Re ‘Parents own poverty, not children'. Children, are victims of parent's mismanagement of their income – be it WINZ or any other source.

I sometimes wonder if WINZ staff ever ask if distribution of a weekly income is on booze, fags and gambling in all its forms.

If all of these items are added up, there'd be no need for breakfasts and lunches at schools.

It's a parent's duty to provide the necessities of life for their offspring. In 1930's Depression, men had to work relief projects for pay. No WINZ back then.

N McKey, Otumoetai.