Press Release

MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira

Friday 5th October

National Day of Action against Welfare Reforms

“I congratulate each and every person who is taking a stand today against the welfare reforms that have been introduced by this government” says MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira.

“The latest wave of reforms are nothing but a nasty attack on those who struggle to make ends meet. If you believe Paula Bennett then every person who receives a benefit is a dope-smoking criminal who is bludging off taxpayers. The reality is that there are no jobs and that unless you cross the ditch for a job in the mines, then your choices are limited in trying to get ahead in life. How the Minister can punish people who are going through a tough time is nothing but a cruel joke”.

“The actions of one of my constituents, Sam Kuha, is highlighting the struggle beneficiaries face. Sam is now in his 21st day of his hunger strike. Frustrated by not being given a $40 food voucher from WINZ because his benefit does not go far enough, Sam has decided to go without food in order to bring attention to people who live in poverty”.

“Bennett would be well advised to stop beneficiary-bashing and instead develop solutions for people who don’t receive enough money on the benefit to survive or for her government to create jobs for the increasing number of people who are unemployed”.

“This is situation is only going to get worse before it gets better. It’s high time Bennett took a look at her past when the government gave her a hand-up, rather than a smack across the face”.

ENDS

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