Free up job market

While on a road trip recently, I saw a number of signs in various places saying, ‘‘Please don’t feed the birds/animals’’. The rangers or keepers wanted these creatures to grow strong, thrive, multiply, and ultimately be able to fend for themselves in their natural habitat.

It occurs to me that New Zealand’s system of social welfare is exactly like feeding the animals, in that it has the effect of keeping people close and dependent.

The current system is bankrupting the country, and most likely to be the cause of depression that so many are suffering from.

The solution? Free up the job market, make it easier for employers to hire and dismiss, and allow people to work as much or as little as they choose. Insist on fair wages and conditions – then watch as New Zealanders become strong and enterprising again, and make Aotearoa an example the rest of the world will want to follow.

Helen Staniland Nelson, April 28