Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei has revealed she lied to receive more money when she was a solo mother on a benefit. There has been a mixed reaction to Mrs Turei's admission that she lied to Work and Income in the 1990s so her sole parent benefit would not be cut. Some have criticised the system and Work and Income. South Auckland family lawyer Catriona MacLennan said New Zealand had an incredibly punitive approach to welfare fraud compared with tax evasion, which she said was a far more significant problem. And we should be looking at how benefits aren't enough to live on. So are our benefits set too low and how is the system treating people? Given welfare is set to be a key election issue, we thought we'd talk to someone about their experience of being on a benefit. Artist, Pinky Fang, is on a disability benefit in New Zealand.
Pinky Fang Photo: Twitter / @pinkyfang
