Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws believes in sterilising the “underclass”, whom he identifies as criminals, with no stake in society, who are welfare-dependent, with alcohol and drug problems. He was not referring to all beneficiaries, most of whom are good parents, he says.

This correction also appeared in the Dominion Post and the Press.

*Correction Nov. 2: The headline on this post originally read “Sterilize ‘em all! (If they fit this specific criteria).” The word “this” was removed because the word criteria is plural. Thanks, Harry!