When did you last read a headline in MSM about more children being raised on welfare? Yet latest Ministry of Social Development benefit statistics (1) show at the end of 2023 the number reached a new high of 222,500.
I predicted this would happen when Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister, making herself Minister for Child Poverty Reduction to boot. In a nutshell, I believed that her plan to increase benefit income would only draw more parents onto them. She began by introducing the Best Start Payment of $60 per week for newborns - her simplistic solution to income inequality being ever more state redistribution of wealth. This was followed by increases to basic benefit rates; removal of financial penalties for failure to name liable fathers; pass-on of child support and increased family tax credits.
In effect she decided to pay parents more not to work by further closing the gap between income from the state and income from employment. In fact, for a sole parent with a couple of children, there is now no gap between income from a benefit (with all the add-ons like accommodation supplement and family tax credits) and an average paying job. By April last year the average benefit income for this family type was $1,057 weekly. (2)
So, even against a backdrop of low unemployment, it is no surprise that the number of children in benefit-dependent homes has risen. Why does it matter? If these children have been technically lifted out of poverty, isn't that a good thing?
For one, homes where no one is employed lack routine and discipline. Who gets the kids up and ready for school?
Look at the stats (3&4) for Northland: lowest regular school attendance at just over a third (34.2%) and highest dependence on a single parent or jobseeker benefit (14.5% of working-age population). Christchurch has the highest regular attendance at almost half (49.4%) and second lowest reliance on the same benefits (6.4%). Mere coincidence?
But the more insidious aspect of benefit-dependent homes is the lack of appreciation for education. Who needs to be literate and numerate when WINZ puts money in your bank every week regardless? In the absence of teachers, this attitude is the main message being sent and received.
Yes, some people fall on hard times and need a period of financial help. But they are not seduced or sedated by benefits long-term. They pick themselves up and get back into the real world taking their children with them. New National MP James Meager (5) talks about watching his own solo Mum on a benefit, "...juggle three kids, part-time work, correspondence school..." She drove home the importance of education. She inspired her children. But the same MP also says, "Too many children in our country will grow up without that opportunity."
He is right. It is a statement of fact. Too many children will never experience living with a parent who works. The expected average future years on a benefit (6) measured from a point in time is now 13.6 - up from 10.7 when Ardern became Prime Minister. Another mere coincidence?
1/ https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/statistics/benefit/index.html
5/ https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20231206_038580000/meager-james
Lindsay Mitchell blogs here
Here's what I received back. Good grief.
Dear Aaron,
Thank you for your email to Nicola. I am rep[lying on her behalf.
The Government has no plans, and never has had plans, to amend or rewrite the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty is a foundation document of New Zealand – and important for the country’s past, present and future.
The Government has no plans, and never has had plans, to amend or rewrite treaty settlements. We will continue to honour all treaty settlements.
National has been clear for some time that we do not support a referendum on the Treaty and has made no commitment and has no intention to support Act’s Treaty principles bill beyond first reading.
Whilst the…
Yesterday in the Herald! lol Can they never stop exaggerating and lying? It looks more like a couple of hundred people than in their thousands to me? And don't they have any editors checking headlines ever? This is hilarious!
Here's the link to the pathetic article itself: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/thousands-attend-waitangi-day-celebrations-across-tauranga-moana-aimed-at-promoting-togetherness-and-unity/DDOFRRQBGVHHHEM4T4JKYSUYBI/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=nzh_fb&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR03_9ImunLTkcy2mfXztOIhGKYFvLcIF3WlO-xlefBVLf-SIG3SH5-CH_4#Echobox=1707193229
Yet more devious , corrupt nonsense from our wonderful MSM AKA Muck Spreading Machine
Nicole McKee was talking with Sean Plunket about her experience at Waitangi Day.
What she so clearly and comprehensively described, bore no relation to the outrageous, fictitious claptrap from our illustrious journalists / Quite , Quite different and totally believable .
These lying, conniving low life bastards should be rounded up and dumped on the Campbell --Islands with greasy little Johnny. They could all lie to their hearts content, while slowly starving. What an attractive image that conjures up.
Aaron I took the liberty of forwarding your comments to various MPs who I have had ongoing contact ( Nat NZ1st and ACT). As always , attempts to send to Mr Luxon always fail ?????
Good morning Ministers
A comment from a straight talking Cantabrian who calls a spade a spade. I think he speaks for many of us in the community. Like me, a former long term Labour supporter . up until the nightmare under the Ardernists.
We really want the coalition to be successful. The vultures can spot the potential cracks, as well as many supporters . Some of whom have been very unfair in their comments and criticisms.
I am aware of the old adage====
"…
"Nicola, I sent this because so many people are sick of being treated as second class. I love this country deeply and I'll not brook for one minute longer this division. It's unneeded,,unwanted and race is not to be considered a divider in new Zealand, no. No more. We all live here, love this country deeply, and Attitude is all this country has ever needed and thrives upon. And it's all we need to make sure new Zealand thrives again. Not by race or ethnicity. No. We are all new Zealanders that have equal rights No matter our background or race we all strive to make new Zealand a country for all.
I'm 1/8 th maori. I'm proud to be…