NationBuilder

Jacinda Ardern has pledged not to introduce a wealth tax, but the Greens think she can sidestep this promise by introducing “changes to the bright line test” or “some form of taxes on large accumulations of asset wealth”.

We say the Prime Minister needs to stick to her word and tell the Greens they're dreaming.

The media's insistence on retreading the tired wealth tax debate is an unfortunate distraction from the flawed policies that have contributed to our housing crisis.

In yesterday's NZ Herald I pointed out that taxpayer-funded handouts for first home buyers are pumping up house prices:

Why is Creative NZ sponsoring left-wing opinion pieces?

Many New Zealanders would be appalled to know their hard-earned taxes are being used to promote political stances they disagree with. When government agencies engage in propaganda they undermine the neutrality of the public sector and the fairness of democracy.

It seems Creative NZ is keen on funding left-wing propaganda, but not the opposing arguments. Regardless, political opinion pieces do not support the creative sector. Creative NZ should stick to its knitting or shut down and return its funds to the taxpayer.

It's time for closure on Pike River

Pike River mine

This week marks ten years since the disaster at Pike River.

The ill-fated ‘recovery’ project has cost over $50 million in taxpayer money. No human remains have been recovered, no forensic information retrieved.

As tragic as the event was, we've come to the reluctant conclusion that it's time to call off the recovery.

Sealing the mine will provide closure to the families, many of whom do not support the ‘re-entry’, and a memorial will be a place for all New Zealanders to pay their respects.

This has been a highly political process. The then-National Government was opposed to re-entry on scientific and engineering grounds. Labour spokesperson, now Minister, Andrew Little loudly disagreed. He made it an election pledge, and after their win he became Minister for Pike River Re-entry and formed the Pike River Recovery Agency. The Agency has around 40 staff.

In March, the Minister and the Agency predicted finishing the re-entry by July or August. It is now November, little progress has been made, and the budget has doubled. It gives us no joy to say it, but it is time to cut our losses.

Media have captured the comments of Marion Curtin who has 'spoken out reluctantly and occasionally'. The Christchurch retiree, whose son Richard Holling died at Pike River, is appalled re-entry went ahead, saying: "To me it was politically motivated before the previous election. I objected to my son’s death being used as a political ploy. I have never been shown or told anything that justified re-entry."

Wellington ratepayers threatened with gargantuan rate hike

The Council's plan is probably to revise that down to 10 or 15 percent and then expect ratepayers to be grateful. That's still completely unacceptable. Councillors must suspend pet projects and focus on cost-cutting.

We'll be campaigning hard against this. There's a danger for ratepayers across the country: if our capital sets the precedent of a double-digit rate hike, other councils may follow Wellington's lead.

Yesterday I emailed our Wellington supporters with a call to arms. If you live in Wellington City but didn't receive yesterday's email, reply to this and I'll add you to the list for this issue.

Green Party exploit housing crisis for tax agenda

Why is Creative NZ sponsoring left-wing opinion pieces?

It's time for closure on Pike River

Wellington ratepayers threatened with gargantuan rate hike

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