Letters: We're a country in crisis

We now have unprecedented levels of poverty in this country, says a reader.

It is tragic that we live in a country which 50 years ago, was known as the land of milk and honey, but where our present living conditions have been reduced to where many are now unable to experience the human right of safe, affordable accommodation, many having to have several jobs to make ends meet.

Meat, fruit and vegetables are beyond the means of many families of the 150,000 children living in poverty. NZ once topped the world for affordable homes, zero unemployment, adequate-paying jobs and reasonably-priced food.

We now have unprecedented homelessness and 150,000 children living in poverty - possibly the worst statistics, on a pro rata basis, of all First World countries.

We suggest that we apply to the UN for help with temporary accommodation for our homeless, such as they supply to other countries in crisis that have a desperate need. It is winter time, and our homeless are sick and dying from the cold. We are a country in crisis.

Our government has imposed immigration policies on us, without investing in the infrastructure to support that immigration.

As a country that has signed up to the UN, we should be entitled to ask them to help us with temporary housing until we have sufficient safe housing for our people, at which time they can deconstruct the housing for other countries in need.

We also suggest we apply to the International Red Cross for food parcels for our families living in poverty.

New Zealand children are sick and dying of diseases caused by malnutrition, because families cannot afford real fruit and vegetables and can only afford cheap, processed foods. Some of these children have both parents working, and they still cannot support their families because of the high accommodation, electricity and nutritious food costs.

BEVERLEY ALDRIDGE, KATHLEEN PATTINSON
Otamatea Grey Power