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Beneficiary ends hunger strike

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Beneficiary ends hunger strike

3News NZ

Sam Kuha

Sam Kuha

Kaikohe beneficiary Sam Kuha is ending his 30-day hunger strike now that Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has agreed to meet him and discuss his problems, the Mana Party says.

Mr Kuha began his hunger strike after being told he had received three food grants and wasn't getting another until he sought budgeting advice - although there was a two-week waiting list.

Mana Party leader and Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira has been supporting Mr Kuha.

"Paula Bennett's office has confirmed she will meet Sam Kuha and listen to his concerns provided he comes off his hunger strike," Mr Harawira said.

"Friday marks the 30th day for Sam without food, I will be meeting him and his supporters at Malahi Cafe at Kaikohe at 10am for a bowl of soup as he comes off his hunger strike."

Mr Harawira says problems with food grants are common in poor communities.

"I hope the minister listens to what Sam has to say and scraps a policy that sees people having to beg for food," he said.

"She should also do more for beneficiaries who are struggling to make ends meet rather than introduce punitive measures that treat all of them like lazy, dope-smoking bludgers."

NZN

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Comments

13/10/2012 4:09:58 p.m.

Jonno wrote:

Shes just trying to get him off the hunger strike before meeting him. Looks better for her i guess. She can hten prance around saying she saved him .Manipulative, always thinking of herself and public opinion. If anything good is to come out of this meeting, she has to declare a change of stance about invalids. Leave them alone. And give them more help as its not there fault they cant work.

13/10/2012 7:14:27 a.m.

roly wrote:

get a job thats how i get food!!!!!wheres my food grant!!!!!guess you stil got smokes!!!!!

12/10/2012 4:58:09 p.m.

Moera wrote:

Well, Bennett has to front up and see in person exactly what her policies are doing to beneficiaries. Maybe wake her up to a few realities that 'not all beneficiaries are bludgers'. Will anything good come of this meeting? Probably not, Bennett is quite good at ignoring and downplaying urgency matters. Good on ya Sam Kuha....go for gold and hold this woman accountable for her actions

12/10/2012 12:16:01 p.m.

Erm... wrote:

The Social Development Minister agreeing to meet with a beneficiary because he's on hunger strike? Outrageous. Sounds like coercion. Surely she has a *social obligation* not to meet as it sets a dangerous precedent.

12/10/2012 7:48:07 a.m.

Wiseacre wrote:

The Social Development Minister requiring *conditions* be met before meeting with a beneficiary? Outrageous. Sounds like coercion. Surely she has a *social obligation* to meet with those she represents. Will anything change as a result of this meeting? Yeah, nah.