Winz budgeting services unacceptable - Sam Kahu

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Winz budgeting services unacceptable - Sam Kahu

3News NZ

Sam Kahu

Sam Kahu

A Northland man who smashed Work and Income windows and went on a hunger strike after he was refused a food grant says the system where Winz refers clients to budgeting services instead of giving them vouchers is unacceptable.

Sam Kahu began his hunger strike after he was referred to budgeting services instead of being given a food voucher he had requested, because he had already received three handouts. 

“Winz has handed over their whole workload to the budgeting services all over the country and they can’t handle it,” says Mr Kahu.

He says budgeting services are up to two months behind with their work, meaning some children are missing out on food vouchers.

He is now 21 days into his hunger strike and says he will continue until he “knows the process has been modified and children aren’t going hungry”.

Watch the video to see the interview with Mr Kahu.

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Comments

13/10/2012 4:30:53 p.m.

christine wrote:

once, a long time ago, i was on a benefit and went in for a grocery voucher as I had been told the previous day it would be o.k, it was my first request for a food voucher, and when I went in , I was turned down! and this was under the labour government. and with three small children to bring up on my own. Sometimes it depends on the whim of the winz worker.

10/10/2012 7:47:03 p.m.

peter wrote:

this is for MIKE we as of today while awaiting acc yes I have a impairment that has been somehow pushed too long without any income due to govt depts playing games with me and last wage 28/8 first benefit 9/10 today due to back bills I went to winz to get a food grant as the payment left me with $30 after mortgage rates and insurance-nothing else! for a family of 4 we received a whole $150 for food and we had to put the other $70 on a very strained credit card.Do you think WINZ cares about our children???? I think not.just to add insult to injury they have on the first special need grant sent us to budget advice knowing full well there is nothing to budget so this 3 times before sending clients to budget advice is a lot of hogwash!

7/10/2012 8:21:45 p.m.

Scott wrote:

What a peasent this guy is, there should be no one on the dole while our soldiers are out of the country on active service. these people should all be sent out to assist in a support role.

7/10/2012 12:33:05 p.m.

Moera wrote:

@ MIKE Since you are such a 'fountain of information' (sarcasm) a person of your such knowledgeable position would offer Sam Kahu a few ideas of how to relieve his situation. Let's have WINZ show your position on how many times you have volunteered your services to help relieve the different departments within WINZ. If you can't be a part of a productive solution Mike, don't comment at all. I wholeheartedly agree with DAVID and WISEACRE. It's beuraucratic B.S that keeps the needy where they are and public opinion 'rednecked'. There is no way a person like Sam Kahu would be in the position that he's in by choice. Sam Kahu is only one of many who are struggling and unfortunately it will only get worse. This will only be one of many Sam Kahus' who will vent their frustration on WINZ windows.

6/10/2012 11:46:58 p.m.

David wrote:

Even I think you're an idiot Mike. Get your facts sorted and your hillbilly brand ignorance rectified. Prat.

4/10/2012 2:59:11 p.m.

Jonno wrote:

Unfortunetly , its seems to be human nature to hate on those who are down on their luck./ jobless. Maybe it makes some people uncomfortable. oh thats right, almost forgot to say..taxpayers are supporting the jobless, the sickness, the invalids. so you think that gives you the right to kick them around eh. I think the Govt has a big part to play here on public PERCEPTION. As long the Govt runs beneficheries down publicly then the general public will do the same. Shame really, there used to be respect yrs ago but where has it gone. Maybe to just catch votes. Round and round in a viciouse circle.Jobs? where??. Funny thing, the Nats love the unemployed..it helps them get the red neck votes & from those who hate poverty right? Now, due to Paula Benifit, there more poverty than ever . And so it will go on.

4/10/2012 2:26:05 p.m.

Jill wrote:

I agree with Wiseacre. Mike's assumptions about Sam Kahu are disgraceful. This man has lost an eye, a leg and an arm in an accident and has had the courage to go on a hunger strike for 21 days to help children. I recently had to stop eating for medical reasons for just a few days. It's not easy, and I got very irritable. i certainly didn't display Mr Kahu's calm dignity.

4/10/2012 11:57:07 a.m.

Vicki wrote:

@ Mike, Winz only pays for your power, rent or mortgage, car running costs and very basics, there is never enough to cover food and how would you know anyway, have you ever lived on a WINZ benefit? Do you know the exact figures, cost of rents etc. You are out of touch and just being anti-poor as usual. Time we provided enough money for people to actually feed their families on rather than punish the disadvantaged. Are you aware that the super for two people would support a Winz family of four?

4/10/2012 11:52:51 a.m.

Wiseacre wrote:

@MIKE - Your assumptions about other people are disgraceful. Sam Kahu had already seen a budget advisor the last time he needed a food grant. The budget advisor has pointed out that Sam simply doesn't receive enough income to pay for his costs. Under Winz rules, anyone who has received three special needs grants must see a budget advisor before getting another. Budgeting services in the Far North are overworked & under-resourced. People who have run out of food end up having to wait for as long as three weeks. Our poverty levels are on the rise while the rich get richer. Sam's courage in fighting pointless bureaucratic nonsense & red tape should be an example to us all.

4/10/2012 8:42:20 a.m.

Mike B wrote:

Have to agree with Paul. Our politicians are to busy fighting about Dotcom and spies while kids go hungry. Labour and Greens want enquiries that will cost mega bucks and the kids go hungry! I join you in prayer for our country Paul.