Here is the political argument from the Left: "Poverty causes hardship for children. Whether the parent is working or on a benefit makes no difference. It's the lack of income that matters." My argument is that the source of income matters. A lot. Children in households with the same low income suffer hardship disproportionately if their parent is on a benefit. I can speculate as to why. The beneficiary household may lack in budgeting ability. It may lack the discipline of the daily routine...

Last month, the Ministry of Social Development released the latest of its excellent statistical reports documenting the extent of child poverty, hardship/deprivation in New Zealand. The proportions are much below their peak rates around 15 years ago but are still too high. In 2023-24, New Zealand’s child material hardship rate on a standard measure was 13% for children aged 0-17 years. The average for European Union countries was 14%. On the severe material deprivation measure, our 5% rate...

Thank you for the invitation to come and speak to the Law Association. I’ve just come from announcing the opening date for the City Rail Link in Auckland. It may not surprise you to learn that my address to you today is not as exciting as that news! It is a real privilege to be the Attorney-General. All Ministers and officeholders in New Zealand say that about their jobs, but I genuinely mean it. For someone interested in politics and public law and who is deeply interested in our...