Indicator 8: International poverty line

Indicator 8: Proportion of the population living below international poverty line ($1.15/day) by sex and ethnicity (ages 15-59 and 60+).

Indicator is fully reported?	Yes.
Type of indicator	Outcome indicator
Our findings	There are policies to ensure that no one lives below the international poverty line. Earning $1.15/day results in an annual income of $299 ($5.75/week). This amount is less than that provided by minimum wage rates and government benefits, including New Zealand Superannuation and the Veteran’s Pension. Where a person does not meet the residential requirement for any benefits, they might be eligible for an Emergency Benefit if they are "in hardship". A person can be considered in hardship because they cannot earn a living because of age, sickness, injury or disability, or domestic circumstances (such as caring responsibilities).^[1]
How entities use the data	In general terms, household income data is used to identify trends in inequality and hardship and to intervene as needed – for example, to set the minimum wage. Information about income is available through surveys such as the Household Economic Survey, Household Economic Survey Income, New Zealand Income Survey, and Survey of Family, Income, and Employment.^[2]
Entity responsible for this indicator	Ministry of Social Development.