Govt fails to meet major targets for reducing child poverty

Figures released show 156,000 children living in material hardship in 2024, up from 144,000 the year before. That's almost 13.5 percent of Aotearoa's children. Measures of material hardship include having to go without fruit and veges because of the cost, putting off doctors visits and being unable to afford heating. 208,000 children were considered to be in poverty after housing costs had been paid - that's also up from the previous year. Minister for Child Poverty Reduction Louise Upston spoke to Lisa Owen.