Leftist Kiwi Writes N.Z. Labour Party, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, New Zealand First, Politics, Social Development, Social Policy, Welfare

New Zealand superannuation’s $625 billion mistake (and other consequences)

When National Party leader Robert Muldoon was elected Prime Minister in 1975, he made a decision (not Think Big - more on that another time) that should bother every economist in New Zealand to this day. He abolished the compulsory contributory New Zealand Superannuation scheme. 50 years later, the decision to abolish that scheme is … Continue reading New Zealand superannuation’s $625 billion mistake (and other consequences)

Leftist Kiwi Writes Health, New Zealand Affairs, Senior Citizens, Social Development, Society, Taxation

To raise or to lower: The question of N.Z.’s retirement age

Should it be raised or should it be lowered? The suitability of New Zealand's retirement age has come into question as the Government continues to cut away at the welfare state that has underpinned our socio-economic wellbeing. I personally support keeping it at 65, but with a few caveats to allow flexibility in certain respects. … Continue reading To raise or to lower: The question of N.Z.’s retirement age

Leftist Kiwi Writes New Zealand Affairs, Social Development, Society

Oranga Tamariki a pawn in a larger scandal

Oranga Tamariki has been controversial since it was established in . Some of the acts committed under its guidance have generated deserved criticism. It has been the face of children being uplifted from biological families and placed in foster care. But is O.T. entirely at fault? No. O.T. is simply a pawn in a bigger … Continue reading Oranga Tamariki a pawn in a larger scandal

Leftist Kiwi Writes New Zealand Affairs, Social Development

Cutting funding for disabled people a dystopian move

The Minister for Disabilities, Penny Simmonds yesterday announced that millions of dollars in funding for people with disabilities and their caregivers would be cut off. What did disabled people do to justify having millions of dollars in funding that would have demonstrably helped them and their families get so recklessly cut off? I struggle to … Continue reading Cutting funding for disabled people a dystopian move

Leftist Kiwi Writes Economy, Social Development, Taxation

What are N.Z.’s long term Taxation options?

The Tax Working Group chaired by the late Dr Michael Cullen released its final report in early 2019. The report included a summary of recommendations with regards to necessary tax changes and the reasoning behind them. One of those recommendations was an extension of the Capital Gains Tax. Five years later, with the C.G.T. effectively … Continue reading What are N.Z.’s long term Taxation options?