The Government says a ministerial committee on poverty is making progress in improving the lives of low-income New Zealanders.
Deputy prime minister Bill English says the committee, which was set up this year, is focusing on addressing the immediate concerns associated with poverty.
He says it has already been instrumental in co-ordinating Government departments to deal with the disease, rheumatic fever.
Mr English says the committee is also focused on maintaining superannuation and working for families.
Labour is disappointed with the progress made by the committee. Jacinda Ardern MP says the committee would put a lot more emphasis on income levels if it was serious about alleviating poverty.
Greens co-leader Metiria Turei says the committee has met only four times and questions whether it is making genuine progress in alleviating poverty.
