Minister for Children Tracey Martin is defending the latest child poverty statistics.

Statistics New Zealand data shows 254,000 children are facing poverty, with 148,000 kids going without everyday items like shoes or coats.

These figures have increased for the first time since 2015.

Tracey Martin told Mike Hosking these stats are from June 2017 to June 2018.

She said there was an election in September 2017 so it covers a period before this government's policies could have any effect.

Martin said stopping poverty's not as simple as just handing out money, but people do need income support which they will get.

She said they're going to look at housing, jobs and the structure of pay.