The other day I had a young man come to my doorstep and ask for me to sign up to monthly payments to support Barnados children's charity.

He asked if I am aware that a percentage of Kiwi children live in poverty, and explained how Barnados help with offering parenting skills etc to parents.

While I am all for this type of work, I have a problem with organisations and Government departments in this country using the word ‘poverty'.

How can children in a first world nation, where there is support available in the form of WINZ payments, live in poverty?

Children in third world countries, where there is no clean water, food or shelter available, live in poverty.

There are children in this country who are not fed or clothed properly, but from what I can see this is purely from parents who choose buying cigarettes and alcohol above providing for their family.

In some Australian states, people receiving Government assistance get their money on a ‘BasicsCard', which will not allow any purchases of cigarettes or alcohol – no matter where it is purchased, such purchases will be declined on the card.

I wonder if this ‘BasicsCard' was introduced to NZ's benefit receivers - would it make a difference to Kiwi children's welfare?

Something for us taxpayers to think about.

K Morland, Katikati.