December 2015 job figures paint an encouraging picture of the resilience of the New Zealand economy. But just a small dip in economic fortunes could see many more Kiwi families fall into poverty and severe social distress, says The Salvation Army in its latest State of the Nation report.

Now in its ninth year, the 2016 State of the Nation report examines a range of indicators to highlight good and bad aspects of the nation’s social and economic conditions. (From the website). The report is critical about the Government's Better Public Services targets. These include targets to reduce the number of physical assaults of children by 5% and reduce the number of violent crimes committed by 20%. Read further commentary in the NZFVC news item - follow the link. Record #4945