Dear John: We can solve problems together

Rich or poor, we must all watch out for one another and help those around us, says Lou Davis manger of Te Ora Hou Northland Inc. Photo / Michael Cunningham

On his first day back in office John Key asked for fresh ideas to tackle child poverty.

As an advocate for the Northland region we want to help deliver these fresh ideas.

This is the fifth in a series of letters from Northland leaders with their ideas on how the Government should be addressing child poverty.

Lou Davis is hands-on in the Whangarei community through his leadership of Te Ora Hou Northland Inc.

Dear John,

Isn't it sad and a terrible thing that for a seemingly well developed country we have so many children going without the basics of life; food, clothes, adequate housing and care.

I believe one of the keys to addressing these issues starts in the local neighbourhood. It starts with you and me, those over my fence, people up my street and all those who call this city home.

This approach focuses on the relationships within communities, at a neighbourhood and street level.

Too often we think it is someone else's problem or that responsibility for the issues and solutions lie with government. Yes, the government has a part to play.

The Government can contribute to reducing poverty by ensuring affordable energy and housing, creating decent job opportunities, raising the minimum wage and increasing educational achievement, but there is a lot we can do in our own streets and neighbourhoods too.

It doesn't matter where you live, rich or poor, we are all called to watch out for one another and to help those around us. Just imagine if every family who was doing OK, took a family who is struggling under their wing and shared some of their resources with those who lack.

There are some wonderful examples of communities taking responsibility for the issues facing the people around them and finding solutions amongst themselves. Things like, community gardens, neighbourhood support, youth programmes, community responses and local events.

It is important that as government you invest in these community-led initiatives and look at ways to help mobilise and equip everyday people in the community to respond to those around them.

Come and talk to those working in the neighbourhoods, spend time with those who are struggling, come and see some of the initiatives happening in our communities. These initiatives build local skills and resilience as well as confidence and energy for more improvements and that is what will make a real difference in the long term

But yes ultimately it is up to us, the people who live in the neighbourhood, to care more for those around us, to give a little, and know that we can be the difference when it comes to helping our kids who are struggling.

We have all heard the saying that "it takes a village to raise a child", let's be part of the village.

Kind Regards,

Lou Davis
Manger of Te Ora Hou Northland Inc

*We want your help: Leave us a comment on Facebook or on our website, send us a message or email reporters@northernadvocate.co.nz with your ideas on how child poverty should be tackled.

All feedback will be submitted via Whangarei MP Shane Reti to the Prime Minister's office.