Press Release – Poverty Action Waikato A Waikato-based poverty action group is calling for the Government to take urgent action to increase benefits by a substantial amount on the two year anniversary of the release of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group report. Poverty Action Waikato, … A Waikato-based poverty action group is calling for the Government to take urgent action to increase benefits by a substantial amount on the two year anniversary of the release of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group report. Poverty Action Waikato, which works with local campaigners and individuals on benefits, has been told of how the welfare system does not provide enough for very basic costs, and causes anxiety.