Category: Economic Issues
The whole spectrum of special Maori rights - including co-governance rights - is a massive deception built on the false premise of ‘partnership’ touted as law. It is constitutionally impossible for a 'partnership' to exist between the sovereign and the governed.
Right now the Government will be assessing the damage caused by the Tax Working Group’s proposed capital gains tax. By all accounts, the Prime Minister has been well and truly spooked by the vehemence of the public outcry against the proposal.
Fairness has been talked about a lot lately, by the government. It appears to be justifying everything by saying "it's the fair thing to do". Fairness has replaced housing affordability as the primary justification for the government wanting to introduce a capital gains tax
Jacinda Ardern’s Tax Working Group released its final report last week. It recommends a highly punitive capital gains tax, which it claims would make New Zealand’s tax system ‘fairer’ by forcing the ‘rich’ to pay more tax.
There is no evidence the that “the rich are getting richer”, that the highest income earners are increasing their income share. Similarly, there is no evidence that “the poor are getting poorer”. The extremes are not diverging.
Politics has been described as the contest of ideas. It is also the art of manipulation. This was evident during the 13 hour debate on the Prime Minister’s Statement that began on Parliament’s first sitting day for the new year.
Just a few days before Waitangi Day the government announced it has earmarked several million more dollars for Maori projects. During Waitangi Day commemorations it may express its willingness to give iwi leaders a greater say in governance, too - but without providing critical details.
Last week Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with her British counterpart Teresa May at 10 Downing Street to discuss a trade deal with New Zealand once the UK leaves the European Union.
On the face of it, the Labour-led Government would have finished last year well pleased with their progress. Their coalition was holding together strongly and the minor parties had each achieved some big policy wins.
On behalf of the New Zealand Centre for Political Research, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! Thank you so much for your encouragement and help over the last 12 months - the NZCPR simply couldn’t achieve what we do without your wonderful support.
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