Christmas on Empty: Why Single Pacific Mothers Are Carrying the Heaviest Load This Holiday Season
“We've just finished receiving a Christmas box from our church aiga as they do this yearly to help support those that are struggling during the Christmas period.”
For other solo- mums living away from their aiga, this crucial support isn’t often available, and now that many food banks have closed down, this Xmas is particularly tough.
Auckland City Mission is facing ongoing challenges due to reduced government funding for its general year-round food bank services, which has resulted in a significant increase in community need.
Likewise the popular Butterbean Motivation Foodbank in South Auckland has had to cut back staff, operating on limited capacity due to funding cuts.
Is the pay gap to blame?
Many of these struggles are not accidental - and sadly are a reality for many Pacific Women in Aotearoa.
Pacific women face the highest gender pay gap in the country at 20.9 percent. In October, data showed Pacific women are effectively working for free from October 15 through to the end of the year compared to Pākehā men.
Former Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo told PMN News that policy changes have denied Pacific people fair pay.
“It’s calculated that the hourly rate that Pacific women are at is generally lower when compared to other ethnic groups such as European, Asian and Māori. That’s why Pacific people are now working for free because we’re missing out on the pay difference between us and Europeans.”
Pacific women continue to work in essential roles while absorbing the highest cost of living pressures. For single mothers, there is no buffer.
A different reality across the Tasman
Across the Tasman, Christmas looks different for some single mothers.
Australian Samoan mum Maria Brown says Christmas is something her family looks forward to.
“Christmas is a really big celebration in our household and something my children and I genuinely look forward to each year.”
She says planning ahead allows her to manage costs.
“I start planning months ahead booking outings, activities, trips and accommodation early to keep costs down.”
“For us, our Christmas gift is a whole week of adventures and experiences together - it has to be experiences when money can’t buy things.”
Maria is a single mother of three who also supports her parents full time. She receives no child support, but says career progression has helped her build stability.
“I changed careers from the beauty industry into education, and in a short period of time I’ve worked my way into management - I want to model resilience, hard work, and perseverance for my kids.”
Two mothers. Two economies. Two realities.
The difference between these mothers is not effort or commitment. It is policy, pay, and the economic conditions they are forced to live under.
For many families, Christmas is not about excess. It is about getting through.
-
Need help this Christmas?
Check out the links below for hot meals or groceries
Find a Food Bank Across Aotearoa
If you're feeling the sting this holidays and it's taking a toll;
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202.
- Youthline: 0800 376 633, text 234, or chat online for young people.
- 1737: Call or text 1737 anytime to talk with a trained counsellor for free.