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We have been wondering how long it would be before the National party showed its true colors and this week they emerged. Its the same old cruel, punitive, mean-spirited National party we know so well. They seem to have a sadistic preference for beneficiary bashing. Hell would freeze over before … View moreWe have been wondering how long it would be before the National party showed its true colors and this week they emerged. Its the same old cruel, punitive, mean-spirited National party we know so well. They seem to have a sadistic preference for beneficiary bashing. Hell would freeze over before they would go after their rich mates who are not paying their fair share of tax. It will be tax cuts that benefit the rich and benefit cuts to those at the other end of the socioeconomic spectrum. These people are already struggling to survive, without National's proposed punitive measures being imposed on them. The last time National cut benefits, child poverty soared exponentially.
After enduring eight years of it the last time they were in government, how could anyone possibly think they have changed? If anything, it would be worse this time round if they get in. This National-Act lineup is a lot more right wing. Neoliberal theory and individualism are the focus. "I'm all right Jack, screw you", and "there's no need to be kind to anyone". National has always despised people who are poor or disadvantaged. Christopher Luxon refers to them as "bottom feeders", John Key called them "layabouts". Paula Bennett told us it's their fault they were poor, they had a bad attitude. The evidence, in fact, suggests that it is adversity that causes poverty, and it is often due to things outside of the individual's control.
If elected, a National-Act government would be divisive for the country and one can predict that social unrest will result.
It is already evident with Act supporters assaulting people at candidate meetings and Maori candidates being attacked and threatened.
If you are a beneficiary or superannuitant under a National-Act government then watch out. Be warned that things will get a lot tougher. Firstly will be a return to the old toxic WINZ culture that prevailed under the last National government. Suspicion and hostility was the name of the game. Guilty until proven innocent. Benefit recipients referred to as "perpetrators". But worse, if National is elected, a lot of assistance would be farmed out to various charities who will then decide if you are the deserving poor or not. We already know many of these organizations are judgemental, from outreach work we've heard the stories back, and it will be an arbitrary decision whether you get any assistance. This is Hayek's neoliberalism at its worst, with an elite sector calling the shots and welfare distributed by charities. It is also likely to fuel social unrest.
During the last National government we had people trying to ram raid, not shops but WINZ offices, and bollards had to be installed outside WINZ offices in many places. We think there will be more of the same.
Its worth thinking about. If National-Act are elected, how would you cope without the winter energy payment (we're pretty confident that National would revisit this sooner rather than later and it would go. It would be like John Key's promise not to raise GST). If you are a superannuitant with a mortgage and receiving additional WINZ assistance, how would you cope without this? TAS is likely to go. Could you reduce your accommodation costs? Or downsize? Or find another way to meet your mortgage expenses. Annual increases to benefits and superannuation would likely be minimal or non-existent. Meanwhile, economists expect inflation to remain "sticky" and it will be with us for probably another 12-18 months. National's tax cuts, inherently inflationary, will almost guarantee it. We predict a 10 percent reduction in real purchasing power. The economic outlook will not give people on fixed incomes a break.
Is this individualism, beneficiary bashing and pandering to the rich the Kiwi way? I dont think its us.
We showed during the pandemic how we can stick together and help each other and in the Waikanae community at least, I see evidence of this every day. I'm prepared to get out and fight for this and our way of life. How about you?
Yuss! It’s Indoor Market Day tomorrow! So after you’ve voted, come along to our rooms at 27a Elizabeth St, Waikanae (over the railway line) between 9.00am and 3.00pm. Stuff for sale includes embroidery, spinning, knitting, weaving, paintings, cards, fresh produce, plants, scrummy baking and … View moreYuss! It’s Indoor Market Day tomorrow! So after you’ve voted, come along to our rooms at 27a Elizabeth St, Waikanae (over the railway line) between 9.00am and 3.00pm. Stuff for sale includes embroidery, spinning, knitting, weaving, paintings, cards, fresh produce, plants, scrummy baking and raffles. For the first time there will also be a ‘craft stash’ table. Come along and see what we have. Cash sales please!
We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!
Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the… View moreWe are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!
Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the competition, don't worry! We've got a BONUS rugby family GIVEAWAY just for you. Check out our featured post here: www.facebook.com...
And here's the game plan: Stay connected with NZ Compare for the freshest broadband and power deals, along with exciting competitions. We're your money-saving champions! CLICK HERE to discover more: www.nzcompare.com...
A group of oldies play petanque at the piste next to the tennis court on Tutere Street, Waikanae Beach, Mondays at 10am and Fridays at 1.30pm. We would welcome newcomers to join our dwindling band.
Just turn up if you are interested,
Maximise that awkward corner or otherwise inaccessible space with sleek fitted shelves painted in Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
This week we feature a picture and words from Louise Thomas.
"North Island saddleback/ tīeke (Philesturnus rufusater) at Bushy Park (Whanganui) on 29 September. They are very quick like tui, but they tend to spend most of their time on the dark forest floor or in the lower canopy, so can … View moreThis week we feature a picture and words from Louise Thomas.
"North Island saddleback/ tīeke (Philesturnus rufusater) at Bushy Park (Whanganui) on 29 September. They are very quick like tui, but they tend to spend most of their time on the dark forest floor or in the lower canopy, so can be tricky to photograph in good light. Bird #67 in 2023 (slowly chugging my way towards 100 species photographed in 2023)."
Are you prepared for a dry summer? Cr Matt Carey is predicting that we could run out of water over summer.
Other than fixing the leaks, what are your tips to preserve water?
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Hi there, we're looking for a cleaner to do basic house cleaning, 2 hours every fortnight. Day and time can be negotiated.
General cleaning of Kitchen/lounge/dining plus two bathrooms.
We are a friendly household and have a cat called Barney.
If you are interested or know of any good, … View moreHi there, we're looking for a cleaner to do basic house cleaning, 2 hours every fortnight. Day and time can be negotiated.
General cleaning of Kitchen/lounge/dining plus two bathrooms.
We are a friendly household and have a cat called Barney.
If you are interested or know of any good, trustworthy cleaners looking for a new client please contact me on 021904484 and let me know what your hourly rate is please.
The Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 … View moreThe Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 cash and a new Toyota hybrid. Proceeds from all tickets help to fund life-saving heart research. Someone will win this incredible home on 30 November. Now that would make it a summer to remember!
Nescafe Doke Gusto Coffee Maker. Includes heaps of capsules of various types.
Not often used so is in excellent condition.
Thank you Kaptit Art Studio IHC Paraparaumu for a lovely book made by the young artist there, She said they are for sale if you wont to support a lovely cause
Chiropractic care was founded on the principle that EVERY human body has the inborn ability to self-regulate, self-repair, adapt and heal 🧠🧬
We are passionate about guiding our practice members on their journey to improving this very ability ⚡🤲
We provide structured care focussed on … View moreChiropractic care was founded on the principle that EVERY human body has the inborn ability to self-regulate, self-repair, adapt and heal 🧠🧬
We are passionate about guiding our practice members on their journey to improving this very ability ⚡🤲
We provide structured care focussed on improving spinal function, therefore enabling the nervous system to function OPTIMALLY 💥💯
If you are interested in starting your proactive wellness journey with us, hit Read More!
#betterwithchiropractic #passionateaboutwellness #thrive #wellnesscare #nervoussystem #brainbodyconnection #optimalwellness #spinalhealth #chiropractic #chiropracticcare #getadjusted #thechironz #wevegotyourback
My how love can so quickly turn to hate. We all loved Labour in 2020, now its being punished for a pandemic, climate change and natural disasters, supply side disruptions, inflation, the list goes on. For those people who are disillusioned with the government, how would you have felt if you had … View moreMy how love can so quickly turn to hate. We all loved Labour in 2020, now its being punished for a pandemic, climate change and natural disasters, supply side disruptions, inflation, the list goes on. For those people who are disillusioned with the government, how would you have felt if you had been left to your own devices? No immunization program, no Public Health input, (No Ashley) no information, no extra hospital resources, no disaster relief, no rescue services, no public transport subsidies, no petrol subsidies, wage subsidies, no government grants to disaster regions, no increases to benefits, winter energy payment and superannuation, and so on. I for one am very grateful to the Labour government for its "wellness budget" and humanitarian response to these events. I thank my lucky stars we weren't in a National government, who would have had the boarders open in an instant and every person left to tackle it alone.
To expect a government to initiate progressive policy with all this going on is not realistic. Nevertheless many expect just that. Its a thankless task being a politician it seems. The fact that the rest of the world was in an even worse position seems to have escaped some people.
Bryce Edwards in his recent publication, seems to have bought into Nationals spin also. According to Edwards, these global events are all Labour's fault. His piece has been described as an "obituary for Labour". More National spin. Its worth noting too, that the last political commentator and economist at Victoria who criticized a National government lost his job. Independent? Probably not?
This election is much closer than National likes to put about. They like to tell everyone "We've got this".
Newsflash: THEY HAVEN'T
The people will decide on Saturday who's got it, not National, not Edwards or anyone else. Edwards, more than anyone, as the leader of the democracy project, should know better.
Edwards is into the empty National slogans too.
Labour hasn't delivered......
Well lets get specific, delivered on what?
I await your replies with great interest.
Thank you Resene Paint, The money will be donated to the IHC Paraparaumu i Nice bunch of guys they paint beautiful art
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.
Type … View moreOctober 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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