZ “I’d asif–whenyougointo liketobetreated ‘Please send the manager over,’ over,’ manager the send ‘Please ‘How can we help you?’ help we can ‘How It’sthesamewindow

SERVICES 37 other clientsinfront ofusandIthought, that were about working withuswere talking privacy?Thelike this,because…where’s workers “This iswhyIdon’tlikegoingwithorganisations it’s humiliating.” (Maxine) things.AsIsaidbefore, simple, basiceveryday the moment,youhavetoaskforhelpwithjust be abletoprovide foryourselfbutinthistime,at tohaveabetterlifebut you’ve gotthemeans that happened with meandmypartner.”that happened (Lorna) aboutthatthing ifI’mtalking to me,especially matters service doingthis…Ourprivacyreally happy aboutthe I’mnotvery alone, because This bad.Ithinkwe shouldjustgoit isreally Do they talk about us in front of other clients?’ other of front in us about talk they Do what they do with us, about our business? business? our about us, with do they what to gointhere andsay, my situation,it’shumiliatingsometimeshaving “I havetojustgivethemthefactsofwhatis house.” (Tiare) I’m white,pretend thatIliveinmymortgage andpretend I’mnotbrown,them tolook pretend melikethat.Iwant I don’twantthemtotreat motherwithsomanychildren.I’m adarkcoloured notlikeasaPolynesian,of NewZealand, notas melikeatruecitizen taxes. Iwantthemtotreat I’vepaidtaxesafter inNewZealand. I’ve worked I’dNew Zealand. melike loveforthemtotreat “I’d melikeacitizenof loveforthemtotreat you’re hurt.” (Joan) saying it.Theyinsidethat howdeep don’tfeel likeyou’re justthrowing words,good, you’re just feel giving themallwhatyouwant,itdoesn’t onthephone and tosomebody you’re speaking you, what’syourmessageisallabout…Butwhen no clothes, please can you help me?’ me?’ help you can please clothes, no ‘I have no food, I have have I food, no have ‘I You know ‘Is this this ‘Is

FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 8. Education EDUCATION 38 I had three monthsofthirdI hadthree formandthatwasit. tome,cosIhadnone. everything Education means Peta’s story. the feesofthree ofherchildren’s camps. meet, andtheycurrently for owetheschool $500 excursions isparticularlyhard forthefamilyto with herchildren’s school. The costofschool ongoing struggleforPeta andisasource offriction school such asuniforms,feesandlunches isan education, providing them withthenecessitiesfor Despite hercommitmenttochildren’s anddothistoo.”we canstayatschool yeah, atourage,they’llrealise, to school byexample, we’re“If wecanlead goingback to actasrole models fortheirchildren. educational goalswithonemotivatorbeing unemployed, butare pursuing theirown Both Peta andherhusbandare currently you can’tgetthisjob.” ofpaper,cos ifyouhaven’tgotthatpiece encouragingthem.Stayatschool, done iskeep You thatqualificationandthat’sallI’ve need fulltime jobstogoto.Butthesedaysyoucan’t. Ihadtwo asIleftschool, was it,butyetassoon monthsofthirdnone. Ihadthree formandthat tome,cosIhad everything “Education means in lifeandprovides opportunitiesforthefuture. She seeseducationasawayofgettingahead to havetheopportunitiesshemissedouton. a highvalueoneducationandwantsherkids Helensville withtheireightchildren. Peta places Peta andherhusbandliveinarented homein

EDUCATION 39 foods to send them to school with,it’s tosendthemschool foods themhomecosIhaven’tgottheright “If Ikeep her kidshomeonsuch days. so understandably Peta now prefers tokeep were alsoinformedaboutthesituation, later reimburse them.Howeversocialservices her thattheywouldprovide foodandshecould to school withnolunch because theschool advised embarrassment. At timesPeta hassentthechildren lunch, orkeep themhome inorder tosavethem decide whethertosendherkidsschool without lunches present adifficultissueas Peta must On dayswhenfinancesare particularlytight,school services offered bytheschool forfamiliesinneed. this impactsherwillingnesstotake upparticular teachers andfellowpupils forbeingpoor, and thatherkidsareworry beingsingledoutby Making matters worse, Peta liveswithconstant either wayIcan’twin.” it’s send themandtheyhaven’tgotenoughlunches, to school with basically nothing?” nothing?” basically with school to you sending them to school?” to them sending you “Where’s their lunches? Why did you send them them send you did Why lunches? their “Where’s And then when I do AndthenwhenIdo And I think, well, And Ithink,well, “Why aren’t aren’t “Why

FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 but difficultformanytoaccess. to movegetnearer towork. people out,orforotherreasons such asneeding is common,eitherbecauserising rent costsforce is notthereality asmoving from houseto friendships. Sadlythoughformanyfamilies,this school lifewith asettledroutine oflearningand keen fortheir ownchildren toexperienceastable they hadattended.They addthattheyare very as beinghandicappedbythenumberofschools Participants often speakoftheirowneducation but rather alifelong journey. education wasnotjustaboutformallearning the wholeperson includingabeliefthat wider scopeitplaysinthedevelopmentof understanding bymanyparticipantsaboutthe a pathway toadecentcareer, there isareal learn. Andwhileeducationisseenbymostas children havethebestconditionsinwhich to with parents doingwhattheycantoensure Education isoftenviewedasafamilyaffair they didnothave,orare notabletofullypursue. children shouldhaveaccesstotheopportunities A key concernformanyparents isthattheir their children. of thevaluethateducationholdsforthemand 100 Research Project are much aware allvery realvery barriers, participants intheFamily on thefollowingpage).Butdespitefacingthese equipment orfood(discussedingreater detail to attendschool becausetheylack essential with othersocialpressures such aschoosing not issues thatare similartotheirparents’ along Children are alsoimpededbyconstanthealth school, andinsufficientfunds. continuing poorhealth,alack oftimeforstudyand travel toandfrom with theirschooling. Forparents, such barriers includethingslike toensureeducation, orwhentrying theirchildren remain fullyengaged Participants toincrease faceamultitudeofbarriers whentrying their Education is valued Education isvalued EDUCATION 40 guaranteed employment. be evenmore soifthey knewit’llleadto willing toconsiderfurthertraining, andwould That said,manyparticipantsstillsaythey’re no guarantee ofrelevant employment. to training thatmuch harder whenthere’s and transportation, which makes committing logistical challenges inareas such aschildcare courses canposemanyotherfinancialand Participants alsopointoutthatattending previously achieved. and notinkeeping withthequalificationsthey Or thattheworktheydofindispoorlypaid find there are stillnoviableemployment options. paid forbypeople’sownfunds,manyparticipants ofSocialDevelopmentor funded bytheMinistry Having completedsuch courses, which are either comply withbenefit requirements. courses they’re expectedtoattendinorder to and hopelessnessaboutthealltraining participants, there isareal senseoffrustration improve theiremploymentprospects. For many engaging ineducationdoesnotnecessarily value ofeducation,there isareal sensethat Even thoughmostparticipantsunderstand the employment. equal not Education does embarrassment ofbeingsingledout. them athomeandtoprotect theirchild from the they’re unabletoprovide lunches bothtofeed choose tokeep theirchildren athomewhen them homefrom school altogether. Parents also new clothesandequipment,ortheyopttokeep resort toeitherloansharkshelpthembuy or ill-fittinguniforms. To avoidthis,parents often they feelwhenhavingtoputtheirchild intoold included atschool. Parents describetheshame directly impactsachild’s capacitytobefully school lunches. Itisclearthatfinancialhardship donations, studentloans,transportation and andtextbooks,uniforms, of thingslike stationery concern formanyparents, inparticularthecost The costofschooling andeducationisamajor children learning. A lack ofmoneystops EDUCATION 41

longer befunded. or willnotguarantee such outcomesshouldno outcomes. Those course providers thatcannot must guarantee sustainableemployment providers whoreceive governmentsubsidies this situationcouldbeaddressed isthatcourse lead toemployment.Familiestellusoneway that training andeducationalcourses donot Another commonfrustration encountered is obtaining amore secure future fortheirfamilies. qualifications andmoveintothelabourmarket, sole parent beneficiariestogainhighertertiary reinstate theallowance,which wouldallow tell usthattheybelievethegovernmentshould has hadontheirplansforthefuture. Ourfamilies axingoftheTraining2009 IncentiveAllowance Participants speakabouttheimpactthat The tosee. keychanges weneed FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 about education. forOurselves Speaking cleaning job.”cleaning (Marama) a and getaqualificationendupin “You payanarmandalegtogooncourse somethingfrom me.”learning (Mena) somethingfrom you,youare I amlearning yourparents arebecause sayingsomething. parents are withyou,that’s alsoeducation, When youareis everywhere. athomeoryour “It’s notjustaboutgoingtoschool…education time –internettime!”(Gina) you’re inahurry. researching, Books, internet because tend togetmore convenience food aftertheirchild? You intolook someone do transportthemselves,get How dopeople doit? incentive allowance,howdopeople “It’s sohard. It’ssohard tonothavethetraining It’s theonlyticket outofthehardship.” (Mavis) “It’s theonlyticket outofthehellthatwelivein!

EDUCATION 42 basically.” (Nicole) and Inevercaughtup,thenjustgave So,Ifellwaybehindinmyschooling get settled. things atdifferent timesandjustnotbeingableto hard. You’re wasvery schooling different learning way behind…itwasquitehard. Iremember the which school, go toadifferent gotme primary toadifferentmuch placeandhadto moved wepretty Each schools. different year primary Ithinkwenttoaboutfive years “In myprimary $52.00.” (Fiona) ofactivities.That’sweek swimming,archery – andtheyhaveawhole to theendofyear wherea thingnext they–cosit’ssoclose week Ranges andthatwas$10.00nowhe’sgot before thosetwo,mysonhadatriptoWaitakere Monday andherswas$7.00 andthentheweek andthenanotheronehadatripon $8.00 each Two ofmychildren thatwere had tripslastweek butit’sexpensive. asfareducation, school “Oh, my gosh, this is school expensive. It’sa good (Wayne) – I’vegotabigbox fullofalltheworkI’vedone” commercial workthrough themandit’sallthere I’ve donebudgetingthrough them,I’vedone them all,I’vedonemylicencethrough them, I’vedone but I’vedonesomanyovertheyears. “I supposeIcouldgoback anddoacourse,

of disadvantage. thecycle Breaking drives ever-worsening healthoutcomesfurther how sub-standard and inappropriate housing to credit offered bysecondtierlenders. Itshows at ‘povertypremium’ rates from pre-pay power order tocovertheirdayexpenses,charged families are forced totake oncripplingdebtin to leadsecure lives.Itshowshowcountless benefits are simplynotsufficienttoallowpeople those earningminimumwageandreceiving financial hardship. Itshowsthatincomesfor to keep peopletrapped inastateofconstant exists ahostofinhibitingpressures thatwork What thisReportclearlyshowsisthatthere platform forthefirst time. Speaking forOurselves establishesthis drawn from theFamily100Research Project, by theextensiveanddetaileddataset collective voiceintothediscussion.Informed and collaborative way, andtoinvite their long-term financialhardship inameaningful has beenanefforttoengagethoselivingin a stateofpoverty. Alsoconspicuouslyabsent factors andforces thatoperate toperpetuate however, iscloseanddetailedanalysisofthe laden. What hasbeennotably absent, issue, much ofitill-informedandemotionally attention andsocialrhetoricsurrounding this To datethere hasbeennoshortageofmedia and politicaldiscourse aboutpovertyinNewZealand. Speaking forOurselves represents acriticalmomentinthepublic BREAKING THE CYCLE OF DISADVANTAGE OF CYCLE THE BREAKING 43

from poverty. stand areasonable chance offreeing themselves what theybelieveneedstochange sothatthey following observationsandsuggestionsabout for Ourselves ourparticipantfamiliesmake the simultaneously. To thatend,through Speaking many organisations toaddress multipleissues, required isasustainedandconcertedeffort by cycle ofdisadvantage,however, whatwillbe single organisation oroffice. To trulybreak the situation isnottheresult ofafailingbyany cycle. Anditalsomakes clearthatthepresent what isaheavilyentrenched andself-sustaining single actionislikely tosucceedinoverturning complex, which consequentlymeansthatno the problem ofpovertyismulti-facetedand with otherimportantknowledge.Itisclearthat Furthermore, SpeakingforOurselves equipsus overcome withouthelp. influence thatfewpeoplecouldeverhopeto one exacerbatingthenexttoexertacombined these factors canoperate simultaneously, each all, SpeakingforOurselves showshowallof debilitating stress anddepression. Butworst of people from theirfamilyandfriends,cause and moneycanworktocompletelyisolate And itshowshowaconstantlack offood impacting people’seducationandemployment. FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 we need tosee. we need The keychanges private rentals, must beset. properties and accommodation, bothforHNZ accounts thataminimumstandard forallrental warm andsecure. It is clearfrom ourfamilies’ things allfamilieswant–ahousethatisdry, Low-income familiestellustheywantthesame Housing this option. and supporttobemadeavailablearound Families wouldlike more information prevent peoplepursuing thiscourse. complex processes required toengagewithit, knowledge abouttheCleanSlateAct,and gain employment.We alsohearhowalack of record canpermanentlyimpedetheirability to Our familiesalsospeakabouthowacriminal children inasuitableenvironment. to enableparents toengagewiththeir prison familyvisitingareas humanised members inprisonwouldalsolike tosee just thatperson. Ourparticipantswithfamily people, astheactofdoingsoaffectsmore than this beconsidered whenfiningorimprisoning having afamilymemberinprison.They askthat Families speakabouttheseriousimpactof Justice interest rates charged byalllenders. would beofgreat help,aswouldcappingthe microfinance schemes orlow-interest bankloans that accesstoaffordable credit intheformsof ‘fringe lenders’ iskeeping thempoor. They say for expensivecredit offered bysecondtierand Families tellusthatpayinga‘povertypremium’ Debt THE KEY CHANGES WE NEED TO SEE WENEED CHANGES KEY THE 44 to make endsmeet. on cripplingandunsustainabledebtjust may bemetwithouttheneedforthemtotake needs offood,shelter, healthcare andeducation be reviewed toensure thatthemostbasic human the minimumwageandbasebenefitlevels,must Our familiestellusthatincomelevels,including almost impossibletomoveoutofpoverty. close totheminimumwageare solowthatitis on benefitsandemployedsalariesthatare Furthermore, thelevelsofincomeforpeople would givethemmore securityandprotection. casual or“As-And-When-Required” contracts Participants tellusthattoughermonitoringof without sufficientmoneytocovertheirexpenses. where hours drop suddenlyleavingpeople people ofregular incomecanleadtosituations Workplace agreements thatdonotassure Employment free ofcharge. families andthosereceiving benefitsshouldbe incomes, andthathealthcare forlowincome dental care provided forthoseonthelowest of this issuemustbeaddressed withsubsidised employment opportunities.Familiestellusthat consequences tobothsocialinteractions and as simplyunaffordable, oftenwithdisastrous The majorityofparticipantsviewdentalcare Health constantly havingtorepeat theirinformation. would savepeoplefrom thelaborioustaskof that enablestafftocapture aperson’s history the livesofthosewhousetheirservices.Systems better understand thecomplexityanddifficultyof client-centered focus, andmake attemptsto add thatsupportservicesshouldadoptamore and serviceproviders isgreatly needed.They types andqualityofinteractions betweenpeople Ourfamiliestellusthatareview toimprove the worth inthosewhoare forced tonavigate it. and itreinforces alack ofself-esteemandself- consuming anddehumanisingtoengagewith, meeting theneedsofmanypeople.It’stime the complexsupportservicelandscapeisnot them from movingforward. We alsohearthat living infinancialhardship are actuallypreventing the servicesystemsdesignedtosupportthose We heartimeandagainthatpeoplefeel Services no entitlementslefttobereferred tofood banks. to seeprocesses streamlined forthosewho have benefitswouldalsolike Families receiving WINZ to combatthis. all children indecile1and2schools wouldhelp can behighlystigmatising.They saythatfeeding programmes are ahelp,butthataccessingthem their school agechildren. They noteschool food they facewhenproviding school lunches for Families talkingreat detailaboutthechallenges Food THE KEY CHANGES WE NEED TO SEE WENEED CHANGES KEY THE 45

no longerbefunded. or willnotguarantee such outcomesshould outcomes. Those course providers thatcannot must guarantee sustainableemployment providers whoreceive governmentsubsidies this situationcouldbeaddressed isthatcourse lead toemployment.Familiestellusoneway that training andeducationalcourses donot Another commonfrustration encountered is obtaining amore secure future fortheirfamilies. qualifications andmoveintothelabourmarket, sole parent beneficiariestogainhighertertiary reinstate theallowance,which wouldallow tell usthattheybelievethegovernmentshould has hadontheirplansforthefuture. Ourfamilies axingoftheTraining2009 IncentiveAllowance Participants speakabouttheimpactthat Education FAMILY 100 FAMILY FAMILY 100 RESEARCH PROJECT JULY 2014