13-01-2025, 02:56 PM
Years ago, my kid registered for a student allowance she was not entitled to receive because of her family circumstances. IRD sent me the bill as her supporting parent. I couldn't pay it in one lump, so made an appointment, went in with the paperwork and offered to pay it off. I was interviewed, my statements checked and verified, and the IRD staffer made her recommendation, and the debt was wiped. It wasn't a small figure.
I am sure there are lots of stories like mine, where IRD were not the bad guys. Thing is they have a job to do, our society relies on them doing it properly in order to provide the services we all need, but they also have a responsibility to take account of individual circumstances, and not impose unnecessary hardships. It was an interesting, and scary experience at the time, but I came away grateful, and with a greater respect for the staff than I might otherwise have had.
One thing I do know though, the media rarely tell the whole story. After all, they have to sell advertising.
I am sure there are lots of stories like mine, where IRD were not the bad guys. Thing is they have a job to do, our society relies on them doing it properly in order to provide the services we all need, but they also have a responsibility to take account of individual circumstances, and not impose unnecessary hardships. It was an interesting, and scary experience at the time, but I came away grateful, and with a greater respect for the staff than I might otherwise have had.
One thing I do know though, the media rarely tell the whole story. After all, they have to sell advertising.