Hunger striker Sam Kuha Kaikohe's hunger striker Sam Kuha ended his 30-day protest on Friday with a hearty 'Broadway Brekky' of bacon, sausages, hash browns, eggs, tomatoes and toast, washed down with two flat whites.
The 59-year-old invalid beneficiary ended his hunger strike after Social Development Minister Paula Bennett agreed to meet him within the next two weeks to hear his concerns.
Cafe Malaahi was buzzing with media and a steady stream of wellwishers as Mr Kuha tucked into his first meal in a month. He was joined by Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira, who picked up the tab, and Mr Harawira's brother, Arthur.
Mr Kuha said he especially enjoyed the bacon, but after so long without food he found the sausages "a bit rich," and only managed to clear half his plate.
One supporter brought him a bouquet of flowers, while Millie Cooper, grandmother of Australian rugby player Quade Cooper, dropped off a fresh batch of pipi fritters.
Mr Kuha said he was looking forward to meeting Ms Bennett and giving her a true picture of how beneficiaries were treated "on the ground." He hoped their meeting could take place at the same cafe.
"We will treat her with respect and dignity, and I hope we'll get the same in return," he said.
As much as he enjoyed Friday's breakfast, the best thing about it was what it represented.
"I've got a daughter and a grandchild, and I didn't want to get sick, but I was willing to go as far down the road as I had to to make my point," he said.
He had achieved what he had set out to do, which was at first to highlight his own plight and that of people like him. Later, as support started building, his focus shifted to children going hungry as a result of government policies.
"The stories that came in were heart-breaking. The average New Zealander wouldn't think these things exist. It's shameful," he said.
His plans for the rest of the day were to relax, enjoy the sunshine, and eat "as much as I can get in" for dinner. A supporter had given him a slab of fillet steak, which was likely to be on the menu.
Mr Harawira said he was honoured to be with Mr Kuha as he broke his hunger strike, and praised Ms Bennett for agreeing to meet him.
"Congratulations to Paula for making that call. I think most Ministers wouldn't do it," he said. Mr Kuha now had a chance to explain his concerns to the person in charge, and would do as good a job as anyone in putting a case for the beneficiaries and disabled of New Zealand.
Mr Harawira said sometimes beneficiaries needed a kick, "but you make sure they get fed, and you particularly make sure their children get fed."
Mr Kuha said he had lost at least 13 kilograms but his financial situation had improved dramatically. Last week, after he saw a budget advisor, had his allowances re-evaluated by Work and Income and a debt forgiven, he had $140 left to spend after he had paid his mortgage, power, rates and other bills. Previously he had $18 left a week for food and other expenses.
Point made - page 3
A letter to the Minister - page 4