Photo: RNZ / Quin Tauetau
A Citizens Advice Bureau report based on more than 10,000 requests for assistance has revealed what it calls "a growing crisis in welfare support."
The just released report says people from all walks of life, and all ages and ethnicities, are struggling to meet basic living costs and access the support they are legally entitled to.
It says policy changes such as benefit sanctions, tighter emergency housing criteria and cuts to community services have all exacerbated hardship.
The CAB is calling for a range of improvements including prioritising food, housing and utility security and reviewing compliance penalties.
Kathryn is joined by Louise May, the National Policy Advisor for the Citizen's Advice Bureau
