Food bank crisis the priority, not chopper rides

Labour Deputy Leader and Social Policy spokesperson Annette King is urging the Government to help food banks who are facing a crisis with a huge increase in the demand for food parcels.

“Just today the Downtown Community Ministry has reported that its food bank is almost empty,” Annette King said.

“I’ve asked Prime Minister John Key to come with me to visit food banks. He has refused.

“But the food banks are in a desperate situation. The demand at Downtown Community Ministry has increased 44 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

“The Government must help out,” Annette King said.

“I know it is important for a Prime Minister to be able to travel between events quickly, but If the Government has got enough money to fly John Key from a motor racing event to open an exclusive golf course in an Iroquois helicopter costing approximately $900 an hour, then it must have enough money to help Kiwis who are desperate.

“John Key and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett must step up to the mark. They can’t continue to turn their back on the reality so many Kiwi families face.”

Annette King said she has asked all Wellington Labour Party members and supporters to donate to the Downtown food bank as soon as they can.