Child poverty is a major and complex issue facing New Zealand today. The level is much more serious than public perception and is a problem we cannot afford to ignore. A combination of factors contribute to child poverty, from individual micro-level causes to macro-collective government involvement. This occurs in part due to social construction and is potentially avoidable. The consequences can impact both individuals and, to a large extent, significantly affect the country as a whole. If the problem is not solved, inequality will continue, if not worsen and become a continuous intergenerational cycle. “The poor are getting poorer”, children can easily fall into the poverty trap where it becomes almost impossible to put an end to this problem. The consequences of inequality have important consequences at a social level. It is very difficult to have an agreed definition of poverty or how it should be measured. Due to the lack of common goals or objectives, it is difficult to establish targeted solutions that solve this problem. The Children's Commissioner's Expert Advisory Group defines child poverty as those children who "experience deprivation of the material resources and income" needed for them to reach their full potential and are excluded from normal patterns of modern life (Children's Commissioner, 2012, p1 ). These children miss out on opportunities that most members of New Zealand society take for granted. It is universally believed that there are two types of poverty: absolute or relative. Absolute poverty refers to the lack of one or more basic needs (e.g. food and shelter) that are essential for the individual's survival, or which may threaten or cause harm to... middle of paper... .ce fragmentation social. The increase in child poverty over the last decade has a strong implication. The risk factors involved are multiple and complex, and socioeconomic circumstances are a major contributor to rising inequalities in New Zealand. To solve this problem and achieve equal life opportunities, both the participation of individual agencies and long-term practical commitment from the government is needed. It requires an innovative vision and approach that reaches out to those at the bottom of the social ladder. In particular, universal provision of health services, good public education and a durable, high-quality natural environment to ensure that children receive the basic requirements so that they can reach their full potential. Resolving the progression of the ongoing negative intergenerational cycle is a critical part of the greater success of the country as a whole.