Material hardship, defined as the inability to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and clothing, affected 10.3% of children in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2022. While economic security is often measured through income poverty rates, material hardship is influenced by more complex factors beyond income and household composition. The 2018 Child Poverty Reduction Act mandated tracking material hardship to better understand how policies and programs can alleviate these issues and ensure children have their fundamental needs met. However, unlike income poverty, material hardship rates are harder to model, making policy interventions more challenging to evaluate and implement.

This report conducted a systematic review of existing research to identify effective policies for reducing material hardship. A total of 255 sources were initially identified, with 55 studies meeting inclusion criteria for analysis. These studies were categorized based on intervention types and assessed for their relevance to Aotearoa New Zealand. Most research originated from the United States, given its extensive policy analysis frameworks and large-scale survey data availability. While limited studies focused directly on New Zealand, findings provide insights into strategies that may help address material hardship locally. The report emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policies in tackling hardship and ensuring sustainable improvements for vulnerable families.

‍

Citation

Grant, M., & K. C. Prickett. (2023). Research evidence on policy supports and the effect on material hardship. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet: Wellington, New Zealand.

‍