New Zealand once had a welfare system that look after Kiwis from the cradle to the grave.

That system had a heart that cared for people. That heart has been transplanted by a calculator.

We all paid more in tax and we could rely upon the state system caring for the needs of the people.

Whilst taxation has changed from the emphasis on taxing income to now taxing expenditure - including basic food items, cloths, rates etc - the average wage and salary earner is little better off but those with higher incomes are substantially better off. The top tax rate has been reduced and the GST rate increased.

This has led to the paring down of our social services to the extend that they no longer are able to care for our people.

Our WINZ offices are becoming fortresses to protect staff from citizens who cannot get help. I in no way condone and have great sympathy for the three women attacked in Ashbuton. But the alleged perpetrator had sought help from everybody he could think of WINZ, Salvation Army, local MP, Mayor and health officials. All to no avail so he resorted to violence.

Society failed him. Staff cuts and eligibility cuts have ripped the heart out of our caring society - so we can give tax cuts to the section of society that doesn't need them.

We go to consult doctors about health matters. These qualified medical men assess the situation and if applicable refer the patient to the local hospitals for further tests and treatments.

At the hospitals, qualified staff review the request and decide if treatment should be offered or not - depending upon budgets.

These qualified hospital staff are qualified in accounting and business studies. The heart has been replaced by the calculator.

P Dolden, Papamoa.