This is so true. Disaster can happen to anyone, any time, and there needs to be a safety net that allows a dignified existence - one that does not involve constant, grinding worry about money. I am so angry with people of my generation who seem to have forgotten the easy ride we got (free tertiary education, a functioning public health system, and affordable housing) and are totally lacking in empathy. They make me want to scream. All I can do is share articles like yours and beg people to think before they vote. The damage the coalition from hell will generate will last far longer than the three years that is all they hopefully get in power - they will screw the climate, impoverish more parents, children, and beneficiaries, and sell New Zealand to the highest bidders. Must we go there?
I’m so angry. So bloody angry all the time now. The doctor in charge of the Dunedin study has just died - and 1300 reports have come out of that study, showing that poverty and lack of education and opportunity have lifelong consequences. The John Campbell interview with him was fantastic (TVNZ on demand if you wish to watch it).
Thanks for this - what was the name of the doctor ? Off to look it up. An amazing study it truly is. Luckily it’s well staffed by dozens of psychologists across the planet now
Currently in Starship with my Pēpi appreciating that: there are no consequences to my paid work that I didn’t show up today - I will still get paid and still have a job. I have money to pay for my own food - it’s not cheap on site and I don’t want to go far away from him. I have a partner who can work from home with our older child as it’s school holidays. I can afford to pay for the parking however horrendous it is. I have the time and money to follow whatever follow up programme they give me. And so on, ad nauseum. I don’t understand how so many people can go through the experience of parenting without thinking FAAAARK this must be hard for people who don’t have what I have. AND then want to do better for those people! All you need to know is: nobody would ever CHOOSE that life (gangs, ram raids etc) They are there because so many other life choices were closed off to them. So figure out how to open them! It’s not rocket science. And don’t get me started on the lack of evidence base in policy making. Makes my blood boil.
Arohanui, first of all - sending you so much love and I hope you and your whānau and especially your little one is ok. If there’s anything you need please message me. We can organise meal trains or anything else that might be helpful x 2) Exactly this. I was terrified when Eddie was sick. Everything fell down around us and I very nearly lost my job. My husband had to give up his to be with Eddie in hospital. We were so lucky to have family support. It could have been so easy to slide into poverty. Everything you’ve said is so spot on. Thank you. X
I was a Green voter and all that entails before kids, but fuck you’re right about how you can go through it with privilege and not think “how the hell would this be possible/ok without this money and that support and that thing I learned from that other thing”. I’m staggered by people who reach the conclusion that we made “good choices” and blah blah to get here. I hope your pēpi is ok.
I hope things are getting better with your little one. I feel everything you said so strongly and can’t fathom that people don’t think about others predicaments and the practicalities of living in it close to poverty. I guess it comes down to lack of community and empathy in the end
Off to put my early vote in for Green today. I had already decided but just saw another interview of Chloe S debating bloody David S and I’m done. She deserves a medal for having to sit next to and listen while someone spews that level of BS
All very true. Thank you. And the thing is why do we need people to tell us that we could be in need of government assistance / support if something unexpected happened, or even expected. Why do we need to have to imagine ourselves in a position to have give a crap about people in those positions. It stumps me.
And if you do become a millionaire it’s off the back of a system of governance that enabled it to happen & so you have a greater duty to ensure that system works for everyone and not just *you* (universal ‘you’, not directed at any of the commenters)
I wish this essay, this cry from the heart, was compulsory reading for anyone who thinks in terms like ‘deserving poor’ or bludgers or any judgey adjectives. When I read accounts of how people become homeless or lose partners I can see how so much is out of the control of the person. Politicians, especially of the Nat Act variety can talk all they like about ‘outcomes’ but what they plan to do affects people’s lives. And their kids lives. And those lives will become harder and crueller. Thinking this when you vote.
Helen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine ..... My heart goes out to you. Thank you for writing this piece. Not only is it a stark reminder that this can happen to anyone, it also places a very human face to those of us struggling to get from pay day to pay day with the weight of "how do I make sure my son has enough food/clothing etc." Not to mention all the extras: presents for friend's birthday parties, costume for school activity, fees for extra-curricular activities because you want them to be able to participate. And does my son see my stress behind my smile and does it worry him. Surely there's got to be a better way.
My mother in law last night told me she ‘didn’t know which way she was going to go’ and that she was being swayed by crime and health policies. I asked her if she’d thought about poverty as a driver of crime and poor health outcomes ... but unfortunately the lightbulb above her head didn’t turn on.
Last election, she spoiled her ballot by writing a comment about the referendum on it - we can only hope she spoils this one too.
Yes, yes, yes. I hate beneficiary blaming, when we have the rich minority paying the least tax, and stealing from our services way more than any person on a benefit. Easy electioneering and feeding the people who fall for the 'beneficiaries are stealing our tax dollar'. I my mind a society is as good as the weakest, so if we have to look after the weak and vulnerable (even the extreme minority who will never hold down a job) I am happy to do so.
I am genuinely interested....does anyone know where Mr Luxon got his figures from of years on a benefit? And what are the real numbers? 20ish years ago I worked with the unemployed/able youth, giving them life skills and a place to go every day, most did not stay unemployed.
Yes, yes, yes. I hate beneficiary blaming, when we have the rich minority paying the least tax, and stealing from our services way more than any person on a benefit. Easy electioneering and feeding the people who fall for the 'beneficiaries are stealing our tax dollar'. In my mind a society is as good as the weakest, so if we have to look after the weak and vulnerable (even the extreme minority who will never hold down a job) I am happy to do so.
I am genuinely interested....does anyone know where Mr Luxon got his figures from of years on a benefit? And what are the real numbers? 20ish years ago I worked with the unemployed/able youth, giving them life skills and a place to go every day, most did not stay unemployed.
This is so true. Disaster can happen to anyone, any time, and there needs to be a safety net that allows a dignified existence - one that does not involve constant, grinding worry about money. I am so angry with people of my generation who seem to have forgotten the easy ride we got (free tertiary education, a functioning public health system, and affordable housing) and are totally lacking in empathy. They make me want to scream. All I can do is share articles like yours and beg people to think before they vote. The damage the coalition from hell will generate will last far longer than the three years that is all they hopefully get in power - they will screw the climate, impoverish more parents, children, and beneficiaries, and sell New Zealand to the highest bidders. Must we go there?
Beautifully said Judy. Thank you.
I’m so angry. So bloody angry all the time now. The doctor in charge of the Dunedin study has just died - and 1300 reports have come out of that study, showing that poverty and lack of education and opportunity have lifelong consequences. The John Campbell interview with him was fantastic (TVNZ on demand if you wish to watch it).
Thanks for this - what was the name of the doctor ? Off to look it up. An amazing study it truly is. Luckily it’s well staffed by dozens of psychologists across the planet now
Professor Richie Poulton.
Currently in Starship with my Pēpi appreciating that: there are no consequences to my paid work that I didn’t show up today - I will still get paid and still have a job. I have money to pay for my own food - it’s not cheap on site and I don’t want to go far away from him. I have a partner who can work from home with our older child as it’s school holidays. I can afford to pay for the parking however horrendous it is. I have the time and money to follow whatever follow up programme they give me. And so on, ad nauseum. I don’t understand how so many people can go through the experience of parenting without thinking FAAAARK this must be hard for people who don’t have what I have. AND then want to do better for those people! All you need to know is: nobody would ever CHOOSE that life (gangs, ram raids etc) They are there because so many other life choices were closed off to them. So figure out how to open them! It’s not rocket science. And don’t get me started on the lack of evidence base in policy making. Makes my blood boil.
Arohanui, first of all - sending you so much love and I hope you and your whānau and especially your little one is ok. If there’s anything you need please message me. We can organise meal trains or anything else that might be helpful x 2) Exactly this. I was terrified when Eddie was sick. Everything fell down around us and I very nearly lost my job. My husband had to give up his to be with Eddie in hospital. We were so lucky to have family support. It could have been so easy to slide into poverty. Everything you’ve said is so spot on. Thank you. X
I was a Green voter and all that entails before kids, but fuck you’re right about how you can go through it with privilege and not think “how the hell would this be possible/ok without this money and that support and that thing I learned from that other thing”. I’m staggered by people who reach the conclusion that we made “good choices” and blah blah to get here. I hope your pēpi is ok.
I hope things are getting better with your little one. I feel everything you said so strongly and can’t fathom that people don’t think about others predicaments and the practicalities of living in it close to poverty. I guess it comes down to lack of community and empathy in the end
A useful link: https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/28-09-2019/how-ruth-richardsons-mother-of-all-budgets-is-still-fcking-us-today we can’t forget our history
Off to put my early vote in for Green today. I had already decided but just saw another interview of Chloe S debating bloody David S and I’m done. She deserves a medal for having to sit next to and listen while someone spews that level of BS
I will hopefully be voting tomorrow - two ticks Green for me ✅✅💚
A powerful piece.
It should be shared widely.
Save the children.
All very true. Thank you. And the thing is why do we need people to tell us that we could be in need of government assistance / support if something unexpected happened, or even expected. Why do we need to have to imagine ourselves in a position to have give a crap about people in those positions. It stumps me.
It is so wild to me that people don’t see it. They think they’ll become millionaires before becoming homeless.
And if you do become a millionaire it’s off the back of a system of governance that enabled it to happen & so you have a greater duty to ensure that system works for everyone and not just *you* (universal ‘you’, not directed at any of the commenters)
Thank you so much Helen (and Emily) ❤️
I wish this essay, this cry from the heart, was compulsory reading for anyone who thinks in terms like ‘deserving poor’ or bludgers or any judgey adjectives. When I read accounts of how people become homeless or lose partners I can see how so much is out of the control of the person. Politicians, especially of the Nat Act variety can talk all they like about ‘outcomes’ but what they plan to do affects people’s lives. And their kids lives. And those lives will become harder and crueller. Thinking this when you vote.
Massive thank you to Helen for so eloquently sharing her story and the impacts.
Helen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine ..... My heart goes out to you. Thank you for writing this piece. Not only is it a stark reminder that this can happen to anyone, it also places a very human face to those of us struggling to get from pay day to pay day with the weight of "how do I make sure my son has enough food/clothing etc." Not to mention all the extras: presents for friend's birthday parties, costume for school activity, fees for extra-curricular activities because you want them to be able to participate. And does my son see my stress behind my smile and does it worry him. Surely there's got to be a better way.
My mother in law last night told me she ‘didn’t know which way she was going to go’ and that she was being swayed by crime and health policies. I asked her if she’d thought about poverty as a driver of crime and poor health outcomes ... but unfortunately the lightbulb above her head didn’t turn on.
Last election, she spoiled her ballot by writing a comment about the referendum on it - we can only hope she spoils this one too.
Yes, yes, yes. I hate beneficiary blaming, when we have the rich minority paying the least tax, and stealing from our services way more than any person on a benefit. Easy electioneering and feeding the people who fall for the 'beneficiaries are stealing our tax dollar'. I my mind a society is as good as the weakest, so if we have to look after the weak and vulnerable (even the extreme minority who will never hold down a job) I am happy to do so.
I am genuinely interested....does anyone know where Mr Luxon got his figures from of years on a benefit? And what are the real numbers? 20ish years ago I worked with the unemployed/able youth, giving them life skills and a place to go every day, most did not stay unemployed.
Yes, yes, yes. I hate beneficiary blaming, when we have the rich minority paying the least tax, and stealing from our services way more than any person on a benefit. Easy electioneering and feeding the people who fall for the 'beneficiaries are stealing our tax dollar'. In my mind a society is as good as the weakest, so if we have to look after the weak and vulnerable (even the extreme minority who will never hold down a job) I am happy to do so.
I am genuinely interested....does anyone know where Mr Luxon got his figures from of years on a benefit? And what are the real numbers? 20ish years ago I worked with the unemployed/able youth, giving them life skills and a place to go every day, most did not stay unemployed.