No sweeteners for the childless

Feeling left out by Labour's largesse? You're not alone.

Don't have a student loan or already paid it off? I hear you, friend. No children? Hey, join the club.

Labour may have brought - or bought - an early Christmas for thousands of students and families, but it leaves singles and couples with no children out in the cold.

I'm not begrudging anyone their newly given gifts, but I too want my vote shamelessly bought.

Forgive me for being a bit peeved when the Government has the gall to say you earn too much when the IRD, mortgage provider, power company and Telecom remain among your favourite charities. God knows you've given to them as if your very salvation depended on it.

And if you're partnered up but have put off having kids because of house prices and the cost of raising a child, it must seem like you're being penalised for not breeding.

With Labour flinging money like mud used to be thrown in election campaigns of old, it must sting to find none of that Government dosh lands near you.

Aha, but what about the accommodation supplement, I hear you say? Living in Auckland must surely allow you to get something back. Alas but no, for the nice lady at Work and Income says I have the temerity to save what pennies I can.

I could join the one million childless couples and singles in that last bastion of hope, a tax cut from National. But I'm a realist, and don't expect more than $20 back a week.

So your message is clear, Helen, I'm heading forth to multiply.