From our “it worked fine, even though many didn’t think it would” file, there are two things to mention. 

Thing number one is the benefit sanctions the handwringers argued were unfair and not nice. 

It turns out virtually no one has hit red. Remember it was the green, orange, red system? All the Government ever asked in introducing them was for you to do your bit. 

You are not sanctioned for not having a job. You are sanctioned for not trying. 

Virtually everyone is doing their bit, as only 1% are in red. Those are the ones you can't help. They don’t want help, they don’t want work, and they don’t want to contribute. That’s on them. 

The most interesting thing the Prime Minister said on Monday, as they announced their new support programme for those looking for work, is in many respects we are down to the nitty-gritty. The current rate of a bit under 5% jobless isn't high, historically. 

Mostly, if you lose your job, you get another one. 

So, is moving town reasonable? I answer, yes. 

If you are 62 years old and laid off, maybe not. 

But I noted with interest when the mill in the central North Island closed, a lot instantly said they are off to Australia. A lot of people have been off to Australia lately. 

So moving for lifestyle, or work, or finances clearly isn't a major hurdle, so why would we think it would be one to find work locally? 

The simple truth is you either want to work or you don’t. You are either driven, or you aren't. 

So some sanctions and the threat of a kick in the pants is not really the end of the world that it was made out to be. 

The second thing is Te Papa. Remember the debate about charging tourists? This was bad news apparently. We would put people off, apparently. 

Reality? $750,000 in two months. They've sold pretty much exactly the number of tickets they thought they would. They are now filling a funding gap by letting people know, especially internationals, that nothing is free. 

So, once again, it's not really the end of the world. 

My guess is the new entry visa will be the same. The price is going up so it will be "the end of the world". 

A cost to enter the national parks will be the same. They start charging and it will be "the end of the world". 

The cost of a visa will be the same. The price went up so "they won't come". 

We need to break the mentality that the Government i.e. you and me, pay for everything. It isn't real, but it is a habit. 

What is real, is a few rules and a few charges are only an impediment if you think they are.