Frustration as poverty roadshow hits town

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett's voice was hoarse before the Green Paper roadshow got to Whangarei but there was still some shouting to do.

Ms Bennett was on a roadtrip in Northland yesterday delivering the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, a document inviting public submissions on issues relating to at-risk families. Among its topics are the prioritising and monitoring of services for children and how much information sharing should be allowed between Government and/or non-government agencies.

Ms Bennett described the paper as a means of having "a conversation" - a word she repeated almost as often as she said "submissions" at yesterday's meetings at Kaitaia, Hokianga and, late in the afternoon, Whangarei.

However, while the Green Paper and its promotion called for people to have a say, Ms Bennett was clearly frustrated when people did try to speak out. When people took her visit as an invitation to challenge Social Development agencies, such as Child, Youth and Family, she quickly closed the conversation.

"Put it in a submission," the minister exhorted each time. "That's what a Green Paper is, it's something that scopes the issues."

"You're not listening," one woman called out. "We're trying to tell you what we think and every question you've been asked, [you say] put it in a submission?"

"But that's why we're here, to encourage you to make submissions," Ms Bennett snapped, her fatigued voice cracking.

The meetings were attended by administrators and on-the-ground staff from Government and non-government health, welfare, iwi, education, youth and other sectors. They were asked to form groups and "workshop" through points outlined in the Green Paper, or raise others.

The Green Paper was launched last year but is only now being taken in person by the minister to the heart of communities that might most benefit from its focus.

Northland is highest in many statistics that indicate children are suffering from poverty, abuse or disadvantage. Nationally 22 per cent of children are living in poverty, but in Northland 49 per cent are identified as being born in the two most-deprived deciles.

More than 1000 submissions have been received on the Green Paper but the minister is keen to drum up more interest before the February 28 closing date.

The submissions, as well as the will of the Ministry of Social Development, will result in a 10-year policy-setting White Paper on Vulnerable Children expected to be released by the Government this year.

"I know we can do better than we are doing now," Ms Bennett said. "I've never, ever felt in this country before that there is such a drive and a need and a time for this change."