Life of the party: death, taxes and New Zealand's Nationalists
Article Abstract:
New Zealand's laudable decision to cut taxes is outweighed by the country's failure to address outdated and unsustainable social spending strategies. Currently increasing prosperity will not meet the coming bill for pensions and healthcare as the population ages. Half the personal income tax now pays for these, and unfunded pension liabilities may run to three times GDP. The ruling Nationalist party should seek an alliance with the new ACT New Zealand Party, which offers a coherent plan for reforming social spending.
Publication Name: Far Eastern Economic Review
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0014-7591
Year: 1995
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New Zealand's unfinished business
Article Abstract:
ACT New Zealand proposes to address a host of social problems with a market-based solution that asks citizens to buy their own pensions, education services, and medical insurance. People are far better at getting their money's worth than is the govt, so this plan would raise the quality received while allowing the elimination of personal and corporate income taxes. Multiplying social problems and a shrinking tax base necessitate such an approach if Western societies are to compete with growing Asian ones.
Publication Name: Far Eastern Economic Review
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0014-7591
Year: 1995
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New Zealand's artful Roger: an new political party takes on established pieties
Article Abstract:
Roger Douglas's new political party, ACT New Zealand, promises to help his country lead the way into the modern political landscape. It would radically transform individual involvement in many decisions now made by the government, chiefly through the creative use of vouchers to help people pay for things the government now manages entirely. As before, when Douglas led New Zealand out of financial crisis, Douglas is getting a chill reception from the political establishment, and as before, he is right.
Publication Name: Far Eastern Economic Review
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0014-7591
Year: 1995
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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