Hygiene Poverty: A Hidden Crisis in Australia and New Zealand
Hygiene poverty, being unable to afford basic hygiene and cleaning essentials, is quietly affecting millions in Australia and New Zealand. According to a 2024 report from Good360, approximately four million Australians are experiencing hygiene poverty, with 3.6 million facing these challenges for the first time. Families and individuals are increasingly having to prioritise other essential needs over everyday hygiene items, exacerbating social inequalities and affecting their overall health and dignity. While organisations like Good360 play a crucial role in connecting vulnerable communities with hygiene essentials, the need remains immense, and ongoing support from businesses and individuals is essential to address this hidden crisis.
While food poverty and homelessness frequently capture public attention, hygiene poverty often remains overlooked. Yet, the lack of access to basic hygiene essentials like soap, sanitary products, toothpaste, and toilet paper can severely impact health, dignity, and social inclusion.
According to The Salvation Army, hygiene poverty can directly contribute to a cycle of social isolation and poor health outcomes. Their research highlights that hygiene poverty isn’t just about discomfort, it affects employment opportunities, school attendance, and mental wellbeing. Similarly, Auckland City Mission has noted a significant increase in requests for essential personal care items, highlighting an urgent need within communities.
In Australia, Foodbank’s 2023 Hunger Report indicated that one in five Australians reported going without essential hygiene products due to financial constraints. The report also notes that hygiene poverty disproportionately affects women and children, exacerbating social inequality.
In New Zealand, the Wellington City Mission reported an increasing number of families struggling with hygiene poverty, particularly impacting children's school attendance and participation. When children lack access to essential items such as sanitary products or even basic soap, their school attendance and performance often decline, further entrenching disadvantage.
Maintaining Hygiene Access in the Workplace Matters
One of the ways businesses can play a positive role is by maintaining clean, fully stocked washrooms through reliable, professional hygiene services. When hygiene is treated as essential, not optional, it reinforces the message that health, dignity, and wellbeing matter. From soap and sanitiser to sanitary bins and toilet tissue, providing consistent access to hygiene products supports not just your staff and visitors, but contributes to a wider culture that values care and cleanliness.
Working Together for a More Dignified Future
At Hygiene Systems, we believe that everyone deserves access to basic hygiene. That’s why we’re committed not only to supporting our customers with reliable hygiene services, but also to backing organisations that help those in need. In New Zealand, we’re proud to support the Kindness Collective, a charity working to provide essential care items, including hygiene products, to families doing it tough. Whether through charity partnerships, product donations, or simply raising awareness, we’re focused on playing our part in creating healthier, more equitable communities.
If you’d like to help, consider supporting one of these organisations:
NZ:
- Kindness Collective (NZ)
- Auckland City Mission
- Wellington City Mission
- Christchurch City Mission
- The Salvation Army NZ
AU:
