If National wins ...

[Banksie]

Banksie

What I find frustrating is the lack of engagement from National supporters when issues are highlighted.

I couldn't agree more Sgt Pepper. In fact in the run up to the election I got the same response from a National candidate that I met. It is all "no policies but look how good we are doing" and responses to arguments are just token sound bites like "CGT is too complicating".

Regarding the flag:

In my opinion JK is fishing for a legacy. I get the feeling that - at the end of the day New Zealanders don't really have an appetite for changing the flag.

[couta1]

No need to change the flag just like no need for a CGT.

[blackcap]

I couldn't agree more Sgt Pepper. In fact in the run up to the election I got the same response from a National candidate that I met. It is all "no policies but look how good we are doing" and responses to arguments are just token sound bites like "CGT is too complicating".

[/I]

Why fix or change something if it is not broken? National do have policies... the ones that are currently in play. They do not need to come up with something new.. the are the incumbent. Labour on the other hand would want to differentiate themselves from National... thus need policies.

[Harvey Specter]

In my opinion JK is fishing for a legacy. I get the feeling that - at the end of the day New Zealanders don't really have an appetite for changing the flag.

I think Kiwis would be happy with a change of flag but I dont think the silver fern on black is ideal for a national flag - better kept as the unofficial national flag. The union Jack is no longer relevant so it would be good to get rid of that. Something with the Southern Cross, which kiwis to identify with and a background colour that isn't black would be good - we alos identify with blue being water..

[Banksie]

...just like no need for a CGT.

Why? Let me help you out here.

In 2010 the Tax Working Group (TWG) said the following:

Base-broadening is required to address some of the existing biases in the tax system and to improve its efficiency and sustainability. Base-broadening is also required if there are to be reductions in corporate and personal tax rates while maintaining tax revenue levels.

Followed by:

The most comprehensive option for base-broadening with respect to the taxation of capital is to introduce a comprehensive capital gains tax (CGT). While some view this as a viable option for base-broadening, most members of the TWG have significant concerns over the practical challenges arising from a comprehensive CGT and the potential distortions and other efficiency implications that may arise from a partial CGT.

As I read this the TWG said CGT is an option if the practical challenges could be addressed.

Earlier this year Ernst & Young advised:

A capital gains tax in New Zealand may be just a matter of time. The arguments around shifting investment away from housing, raising revenue and perceptions of fairness aren’t going away. And Labour and the Greens’ support across successive electoral cycles adds to that conclusion.

Start preparing now. Maximising the opening value of your asset portfolio when the tax comes in will minimise any future tax.

In my view the overhaul of the IRD systems will simplify the collection of CGT, CGT will be no more complex than our current system of taxing "certain" capital gains, and CGT is coming, sooner or later, so be prepared.

[Banksie]

Why fix or change something if it is not broken? National do have policies... the ones that are currently in play. They do not need to come up with something new.. the are the incumbent. Labour on the other hand would want to differentiate themselves from National... thus need policies.

Fair point.

[Vaygor1]

Regarding the flag:

In my opinion JK is fishing for a legacy. I get the feeling that - at the end of the day New Zealanders don't really have an appetite for changing the flag.

I have the same feeling too. But in addition, could it be an attempt by him to help unify NZ by creating it's own symbolic identity by the possibility of removing the Union Jack?

Even further than that, if a change was voted for, could there then be a follow-on thought that the enactment of the new flag could accompany the creation of 'New Zealand Day' to, perhaps, replace 'Waitangi Day'?

If so, could this be worth it for approx $5 per taxpayer per referendum? Hmmm... all conjecture from me and personally not really fussed either way if I'm honest with myself. I see pros and cons either way.

Nevertheless, if a change is enacted, then JK would have that legacy. And somehow I think a legacy such as that would give him a strong sense of achievement.

[Banksie]

I think Kiwis would be happy with a change of flag but I dont think the silver fern on black is ideal for a national flag - better kept as the unofficial national flag. The union Jack is no longer relevant so it would be good to get rid of that. Something with the Southern Cross, which kiwis to identify with and a background colour that isn't black would be good - we alos identify with blue being water..

Yeah - I am being a little disingenuous, here debating for the sake of it. I actually like the idea of a new flag. Does seem an awful waste of $20 million though. (BTW are these real figures or just a guess?)

What about if they had the design competition first, then a referendum with 2 questions.

Do you want a new flag?

Which of these 3 flags do you prefer?

(Or would people vote down a new flag just because they don't like any of the 3 options?)

Edit: Better yet, forget the referendum, invite sponsors, and put it on reality TV My Flag Rules or New Zealand's Best Home Flagger . Would probably get a better voter turnout.

[couta1]

Banksie I already pay 50c in every dollar I earn through direct taxes including ACC Levy's then if you add on all the indirect taxes plus operating expenses it goes to 60c in every dollar minimum so I need a CGT like a hole in the head and I'm sure many others feel the same way, saying other taxes will reduce if a CGT is introduced is just blind hope and wishful thinking, let's not be sheeple and follow the likes of Aussie.

[Banksie]

Banksie I already pay 50c in every dollar I earn through direct taxes including ACC Levy's then if you add on all the indirect taxes plus operating expenses it goes to 60c in every dollar minimum so I need a CGT like a hole in the head and I'm sure many others feel the same way, saying other taxes will reduce if a CGT is introduced is just blind hope and wishful thinking, let's not be sheeple and follow the likes of Aussie.

Base-broadening is also required if there are to be reductions in corporate and personal tax rates while maintaining tax revenue levels.

I didn't say this the Tax Working Group did. If you are unhappy with the current state of your tax affairs how do you suggest the government broaden the base and reduce the burden?