IRD blunder: 240,000 letters sent cancelling Working for Families payments
The Notice of Entitlement letter told recipients they would not receive any payments from April 1. An Inland Revenue spokeswoman confirmed to the Herald "around 240,000" letters were sent, and they were investigating how it came about. "Essentially, the letters shouldn't have gone and we're sorry for any distress caused," she said. On social media, Inland Revenue posted an explanation, saying no payments had been cancelled, and an apology for the confusion caused. "If you have received a notice implying that your Working for Families entitlements will cease as of 1 April 2020, please ignore it. "You can refer to your most recent Notice of Entitlement which includes the amount that you will continue to be paid. "Apologies for any confusion this may have caused." The post has drawn hundreds of comments, many upset at the stress caused and the timing with the Covid-19 lockdown. "What a stressful time to stuff up," commented one person. "I freaked out thinking we were going to be homeless because we now rely on this money now because of this Covid-19 and how it has affected hubbies work. "I just hope you send another letter to everyone because not everyone will have Facebook and see this."
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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