Work and Income cookbook has flavour of Newman

Labour MPs used to ridicule Muriel Newman's books on penny pinching - now the former Act MP could be forgiven for thinking they're stealing her ideas.

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope was on hand yesterday for the launch of a Work and Income cookbook billed as "a simple practical guide to affordable cooking and good nutrition".

Dr Newman, who lost her seat at the last election, was famous for three books on how to live cheaply- one of them a cookbook entitled How to Feast on the Smell of an Oily Rag.

Her political rivals used to mock her books, which included tips such as how women could model lingerie for extra money.

However, sections of Work and Income's Great Little Cookbook bear uncanny similarities to some of Dr Newman's work.

Her cookbook was billed as "delicious mouthwatering meals without a lot of fuss and bother".

The Work and Income book is full of recipes that are "simple, nutritious and easy to prepare".

But yesterday Mr Benson-Pope had only praise for the idea of a cookbook for beneficiaries.

"We can no longer take for granted that people know what ingredients are needed for a good, nutritious family meal, or that they know how to put these ingredients together."

He said the Work and Income staff who came up with the idea felt basic skills such as gardening and cooking were no longer being passed down.

As well as suggesting affordable meals, the book focused on healthy eating. Mr Benson-Pope said the book, developed in conjunction with Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board, was free of charge.

- NZPA