NZ needs a new direction...

[SueDonim]

"Half a century ago the rules were rewritten in favour of the wealthy, at the cost of our collective wellbeing."

Was that when the benefits became available? Instead of people having to look after themselves and their families, the government now gives them what should be a helping hand up, but has become for many just a universal income forever. And now many people have totally lost sight of the responsibility they have to society and appreciation to those who have to foot the bill - the much maligned "rich" - whoever they are.

I'm sure you understand that prior to benefits being available, the situation was far worse with starvation being a distinct possibility for some. There are actually some people who'd prefer that to still be the case.

People do still need to look after themselves - a far as I understand it, WINZ doesn't offer any cleaning, washing, lawnmowing, gardening, parenting services. 

And if people don't meet the requirements then they won't get a benefit; no benefit is 'forever'.




Interestingly, I've just stumbled across this - nice easy life on a benefit for this woman. Not.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/30...ommodation

Yes I saw that too. WINZ let her down big time. Usually those "woe is me" stories have another side - like people who can't get a house because they've destroyed the last one. Or kept on having kids after being on the benefit. This one looks genuine and didn't deserve what she got.

Benefits are often forever. There are plenty of multi-generational households where everyone is on benefits and will continue that way. For those who are disabled that's fine. For those who are (or should be) fit and healthy, that's a HUGE problem.