Charles Dickens’ lessons in A Christmas Carol remain relevant more than 180 years later. Writing in a time of great social inequality, the story captured the enduring challenges of hardship during the festive season. The ghost of Christmas Present reveals to Scrooge two emaciated children: Ignorance and Want.
The symbolism is powerful: Ignorance is visible in decisions that deepen inequality and inequity – choices that prioritise profits over people, cut essential services, and widen the gap between rich and poor. Want is reflected in the rising number of families seeking help from food banks and charities like Manurewa Marae – indeed many marae groups around the country – and the City Mission. The symbolic children remind us that our actions – or inaction – have profound consequences.
As job losses mount across the country, the weight on many New Zealand families this year is undeniable.
In an update on the Government’s nine public service targets early this month, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed unemployment was forecast to increase to almost pandemic levels 5.2%.
However, he was confident the economy was turning a corner.
Many families will be holding on to that hope.