Paula Bennett: The Politician You'll Either Love or Hate

Politics is a divisive business, and few politicians in New Zealand have been as polarizing as Paula Bennett. As a former Minister of Social Development and Minister of Women's Affairs, she's known for her outspoken views and her willingness to take on controversial issues.

Bennett's supporters admire her strong personality and her determination to fight for what she believes in. They point to her record of advocating for vulnerable New Zealanders, such as her work to reduce child poverty and domestic violence. Her detractors, on the other hand, view her as a brash bully who is out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people.

Bennett's upbringing was far removed from the corridors of power. She was born in 1959 to a teenage mother, who raised her on a state benefit. Bennett left school at 15 and worked in a variety of jobs before entering politics. Her experiences in the "real world" have given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many New Zealanders.

Bennett entered politics in 2005, when she was elected to the Auckland City Council. In 2008, she was elected to Parliament as the National Party MP for Waitakere. She quickly rose through the ranks of the National Party, and in 2014 she was appointed Minister of Social Development.

As Minister of Social Development, Bennett was responsible for overseeing the country's welfare system. She made a number of changes to the system, including reducing the number of benefits available and introducing stricter work requirements. Her reforms were controversial, but they helped to reduce welfare dependency and get more people into work.

Bennett also served as Minister of Women's Affairs from 2014 to 2017. During her time in this role, she launched a number of initiatives to address the issues facing women in New Zealand, such as violence against women, pay equity, and the gender pay gap.

Bennett left politics in 2018, when she resigned from Parliament to spend more time with her family. However, she remains a controversial figure, and she continues to make headlines with her outspoken comments.

Love her or hate her, there's no denying that Paula Bennett is a force to be reckoned with. She's a politician who is not afraid to speak her mind, and she's never one to shy away from a challenge.

Whether you agree with her or not, Paula Bennett is a fascinating character who has left an indelible mark on New Zealand politics.