WelCom March 2022
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has urged Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee to listen to the most-affected communities to tackle ongoing crises in housing, climate change and accelerating inequality that worsen outcomes for the poor.
In its submission on the Budget Policy Statement, Caritas said inequality had increased under the Covid-19 crisis, and short-term and long-term measures were required to deal with this and the housing crisis. More particular and localised approaches were required and participation of the people most directly affected was essential.
Caritas’ Advocacy Adviser on social issues Joanna Viernes said, ‘We need more initiatives, public and private to build more affordable homes of different types to suit different needs, and measures to ensure good use of existing stock.’
Caritas said increased climate funding signalled by the Government to address the climate emergency needed to be accountable to taxpayers and communities most in need.
‘Assessment of impact needs to be based on criteria relevant to local communities,’ said Martin de Jong, Caritas’ Advocacy Adviser on the environment. ‘A similar approach is required for allocating funds at home and abroad, and ensuring participation of local communities in identifying needs, and planning and implementing solutions.’