I’m no social scientist and the intricacies of benefit payments I find difficult to follow; however I am reasonably in touch with the Gospels and the message of Jesus and the recent news about shifts in benefit payments has had me asking myself, “is our government based on any Christian principles, or is it more about balancing the books?”

I hear with some regularity that we have to tighten our belts, we are not out of the recession yet! etc, etc. And yet millions of dollars can be found, with apparent ease, to help fund the Rugby World Cup, or to assist with an America’s Cup yachting challenge.

Of course these events will showcase New Zealand to the world – yeah right, says Mr Tui!!

What if we showcased to the world a New Zealand where the sick, the lame, the poor, those in prison were treated with a dignity that helped them in feeling whole persons.

One disability does not make you an in-valid. I know from personal experience.

I can also verify that a helping hand given in love can go a long way in bringing a sense of self worth.

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