Submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee - Budget Policy Statement

As the independent advocate working for and with mokopuna, Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission urges the Government to explicitly prioritise the rights and interests of mokopuna in its budget setting processes and government investment. This includes developing mechanisms for mokopuna participation in financial decision-making, and adopting a broader vision for education.

We recommend the establishment of clear and transparent processes to assess the direct and indirect impacts of spending on mokopuna, their families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities. Special attention should be given to addressing the needs of those experiencing disparities of outcomes, including those disproportionately affected by poverty.

The Social Investment approach needs to balance data-driven targeting with a universal human rights-based framework, and prioritise long-term wellbeing outcomes over short-term fiscal pressures. Additionally, public spending decisions must consider the intergenerational impacts of long-term infrastructure investments, and ensure future generations are not burdened with the costs of failing to address structural issues today.

To strengthen its commitment to children’s rights, New Zealand should incorporate UN guidance on child-focused public budgeting. By embedding these principles into financial planning, the Government can better fulfil its obligations under the Children’s Convention, ensuring that resources are allocated in a way that upholds and protects the rights and interests of all mokopuna.