Put together, these factors paint a grim picture. It's a sobering thought but, for many people in our city, it's reality.
There's no shortage of small towns, as well as larger centres, that are feeling the pinch as the country continues to battle economic hardship and the after-effects of the Canterbury earthquakes.
The incoming National-led Government will need to make addressing this situation its priority.
For all the talk of building a prosperous and sustainable economy, the real benefit will only be seen if the economy starts generating jobs for people in smaller centres like Wanganui, moving against the trend of centralisation and business closures that has already cost our city more than its fair share of jobs and residents.
Rebuilding the country's economy will take time. In the meantime, however, there will be a not unreasonable expectation from many of the public that care is taken to look after those at the bottom of the food chain.
Political opponents of National, in particular, have expressed concern over the party's proposed welfare reforms. A balance can be struck between cracking down on those who abuse the benefit system and those who are in genuine need. It will be up to the new Government to find that balance.
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