New Data Reveals Rising Child Poverty and Crime for Pasifika

Recent data released this week highlights the growing challenges faced by New Zealand’s Pasifika communities, revealing alarming trends in child poverty and violent crime victimization. According to government figures, Pasifika children are experiencing the highest rates of poverty in Aotearoa, while also being disproportionately affected by violent crime.

Child Poverty Crisis

Statistics New Zealand reports that nearly one-fifth of Pasifika children have lived in poverty over the past year. This statistic has remained consistently high since 2019. More concerning is that approximately one-third of Pasifika children endure material hardship, a significant increase over the last six years. The figures indicate that over 32,000 Pasifika children live in poverty, making them the most impoverished demographic group in the country, followed closely by Māori children. Overall, child poverty in New Zealand is reported at 12.6 percent, which is notably lower than the rate for Pasifika children.

Louise Upston, Minister for Child Poverty Reduction, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing these issues. “Reducing material hardship for children is a priority for our government,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Rise in Violent Crime Victimization

Data from the Ministry of Justice presents a contrasting narrative regarding violent crime. While the overall number of violent crime victims in New Zealand has dropped by 37 percent over the past two years, Pasifika communities have experienced a dramatic 42 percent increase in victimization during the same period. As of October 2025, there are 5,000 more Pacific victims compared to October 2023. Over the last year, more than 16,000 Pasifika individuals fell victim to violent crime, which includes a range of offenses from sexual assault to robbery.

The government’s response has been scrutinized, as the increase in crime rates among Pasifika stands in stark contrast to the overall decline seen across Aotearoa. Paul Goldsmith, the Justice Minister, acknowledged the disproportionate impact on Pacific peoples and stated, “From day one, our government has worked tirelessly to return victims to the heart of the justice system.”

Interconnected Issues

The Salvation Army’s recent State of the Nation report underscores the complexities of these issues, noting that while there are fewer victims overall, those affected are facing repeat victimization more frequently. The report indicates that Pacific social networks are particularly vulnerable to violent crime, with the criminal justice system often failing to consider their collective identities and cultural expectations.

Furthermore, the unemployment rate among Pasifika individuals stands at 12 percent, more than double that of the national average, contributing to the cycle of child poverty. Senior policy analyst Ana Ika highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues, stating, “The unemployment figures create a domino effect into other areas, particularly regarding access to nutritious food, healthcare, and utility payments.”

As New Zealand grapples with these challenges, the latest data reveals urgent needs for targeted support and intervention to improve conditions for Pasifika communities. The statistics serve as a call to action for both government officials and community leaders to address these disparities effectively.