The 2016 Mangere Impact is a significant logistical exercise from the perspectives of both MSD and AAAP. Impacts are also a time when the realities of the harm wrought by an inadequate and stressed welfare system are brought to the fore through the large numbers of people who come to seek our assistance.

Media advisory Thursday 17 March 2016

Every week many thousands of people are turned away from Work & Income offices without the support they desperately need.

In just over two weeks’ time Auckland Action Against Poverty will be holding our fourth Beneficiary Impact:

Tuesday 5 – Wednesday 6 – Thursday 7 April

8.30am – 4.00pm

Pukapuka Community Centre, 24 Canning Cresc, Mangere

Next door to the Mangere Work & Income office.

“We expect this Impact to be our biggest yet,” says AAAP spokesperson Sue Bradford.

“At the last Impact we ran in Mangere in 2014, we helped over 500 people get their full entitlements over the three days.

“This year we are expecting to assist even more people as the level of desperation in Auckland gets deeper by the day, judging by the regular advocacy work we do.

“MSD is putting on over 30 extra staff in a special team to work with us over the week, and AAAP has rallied our own crew of over 100 volunteers.  

“We are working closely with MSD’s regional office to ensure the three days are as effective as possible. 

“This time around we expect to be able to support over 700 people to achieve what a well-functioning welfare system would be providing in the first place.

Media representatives are welcome to speak with us ahead of time about why we’re doing the Impact and what it involves.  Media are also encouraged to come visit us at Mangere during the course of the Impact.

The 2016 Mangere Impact is a significant logistical exercise from the perspectives of both MSD and AAAP. Impacts are also a time when the realities of the harm wrought by an inadequate and stressed welfare system are brought to the fore through the large numbers of people who come to seek our assistance.