New teens welfare system has started

21/08/2012 11:18:52 a.m.

Moera wrote:

National isn't about 'what works for NZders', 'it's about what works for National'. The policies they've already incorporated have shown their position to all NZders. Kids are falling through the gaps and been overlooked, and the only way Bennett can fix it is by giving Youth a govt funded benefit. OMG...What is this woman thinking?? Yes there are 'at risk' Youth and this is an area that should be addressed and very quickly BUT does Bennett actually have a positive strategy, other than a Youth Benefit?? After all she has just told DPB mothers to go find a job. Correct me if I'm wrong...Bennett is just shifting govt funds from one sector to another but labelling it as ????. Not actually relieving an individuals dependancy on receiving govt funds but encouraging it instead. WINZ already have a Youth Allowance in place now for independant youth. The majority of funds for this youth allowance comes predominantly from the youths' parents. IMO going down this avenue won't be very productive for NZ families and 'at risk' youth> I can see this breaking families in the near future.

21/08/2012 8:57:01 a.m.

alison wrote:

Putting 148 million into 17000 doesnt compute into any sense so Im guessing the minister is talking all social welfare? Not everyone learns in the educational classrooms and its high time it was acknowledged. Bring back the apprenticeships under the old rules and start to see the difference in completion rates for this education. Its a proven system that worked well with much less funding. Our young want to work and indeed with the high cost and high fail rates to them at present, through polytechs and training establishments, another approach is needed. How can students pay off a student loan if they never gain the qualifications. Another Bennett no brainer.

20/08/2012 10:52:13 p.m.

David wrote:

That you refer to the poor as "so-called" shows just how out touch with reality you are Cherie. Have you not seen the kids in our major cities living under bridges or in cardboard box's in the bush. By the way.. freedom of choice does actually allow workers to chose who they will work for... in every country around the world. If kiwis dont want to do certain jobs... its likely those jobs that you are referring too that have ended up in the employment court where immigrant workers are being abused by unscrupulous employers. And they have the right to say no to being abused by people like you luckily. Our country has quickly become one of the poorest developed counries in the world. Thats John Keys only major achievement since taking on the job.

20/08/2012 8:55:55 p.m.

cherie wrote:

Well then David would you like us to be like S'pore. They have no need for welfare. Their top tax rate is minimal. And they do very very well. No dole, bugger all crime and certainly no DPB handed out to children having children. I agree NZ's system isnt working so lets give their one a try. Isnt that what you want? Oh no thats right you want to tax the so called rich to pay for the so called poor. We are currently importing workers to do jobs kiwis wont. A dam disgrace.

20/08/2012 8:45:09 p.m.

johnmillan wrote:

This is just a return to the depression days,when tokens were used too purchase commodities.

20/08/2012 8:11:57 p.m.

David wrote:

The gap between New Zealand's rich and poor has widened more than in any other developed country during the past 20 years, according to an OECD report. Figures from the Divided We Stand think-tank show the income of the richest 10 per cent of Kiwis is now more than 10 times that of the poorest 10 per cent. This is up from a ratio of about six to one in the 1980s and higher than the average income gap in developed nations of nine to one. The OECD says the main driver behind rising income gaps has been greater inequality in wages and salaries, as the high-skilled have benefited more from technological progress than the low-skilled. It warned about the rise of the high earners in rich societies and the falling share of income going to those at the bottom, saying governments must move quickly to tackle inequality. "This study dispels the assumptions that the benefits of economic growth will automatically trickle down to the disadvantaged and that greater inequality fosters greater social mobility," said OECD secretary-general Angel Gurraacía. But the rise in part-time and low-paid work also extended the wage gap, the report said. The main reason for the widening gap was that benefit levels fell in nearly all OECD countries, eligibility rules were tightened to contain spending on social protection, and transfers to the poorest failed to keep pace with earnings growth. As a result, the benefit system in most countries had become less effective in reducing inequalities over the past 15 years. Another factor had been a cut in top tax rates for high-earners. In other words.. what has happened in New Zealand is Nationals top earner tacx cut in combination with its unwarranted attack on beneficiaries... Have cause poverty in New Zealand to exculate out of control... creating the biggest wealth gap of any developed country. Of course that suits Key who got thousands extra per week in his bank account from the tax switch. But poverty in New Zealand is now worse than in countries like Greece.

20/08/2012 6:02:49 p.m.

Fair Kiwi wrote:

Well done National and about time a political party had the guts to do this. I would suggest that ANYONE on the benefit should only be allowed to buy items of necessity. IE No alcohol, cigarettes or wasting the money on Poker machines.

20/08/2012 3:48:41 p.m.

mmm wrote:

I love the double-talk from a minister who has the social conscience of a wild animal.

20/08/2012 3:37:41 p.m.

Neil wrote:

We have a new tag line for Paula - same as "Crusher" Collins. It is "Beneficiary Basher Bennett".