More school students working to pay family bills, says poverty advocate

Sam Saega, a Year 13 student at Papakura High School in Auckland, works 20 hours a week at Woolworths to support his family of 11. His father, an Uber driver and roadside lamb bun vendor, struggles with long hours and financial strain, forcing Sam to help cover bills and upcoming travel costs for a family reunion in Samoa. The high cost of living and fuel prices have tightened household budgets, limiting access to water and power. A 2024 Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) report highlights that up to 15,000 New Zealand teenagers work 20–50 hours weekly to assist families, though better data is needed to assess the full scope. Agnes Magele, spokesperson for Auckland Action Against Poverty, warns long work hours may trap students in low-paying jobs, stifling ambitions like becoming lawyers or doctors. She urges government support for low-income families and community organizations to ease the burden. Lesieli Samiu, Papakura High School’s Pacific liaison, estimates 40% of Year 12 and 13 students work part-time, citing impacts on attendance, focus, and wellbeing. The Ministry of Education denies the issue is widespread, citing legal protections for student attendance, though it does not track work hours outside school. Sam Saega’s friends have already dropped out to help financially, but he aims to study construction or engineering at university to break the cycle of low-wage work. The financial pressures reflect broader trends, with Magele linking rising child labor to cost-of-living crises. While the government emphasizes legal safeguards, advocates argue systemic support is needed to prevent students from prioritizing work over education.