Ignoring WFF
Stuff reports:
A young Hamilton family with a newborn are struggling to make ends meet.
High rent and low wages are being blamed.
The pair did not want their names used out of fear that it could put their jobs at risk – he’s a diesel mechanic apprentice and she’s on maternity leave from a day-care centre job. Their take-home pay, after tax and KiwiSaver deductions, is just over $1000 a week. …
After tax, student loan and KiwiSaver:
She earns a week: $493
He earns a week: $550Weekly payments:
Childcare: $240
Rent: $380
Power each week: $40
Food: $120
Phone and internet: $50
Medical insurance: $26
Car insurance X2: $27
House and contents insurance: $10
Car payments $25
Personal loan (for rental bond): $100
Good to see this level of detail but they have ignored a number of revenue streams.
Based on their estimated gross income of $63,000 they would also get $47 a week in-work tax credit. And they may be eligible for up to $139.50 a week in childcare subsidies.
Labour’s Hamilton-based list MP Sue Moroney said two parents working full time should be able to raise a child, but low wages and high rent are making it increasingly difficult.
Moroney is working with the family to see what financial assistance for childcare is available through Work and Income.
She said they should be able to secure some financial support.
So this story was probably planted by Sue Moroney. Now it is good Sue is helping them investigate childcare assistance but if they are eligible for $140 a week, then it undermines the whole narrative of not enough to live on. Instead it is a story about check you are getting what you are eligible.
Note that even with the extra $186 a week, I am sure it is still tough to raise a kid on their combined income.