Doing one's 'bit' . . . with organic lemons

Tom Scott's cartoon in The Dominion Post of September 16, 2009.

Who's financially illiterate?

Cartoon from the Manawatu Standard of September 10, 2009. Unfortunately, Mike Moreu has retired as the Standard's cartoonist. Although some of Moreu's cartoons betrayed a lack of understanding of the issue concerned, they were occasionally brilliant.

MP's housing allowance more than minimum wage

A cynical view of the review of MPs' housing allowances. The cartoon is from the Manawatu Standard of September 8.

A press release from the Alliance Party on the same day begins:

Alliance Party co-leader Kay Murray says it is good news that MPs have decided to shave $1.5 million off their taxpayer-funded housing allowance.

But MPs will still be entitled to $37,500 a year on top of their $130,000-plus salaries and other allowances, to spend on their accommodation – regardless of whether they already own a home in Wellington.

The sum of $37,500 a year, or approximately $720 a week, apparently reflects the market rentals in Wellington.

Ms Murray says MPs should spare a thought for beneficiaries and those on the minimum wage or just above who live in Wellington.

"A 40-hour week at $12.50 per hour – the minimum wage – will earn a worker a gross income of only $26,000 a year, which is $11,500 less than MPs calculate they need simply for accommodation costs."

Recession squeezes the police

New Zealand has enough money to send troops to Afghanistan, but not enough money to maintain essential services at current levels. On September 3, the police were told to find $21 million in cost savings as the Government continued its review of departments.

The cartoon is from the Manawatu Standard of September 7.