The Salvation Army is highlighting the extent of poverty in New Zealand as it holds its annual Red Shield Appeal.
Every year an estimated 68,000 New Zealand children and their families rely on The Salvation Army for their basic needs, head of social services Major Pam Waugh says.
"I've had children tell me they love it when mum gets paid - that's the one day they get enough food. That's not OK for children to have this worry. It's not good enough in New Zealand."
She says one in five children in New Zealand regularly go without essentials such as food, clothing and heating.
The number of homeless New Zealanders is growing, as is the number of renters who can't afford the median rent of $540 per week in Auckland.
Major Waugh says The Salvation Army is committed to leading the charge to end poverty in New Zealand.
The street appeal is from May 1 to 7.
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