If National wins ...

[elZorro]

you are probably right EZ ... and fully agree that John Key didn't made a particular good figure in this saga. He just should have paid up (with his own cash) and shut up, given his undignified comments in the first place. He now comes across as thoughtless and arrogant. However - you give at the same time an amazing illustration of the famous citation from the "good book" (Matthew 7:3):



Shouldn't you worry first about Andrew Little's lack of media training, PR skills and his hapless attempts to befriend the populists no matter the moral cost (people with Chinese sounding names, foreign chefs ...)?

I quite agree BP, but of course the well-heeled National Party spin machine doesn't make too many mistakes, so the lefties have to make the most of every muck-up on the other side.

[fungus pudding]

Given the pathetically low interest rates the Gvt. return from this source is minimal. Savers are being shafted by the Central banks policies of quantitative easing. The elderly are more likely pursuing SKI policies.

What on earth are you on about? The Central bank do not have a policy of quantitative easing. The govt. does not provide the return from term deposits.

[winner69]

In Muldoon's era NZers returned home (more NZers came back then left on a permanent basis)

Every year since we have an outflow of NZers - in total the net outflow is nearly 700.000.

Must mean something - maybe a real visionary leader could change that

[craic]

)

Every year since we have an outflow of NZers - in total the net outflow is nearly 700.000.

Must mean something - maybe a real visionary leader could change that

Who did you have in mind. Jesus Christ? Donald Trump? or Mr Little? Go - give us a laugh.

[westerly]

What on earth are you on about? The Central bank do not have a policy of quantitative easing. The govt. does not provide the return from term deposits.

No, they tax the return, which was what W69’s post was referring to. it is called RWT which if rates are low reduces the take. As for quantative easing, broaden your outlook,. Central bank policies does not refer to the Reserve Bank of NZ.
The world is awash with cash hence the very low interest rates.

westerly

[fungus pudding]

No, they tax the return, which was what W69’s post was referring to. it is called RWT which if rates are low reduces the take. As for quantative easing, broaden your outlook,. Central bank policies does not refer to the Reserve Bank of NZ.
The world is awash with cash hence the very low interest rates.

westerly

Of course they tax the return - it's income.

[Daytr]

Agreed, so if he could, he would have let the taxpayer foot the bill.
Outrageous! And it just shows out of touch he has become.

I don't think so. It's because that's the parliamentary ruling.

[fungus pudding]

Agreed, so if he could, he would have let the taxpayer foot the bill.
Outrageous! And it just shows out of touch he has become.

Of course. So would every politician rather than use their party's funds. For further advice - refer Mr. W. Peters.

[Daytr]

I don't care who has done similar in the past. It was Key that as done for defamation, its he who should pay the penalty & costs.
Amazing how you think others should pay for his mistake.

Key's lucky not to be facing court on assault charges after the serial ponytail pulling saga.

[elZorro]

Fonterra's trying another approach and asking bigger suppliers for a restating of their business case. It'll be open book costing next.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/7822...+25+March+2016

Meanwhile ANZ has increased its bad debt provisions, and they lend heavily into the rural sector.

It'll be interesting to see the inevitable effect on the govt's tax take, and I think plenty of provincial businesses will be doing it tough for the next year or two.