The commitment from both the National and Labour parties to reduce child poverty has been met with support as well as criticism.
Children's Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft says it was impressive to see the issue of child poverty "front row and centre" of Monday night's leaders' debate.
"We saw for the first time what was close to an agreement between the major parties," he says.
Judge Becroft says it could be the ideal time to establish a cross-party accord to deal with child poverty.
Should @nzlabour & @NZNationalParty make a cross-party accord to end child poverty? Here are some facts: pic.twitter.com/W4LNwNNqnh
— Morning Report (@NZMorningReport) September 5, 2017
