I believe the unemployment benefit was set up to help those out of work and who could not find employment. But it has become a lifestyle for too many second-generation and third-generation beneficiaries. The day that there are no job vacancies in this country is the day we could consider paying an unemployment benefit.
There are numerous vacancies in retail, hospitality, labouring and driving (trainable positions) along with serious shortages in health and education. There are long delays in getting a plumber, builder or electrician. Idle hands create problems - often crime. Work gives money value and after working a day’s labour (whatever that may be) and returning home tired, I believe there would less crime, fewer community problems, less graffiti and more productivity.
Imagine paying the unemployment budget to doctors, nurses and teachers - creating a healthy, well-educated country, rather than a country that pays people not to work.
I worked for the employment services and later Winz and experienced people serious about looking for employment and many who expected to be paid as a beneficiary for life.
The system is wrong. There is less personal responsibility because too many people expect that the Government is responsible and will cater for them.
Lloyd Stone
Bethlehem
Beautiful city?
How can Tauranga be put up for a beautiful city award? Roadworks everywhere, empty shops, buildings covered in plastic while leaky buildings are fixed, and more orange road cones than anywhere in New Zealand.
Wendy Galloway
Ōmokoroa
No rates for shops
Re the Cameron Rd roadworks. I feel the shops with roadworks outside for months should not be charged rates.
Sue Tewheoro
Mount Maunganui
The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:
- Letters should not exceed 200 words.
- They should be opinion based on facts or current events.
- If possible, please email.
- No noms-de-plume.
- Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.
- Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.
- Local letter writers given preference.
- Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.
- Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor’s discretion.
- The Editor’s decision on publication is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz.
