Viva the state

The 'socialist lefties” come in for a lot of bad press, being blamed for the erosion of the traditional New Zealand way of life. I would proffer the alternate view that the 'right-wing capitalists” are to blame.

As an immigrant, I arrived in NZ in 1965. The country was rated second only to Sweden as the best place in the world to live and bring up children. My wife and I were welcomed and accepted from day one.

New Zealand was a welfare state – a socialist state – that looked after its citizens.

Medical, surgical and maternity services were free, and there were no prescription charges.

Families were supported with a weekly allowance for each child, and the government provided housing finance through the State Advances Corporation.

Education to tertiary level was free, while the 40-hour week was celebrated and practiced with five-day trading laws and compulsory unionism.

This was the socialist utopia in which we made our home and raised our children.

Right-wing, capitalist politicians changed all that.

Health services are only available if you have private insurance or live long enough to get to the front of the queue.

Housing is beyond the reach of most young couples and most families.

Education costs, and costs and costs. Graduates start their careers with a mill stone of debt around their necks.

I look back to the socialist welfare state we had and wonder at the advances we have made in the name of capitalism.

P Dolden, Papamoa (abridged).

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