The facts:

• A report published by the Ministry of Social Development showed one in four children in South Auckland live in material hardship, a key poverty measure.
• In 2021, main benefits were increased.
• The report showed poverty decreased prior to the pandemic, but increased subsequently.

Today is the ninth anniversary of Dame Jacinda Ardern becoming the leader of the Labour Party, the first, significant step in a fairly momentous six years for Ardern, Labour – and the country.

Doing the media rounds shortly after, Ardern introduced herself and her political credo to the