Any help for families living in poverty?

NZ Herald released their findings of child poverty in an article stating that two out five children that are living in poverty, come from working families. 

NZ Herald released in another article that out of 35 countries New Zealand ranked 21 for levels of child poverty, and 25 out of 35 countries for child health and safety. Why are our future generation struggling so much in a country that was seen as a 'beautiful place to raise our kids'? Although the immunisation rates have risen, and our tamariki Aotearoa have been seen, in research, to be performing well in reading, maths science and literacy ranking fourth out of thirty three countries, this doesn't address what is being recognised 

"Child welfare organisation Every Child Counts said the report

 highlighted that when governments chose to prioritise children and ensure that 

public policy met their needs, child wellbeing was significantly improved."

In relation to early childhood care and education (the begining  poutama of a child's learning adventure), when the government decided that there wasn't a need for 100% qualified early childhood teachers , that 80% was sufficient, young children's needs were not being met. An individuals early childhood experiences are the most crucial time for their development, cognitively, physically, emotionally and also spiritually. Te Whaariki (Ministry of Education, 1996) is New Zealand's own Early Childhood Education and Care Curriculum. The document discusses how to holistically help children to develop all the above aspects. 

In an article in the NZ Herald written by Susan St John, Allan Freth challenged business leaders about their behaviours, and how they're seen to not care enough about the youth and children.

 "Such business leaders should be holding the Government to account for failing

 to ensure that policies to address child poverty are actually working."

If these poverty stricken communities were given much larger support from these leader types, the government would possibly be under more pressure to ensure consistent monitor of such policies, making adjustments and tweaks where necessary to always keep in the best interests of the children.

In 2005 a policy, Working for Families was brought in aimed at addressing child poverty. Families, once they have passed a series of two tests (as described in the article) are provided with a certain amount of financial support. However, the article written by St John, shares that in times of disaster, such as earthquake, there is no consideration taken into account about the child's needs when parents lose work hours. Also, if one or both parents are in study and receiving a student allowance, then there is not financial support for Working for Families. As many full time students know, it can be extremely tiring studying, keeping a house (maintenance, cleaning, feeding and getting children to/from school, spending time with their family) and fitting in time for at least twenty hours of work each week. Shouldn't a parent in study be a way to see that this individual is working hard to get a qualification to get a good paying job to support their family and provide for their children? Shouldn't these parents be supported during their study to help them provide for their children?

In the draft for discussion on the Rights of children and Young People: Ngaa Tika o ngaa Tamariki, Rangatahi, by the Human Rights Commission, it included the statement that children have Provision Rights.

"Provision rights include the right to an adequate 

standard of living, the right to free education, the right to adequate

 health resources and the right to legal and social services."

So how can a studying parent, or parents, provide their children with their  entitled rights? If Working for Families could provide these families with, what would be temporary, support these children wouldn't miss out on what they have every given right to have. It's important that each child's situation is taken into account, every family is different and has different struggles they are going through. A 'two step' test just doesn't seem to truly identify what each family would need support with. 

I was unable to find a link to the documentary by Bryan Bruce, Inside New Zealand Poverty, however I was able to find an interview with a radio station about a part of the documentary with a focus on the housing and it's affects on children's health. Bruce also discusses his trip to Sweden and how their system works.
For example in their schools they have 

• a nurse there everyday
• a doctor that visits each week
• and every child regardless of culture, ethnicity, wealth or poverty is fed a healthy lunch every day.

I recommend watching the interview, it is 11minutes long but worth it. If anyone has a link to the documentary itself I would appreciate the link, thank you.

Reference.

Human Rights Commission. (2010). The rights of children and young people: Ngaa tika o ngaa tamariki, rangatahi. Retrieved from: http://www.hrc.co.nz/hrc_new/hrc/cms/files/documents/20-Aug-2010_12-25-25_Childrens_chapter_v3.pdf 

Maaori Dictionary. (2013). Poutama. Retrieved from: http://www.maoridictionary.co.nz/index.cfm?wordID=5969 

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki he whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Shuttleworth, K. (2013). Govt : $18.40 minimum wage would cost 26000 jobs. Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10868180

St John, S. (2013). Lets have policies for all children. Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10872521

Theunissen, M. (2013). NZ score poorly in UNICEF report. Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10876626

Working for Families. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz/