Child poverty in NZ (TV3 22/11)

[imdying]

Exactly. We'll no longer be giving the dropkicks the money in the hope they feed their kids, we'll be passing it on to people who actually care about kids and make sure they're fed.

You're trusting. I expect that it'll be supplied in a lump sum. Some of the receivers will steal it, some of them will tender for the cheapest quality crap that passes the standard (even if that's just the testing samples) and pocket the profit, and maybe if you're lucky some will use it wisely to supply their community. This is NZ remember.

[Tigadee]

The Government is supposed to hold such processes accountable and transparent, but the way the Gov'ts have been in the past 20 years, I think it's them who need to be held accountable!

[Gremlin]

I'd like to see this "poverty" everyone keeps bleating about. I've seen real poverty, but never in NZ.

There was a fruit in schools campaign started, that was actually very good (if the little blighters would eat fruit) except National stopped the funding for it. Schools wish they could get on with teaching the kids, but know very well feeding them first makes them learn better.

I reckon there should stop being a blanket funding of kids. First 2-3, free, rest, you pay for. Children should be a priviledge, not a right.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The parents that spend the childrens benefit dollars on beer, cigs, the naggs and dope.

its not horse racing these days, its the pokies. That shit is worse than crack

[MisterD]

There's been huge advances in medicine since the 1960s, your argument is invalid.

The argument is that the presenter's conclusions "right wingers kill our kids" is slanted emotional claptrap, and that is perfectly valid.

Children should be a priviledge, not a right.

So, if you don't have kids, do you expect my kids' taxes to pay for your healthcare?

[Pseudonym]

I’m sure the technology is available where those who are on the benefit can be issued with an EFTPOS card that won’t allow cigarettes, alcohol or money to be withdrawn?
Or if they do need cash it has to be approved through WINZ and then a receipt given back.
It is after all not their money they are spending weather they see it that way or not.

Smoking, drinking and gambling are ok if it’s your money and its money you don’t need.
But I work for a living and I can’t afford it, what with the bike to support and a mortgage to pay…

As for feeding the kids in school, bloody great idea!
I don’t mind my tax going to those who need it.

[Maha]

''As for feeding the kids in school, bloody great idea!''

In one way yes, I agree.
But it teaches both parents and children nothing, except..someone else will yet again ...pay.

[Gremlin]

So, if you don't have kids, do you expect my kids' taxes to pay for your healthcare?

Yes.

Since "I" have paid for other people's healthcare and it's not user pays. The plan however falls apart when some people abuse the fuck out of it, and instead of treating it like a crutch when randomly necessary, live off it instead.

[scumdog]

Yes.

Since "I" have paid for other people's healthcare and it's not user pays. The plan however falls apart when some people abuse the fuck out of it, and instead of treating it like a crutch when randomly necessary, live off it instead.

The plan however falls apart when some people abuse the fuck out of it, and instead of treating it like a crutch when randomly necessary, EXIST off it instead. Fixed for ya!

[JimO]

perhaps anybody going on a benefit should be sterilised , stop them having more kids?? dont want to be sterilised dont go on a benefit, same for state houses

[Usarka]

Tuned into radio live momentarilly this arvo, heard - if the houses are mouldy why don't the lazy fuckers open the curtains and windows and do some cleaning!

I thought it was a very good point. My house would become mouldy if I sat on the couch smoking pot with the curtains and windows closed all day too

The doco was sensationalist bull crap.

[Grasshopperus]

I’m sure the technology is available where those who are on the benefit can be issued with an EFTPOS card that won’t allow cigarettes, alcohol or money to be withdrawn?

I would foresee a secondary economy being created out of something like this.

1. Buy $15 of bread using food stamps (which is pretty much what you're describing)
2. Walk out of the store around the back and trade it for $10 worth of cigarettes.

You'd be creating a whole new class of middlemen. I think exploits like this are the reason that food stamp plans don't quite work out as well as people would like them to. People who want smokes/alcohol will do anything to get them.

[SPman]

perhaps anybody going on a benefit should be sterilised , stop them having more kids?? dont want to be sterilised dont go on a benefit, same for state houses

That would be one of the more inane, non thought through, knee jerk, mouth-offs, from the bunch of inanities spewed forth on this thread.
For once, the good ideas outweigh them.......

[PrincessBandit]

Yes.

Since "I" have paid for other people's healthcare and it's not user pays. The plan however falls apart when some people abuse the fuck out of it, and instead of treating it like a crutch when randomly necessary, live off it instead.

That's the same for any system in NZ designed to help those who need it (ACC anyone?)
'Tis always the abusers who wreck any idealistic setup meant for those who are needy; human beings seem simply incapable of allowing an assistance scheme to operate as it is intended. And kids have always been a weapon of choice for some to use and abuse for their own gain.

[oneofsix]

That's the same for any system in NZ designed to help those who need it (ACC anyone?)
'Tis always the abusers who wreck any idealistic setup meant for those who are needy; human beings seem simply incapable of allowing an assistance scheme to operate as it is intended. And kids have always been a weapon of choice for some to use and abuse for their own gain.

Whilst I totally agree with you Princess I don't agree with those that would throw the system out just because of the abusers of the system. You deal directly to the abusers, some good old fashion logical approach, not the legalised cotton wool (bring back the stocks), thereby improving the system for all the others. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.