rate of improvement in many health outcomes has been slower for disadvantaged groups than for others. Gaps in education achievement have narrowed, but the influence of socio-economic background on education achievement has increased. Of particular concern are those New Zealanders who face persistently low incomes, material hardship and poor long term outcomes across a range of dimensions. While Māori and Pasifika are less than a quarter of the population, they are significantly overrepresented in these groups. New Zealand Governments have made improving outcomes in key areas that affect well-being (income, housing, health and education) for low socio-economic households, including many Māori and Pasifika people, a top priority. Because the same individuals tend to have poor outcomes across various dimensions of well-being, a co-ordinated multi-pronged approach is needed. In particular, there is a need to better use data and evidence to target and tailor interventions across the public sector to more effectively improve the long-term outcomes of the most disadvantaged New Zealanders.... 11 Since New Zealand’s last review two major earthquakes and numerous aftershocks struck the Canterbury region. The earthquakes resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of homes, businesses, community7 and city infrastructure. The Government has invested a large amount of resources and efforts in the Canterbury earthquake recovery process. However, significant issues have emerged relating to rights to property, health, housing and participation by affected people in decision making. The Canterbury earthquake recovery process has brought renewed attention to a number of enduring human rights challenges for New Zealand and highlighted the fragility of some human rights protections. 12 On 10 December 2013 the Commission released a report which outlines the human rights challenges raised by the Canterbury earthquakes. The aim of the report was to encourage key influencers and decision-makers to apply a human rights approach, by putting human rights principles at the centre of decision-making in civil emergencies, and more broadly when developing policies.8 The approach recommended in the report is consistent with the human rights aspects of the Guiding Principles of the Sendai Declaration on Disaster Risk Recovery which New Zealand has ratified. 7 Community infrastructure includes churches, church halls and community centres. The loss of these facilities has been particularly challenging, increasing social isolation for some groups, especially older people and disabled people. 8 A copy of the report is available here: http://www.hrc.co.nz/key-projects/canterbury-earthquake-recovery/monitoringhuman-rights-in-the-canterbury-earthquake-recovery Page 7 of 93 Human Rights Commission submission to the Human Rights Committee in relation to New Zealand’s 6th periodic review under the ICCPR