Leaders from New Zealand’s major churches have thrown their weight behind the launch of a new project aimed at reducing the gap between the rich and the poor in this country.

The NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) launched Closer Together Whakatata Mai last week as a way to highlight the impact of inequality, especially income inequality, for the country.

Council president Ruby Duncan said that 20 years ago New Zealand was one of the most equal countries in the economically developed world but that is no longer the case. She said it was important to change the mainstream perspective about economic and social disparity.

“Our largely individualistic approach to economics and politics will lead us down a dark alley, where the nation we are becoming is increasingly divided. This separation is, on the face of it, an increasing divide between rich and poor, but underneath that is the reality of misery and despair for those growing up as the have-nots,” said Ms Duncan.

The Council is supporting regional networks to organise events and meetings over the next few months. They’re also aiming to collect more than 5000 signatures, either online or by postcard, from those committed to reducing inequality.

Already keen to sign up are Anglican Archbishop David Moxon, Baptist Union NZ President Rodney McCann, the Wellington Catholic Archbishop John Dew and The Salvation Army’s Director of Social Services Major Campbell Roberts.

NZCCSS executive officer Trevor McGlinchey said he hoped many, many other New Zealanders would sign up so “reducing inequality” becomes an election issue.

“We are not seeking to promote one political party over another but we want all parties and government agencies to develop or support policies that promote equality or reduce inequality. We want to send a strong message to all political candidates that we don’t want a country of haves and have-nots; rather we want to live in a society where everyone gets a fair go and is seen as a valuable member of our communities.”