This report is a comprehensive overview of the case of Kathryn Harlen who was convicted of benefit fraud in 2001, subsequently imprisoned and ordered to repay a debt calculated at over $117,000.

Her charges are to do with her relationship status, and the length of time she was receiving a benefit to support her children while deemed by WINZ in a relationship, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding that relationship.

This report forms part of work CPAG is currently undertaking around relationship status as defined by the welfare system, and will coincide with the launch of a campaign calling for Government to change the definitions of relationship for solo parents receiving benefits and allow parents to retain financial independence where children are concerned.

While it was over twenty years ago when she was alleged to have fraudulently obtained a benefit, this case has a history that starts well before that.  The cycle of poverty and abuse began, as so often is the case, in her own childhood. It is fair to say that the way she has been treated in the judicial process, both the criminal conviction, her imprisonment, and the subsequent pursuit for reparations  has been extremely damaging for her children .

Current policies on welfare and relationship fraud have had a major impact on children, in some cases contributing to their poverty and financial insecurity. CPAG asks whether New Zealand's current system adequately reflects the changed nature of relationships in the 21st century. 

Despite the recent focus on 'vulnerable children' in New Zealand, many current policies themselves have had harmful effects on the already most disadvantaged children. This report focuses on a more systemic issue: the traditional reliance of using a couple as the unit in the welfare system.

Speakers 

Susan St John: Susan is a founding member of CPAG and CPAG spokesperson on economics. She is an Honorary Associate Professor in the Economics Department, University of Auckland and the director of the Retirement Policy and Research Centre. Susan is one of the authors of the 2014 report The complexities of 'relationship' in the welfare system and their consequences for children. 

Leonie Morris: Auckland Women's Centre - Centre Manager. She has an MA in Social Policy which focussed on women and single mothers. Her two main concerns are finding solutions to violence against women, and poverty amongst mothers and children in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Catriona MacLennan: Author of Kathryn's Story. Catriona is an expert in family and domestic violence and benefit law and earlier acted for Kathryn in court proceedings. She is a barrister, journalist and social activist. Catriona also presented CPAG's 2014 six-part television series Child Poverty in Aotearoa - Tackling Inequality 2014.

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Light refreshments provided