Seeking feedback: help Kiwis get a fair chance in life
Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Persistent disadvantage is a complex issue, which can significant impact those affected, their communities and the Kiwi economy, the New Zealand Productivity Commission Te Kōmihana Whai Hua o Aotearoa says.
It is inviting the public to have their say in the development of the terms of reference for a new inquiry to help ensure all Kiwis get a fair chance in life.
“We are keen to hear from the public, experts, groups and communities, to help shape this important mahi,” commission chair Ganesh Nana says.
Today the commission starts its consultation to understand where to focus this inquiry. Many people are working hard on finding solutions to Kiwi disadvantage, such as government, communities and the commission.
People may become stuck in disadvantage at any point, from life events such as job loss or illness, or because they are born into disadvantaged circumstances.
Some face persistent disadvantage can end up trapped in a vicious cycle. This is not only bad for them, but all of society loses out.
The inquiry will investigate who gets stuck in persistent disadvantage and why, and what can be done to help break that cycle, to help lift the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. Public input is invited by August 27.
Lisa was born in Auckland at the start of the 1970s, living in a small campsite community on the North Shore called Browns Bay. She spent a significant part of her life with her grandparents, often hanging out at the beaches. Lisa has many happy memories from those days at Browns Bay beach, where fish were plentiful on the point and the ocean was rich in seaweed. She played in the water for hours, going home totally “sun-kissed.” “An adorable time to grow up,” Lisa tells me.
Lisa enjoyed many sports; she was a keen tennis player and netballer, playing in the top teams for her age right up until the family moved to Wellington. Lisa was fifteen years old, which unfortunately marked the end of her sporting career. Local teams were well established in Wellington, and her attention was drawn elsewhere.