Your view - should the rich help the poor?

The debate over the 'haves' versus the 'have nots' has been re-ignited. Photo/file

Reader Mary Brooks responds to an opinion piece written by Bay of Plenty Times' columnist Tommy Kapai Wilson this week highlighting the poverty issue in Tauranga.

Mr Wilson questioned whether the rich should bail out the poor and who was ultimately to blame for so many 'have nots'.

What do you think? You can have your say by commenting below.

''Tommy Wilson has written again about poverty. Certainly there are some people struggling through no fault of their own but there are many others whose choice of lifestyle has left them in this situation.

''It goes right back to education and home environment.

''Students must be taught that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Dropping out of school before finishing your education or university studies means you are unemployable.

''There is no accountability as to what benefits are spent on.

''There should be a close inquiry as to where the money goes, how much is spent on food for the children and on how much is spent on alcohol and cigarettes.

''It is very easy and affordable to grow your own vegetable garden.

''Simple gifts can be hand-made and Christmas is not solely about eating and presents.

''I note 75 iwi are meeting in Tauranga next week.

''I hope they will give some thought as to how they can use some of the $85 million Maori have been award in Tauranga and will use much of it to help their own people with food, education and housing.''

- Mary Brooks, Tauranga