Opinion - Toby Morris questions what constitutes a role model after Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei's revelation that she lied to Work and Income as a young solo mother in order to receive more benefits.
Mrs Turei was on the Domestic Purposes Benefit (since renamed Sole Parent Support) from 1993 to 1998.
While raising her daughter and attending law school between 1995 and 1998, she kept secret how many flatmates were living with her from Work and Income, because she did not want her benefit cut.
She has confirmed the Ministry of Social Development is now investigating her benefit history.
Mrs Turei wants an amnesty for beneficiaries who have broken the law so they can come forward without fear of being punished.
Her co-leader James Shaw has said he was not worried the fraud revelations would hurt their party's chances at September's election.
However, Prime Minister Bill English said MPs should not be advocating for others to break the law.
Toby Morris provides his take on Mrs Turei's admission:
Photo: RNZ / Toby Morris
Toby Morris is an Auckland based illustrator and comic artist. He is the creator of the Pencilsword on The Wireless and also half of the Toby & Toby duo at rnz.co.nz.
