If National wins ...

[craic]

Probably the best quote around here for years. But I would alter it for politicians to read "all that smile" I just drove through Marewa, Napier and saw a small modern car completely painted in the Conservatives colours and logo with a very large Garth Mc Vicar on the sides and I honestly believe that he will surprise a lot of people in the Napier Electorate and gain a lot of party votes. 5% ? - maybe not this time but it could happen.

I know MVT. I think you are right National will probably return to the Treasury Benches, despite the revelations. However the real political drama for John Key will start after the election.

" and some that smile, have in their hearts, I fear, millions of mischiefs"

William Shakespeare _ Julius Caesar

I, anticipate the next three years will deliver an unparalleled political spectacle.

[craic]

Someone is going to have to do a lot of spring-cleaning immediatly after the election. It might be the perfect opportunity for Inter-party cooperation. Start with the withdrawal of permanent residence from one German - he cannot claim refugee status. A really tough Hacking law seems appropriate, regardless of who was hacked this time and regardless of their high moral stance, hacking can and does precede all types of crime from money fraud to blackmail and it need to be subject to heavy penalties including asset freezing and asset stripping. All sorts of foreigners appear to be able to come here simply by waving wads of notes about. Today my crisis is my daughter, a Kiwi, cannot travel from London to Paris for a few days because she has lost her passport in Greece last Week. Its an Irish passport and they are a valuable commodity among criminals. I have to courier documents at great cost and even that will probably not be enough. Some scruff arrives here from some Eastern country without anything and they are still here years later.

[slimwin]

Few boat loads of white fellas arrived here 200 years ago and still haven't gone home.

[westerly]

Unfortunately his silly policies like dropping GST on food and rates won't work, and he burbles about buying back sold shares - nonsense stuff, so it will take a fair few baubles for Winston. The rest of NZ First won't matter. Conservatives might be a better bet if they make it, but only if they come to their senses with policies - and they just might.

Seems to work in Australia


Most basic foods, some education courses and some medical, health and care products and services are exempt from GST.
Things that are GST-free include:
most basic food
some education courses, course materials and related excursions or field trips
some medical, health and care services
some medical aids and appliances
some medicines
some childcare services
some religious services and charitable activities
supplies of accommodation and meals to residents of retirement villages by certain operators
cars for disabled people to use, as long as certain requirements are met
water, sewerage and drainage
international transport and related matters
precious metals
sales through duty-free shops
grants of land by government
farmland
international mail
exports
sales of businesses as going concerns
some telecommunications supplies
eligible emissions units.

westerly

[fungus pudding]

Seems to work in Australia


Most basic foods, some education courses and some medical, health and care products and services are exempt from GST.
Things that are GST-free include:
most basic food
some education courses, course materials and related excursions or field trips
some medical, health and care services
some medical aids and appliances
some medicines
some childcare services
some religious services and charitable activities
supplies of accommodation and meals to residents of retirement villages by certain operators
cars for disabled people to use, as long as certain requirements are met
water, sewerage and drainage
international transport and related matters
precious metals
sales through duty-free shops
grants of land by government
farmland
international mail
exports
sales of businesses as going concerns
some telecommunications supplies
eligible emissions units.

westerly

NZ has the best system in the world - undeniable.

[craic]

Seen Quantas lately? GST free and 5 billion in debt. Air NZ raking it in and giving better service internationally. On the Auckland City Council reports of today (up the creek with lots of paddles, but only Len Brown knows how they work) Maybe we could lend him to Qantas in particular and Australia in general for a dacade or two

[Banksie]

Seen Quantas lately? GST free and 5 billion in debt. Air NZ raking it in and giving better service internationally.

Is this a plug against the privatization of airlines?

[craic]

Have had quite a few trans Tasman trips and when something goes wrong in airports, the usual comment from airport staff is "F#### Quantas again "whento the casual Kiwi traveller the luggage carousel has broken down.

[westerly]

NZ has the best system in the world - undeniable.

From whose point of view?

westerly

[fungus pudding]

From whose point of view?

westerly

Almost every other country or their finance ministers. It is widely quoted as the best model specifically for its no exemptions simplicity; I'm sure you are well aware of that if you are interested enough to ask, so I'm left wondering why you did ask. But please don't explain.