Inflation and the rising cost of living are contributing to worsening child poverty.

Stats NZ data shows more than 140,000 children were living in material hardship for the year to June 2023.

Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey says the cost of living is significantly challenging families on the lowest incomes.

She says measures - like free school lunches and period products - need to continue being funded.

"The other things we want to see is- commit to income adequacy. Make sure children on the lowest incomes are not losing any of their income during this term of Government."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Officials warn up to 13,000 children will be pushed in poverty as a result of benefit changes
• Francesca Rudkin: The truancy issue is more nuanced than headlines suggest
• High child poverty stats blamed for declining PISA scores