The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services says the effects of the recession have not been shared equally, with young Maori and Maori families bearing a disproportionate burden.
Releasing the council's latest "Vulnerabilty Report", executive officer Trevor McGlinchey from Kai Tahu said social service agencies are fully stretched.
He told Waatea News that families hit by a lack of jobs are unable to survive on the very low benefit rates.
"We're living in an unequal society," Mr McGlinchey says, and the message has to be got out that the needs of all people, whether Maori, Pakeha or Pacific, must be met properly.
"At that moment," he says, "that's not happening."
Instead of working or training, Mr McGlinchey says, nearly a third of young Maori are unemployed, and that will have long-term social consequences.
