Our richest 40% should know the $10b of tax cuts they'll get & save are being paid for by making poor, sick & disabled kids & nanas poorer, sicker & homeless, not by 'cutting fat from the system'
The list of actions against the poor by this Government seems to grow longer by the day, but the two things that stand out for me are health and housing.
*We must demand a public health service for everyone that is free, accessible, timely, and comprehensive. If we have that, there will be no need for any health insurance except for overseas travel, pets, and cosmetic nice-to-haves.
*We need a government that will revive the state housing zeal of the 1935-1949 Labour Government: a government that will build, own, and manage hundreds of thousands of homes for secure, lifetime, income-moderated rent by all who want them; flood the country with enough homes for all, concentrating them in the centres of cities to prevent further urban sprawl.
This is the re-run government. It's like watching telly on a rainy Sunday in the 1960's with nothing but re-runs. It's just so boring. It doesn't matter how many times you watch Old Yeller (1957) the dog still dies.
Such a sobering article - thank you so much for sharing. As someone who is privileged enough to be in that 40% bracket, this is not what I want (and didn't vote for - my vote did not go to anyone currently part of the three-headed taniwha). I just hope the message gets out far and wide - we should be lifting everyone, rather than stepping on those who have the least.
By the Pharmac funding case, do you mean the 13 cancer drugs that were promised, and then deferred? And then when there was a backlash a slump in the polls and updated list (based on better clinical data) was suddenly able to be provided.
Still interested to see quite how they manage to get people with cancer through all the steps that start with the GP and end up with a diagnosis actually receive the medication when there are so many cuts across health.
Completely agree. I was moved by your early morning post and share those sentiments too. It’s a grubby government. But where is the opposition? The signs are currently poor and it’s going to take a while for them to regroup. Let’s hope your project 2025 will articulate a different, inspiring set of ideas for the future.
There’s other concerning policies and consequences too— in the environmental area. This government seems wilfully escapist about climate change! And it matters — we’ll all be the poorer for the mistakes it’s making.
I totally disagree Graham. What our society needs are thinkers who sit down and analyze. If we consider the growth of neo-liberalism it started with a small number of economists and then it spread. We need these ideas being shared by Bernard to grow and spread. Just stay where you are Bernard. I don't see you as a complainer but as an idea's nurturer. Keep it up.
Agreed, Bernard has done his bit. The responsibility for acting on this issues now lies with us all. There is neither time for cheering nor jeering from the sidelines. Frankly, we cannot wait until the next election comes around, we all need to be engaged in our local communities, through workplaces, marae, church groups, sports clubs, schools, etc, wherever we are with the people who make up our lives, raising these matters, checking that those in need are not left alone, helpless. Then we need to be taking what ever political action is needed to turn this disaster around and get our political economy working for everyone.
What a stupid, insulting comment. Bernard is one of the most insightful economists in NZ. Have you bothered to read the details of his comprehensive 26/50 Project aimed at turning around political & economic policies prior to the 2026 election? Obviously you're one of the privileged 40%, happy to bludge off the majority of your fellow citizens.
Again, what is best for the government is not what is best for the country. NZ government is a net positive balance sheet, and nz as country has a negative current account deficit ( unique in OECD) . We are being milked by rentiers in the private sector, landlords, and offshore banking and finance. I guess there are people out there in debt up to their eyeballs thinking that the rest of the country is in the same boat and so is the government.
Honestly, much of middle New-Zealand would rather believe the gov't is 'doing right' as an article of faith in 'their' team, than mess about with inconvenient facts. I hear this often in my central North-Island town from rich farmers and packhouse workers alike. The main Nat/Lab dividing line here is racial rather than financial tbh.
Anecdotally, and entirely off-topic; there's also an apparent tendency within the Maori community, with men more likely to support Labour and women more likely to favour TPM. I think this has something to do with the sectors in which they work- more men in the industrial sector, and more women in the gov't, healthcare and education sectors where cultural sensibilities (and culturally specific roles) are more prominent.
It actually makes me feel sick. My extra $40 fortnightly is not worth this pain. I'm donating mine to kidscan. I have number of chronic health conditions so the cuts to disability and health services is costing me far more. I'm appalled at how the coalition is copying the UK conservatives austerity
Brilliant work Bernard. May it cut through.
The list of actions against the poor by this Government seems to grow longer by the day, but the two things that stand out for me are health and housing.
*We must demand a public health service for everyone that is free, accessible, timely, and comprehensive. If we have that, there will be no need for any health insurance except for overseas travel, pets, and cosmetic nice-to-haves.
*We need a government that will revive the state housing zeal of the 1935-1949 Labour Government: a government that will build, own, and manage hundreds of thousands of homes for secure, lifetime, income-moderated rent by all who want them; flood the country with enough homes for all, concentrating them in the centres of cities to prevent further urban sprawl.
Disgusting. And most people have no clue, just glad to hear the mindless soundbites about "Back on Track".
Most people may only read Luxon's Facebook posts - or follow him on Insta. A very sahllow lens.
I couldn't think of anything more mind-numbing :D
Dinner with....
LOL...oh blimey- nailed it rofl :D
This is the re-run government. It's like watching telly on a rainy Sunday in the 1960's with nothing but re-runs. It's just so boring. It doesn't matter how many times you watch Old Yeller (1957) the dog still dies.
No spoilers Trevor 😉
Such a sobering article - thank you so much for sharing. As someone who is privileged enough to be in that 40% bracket, this is not what I want (and didn't vote for - my vote did not go to anyone currently part of the three-headed taniwha). I just hope the message gets out far and wide - we should be lifting everyone, rather than stepping on those who have the least.
So what do we do now?
Lobby for a reversal maybe - it worked in the Pharmac funding case and (albeit superficially) on the Fast-Track Bill.
Sorry I was thinking specifically of the disability funding re that comment
By the Pharmac funding case, do you mean the 13 cancer drugs that were promised, and then deferred? And then when there was a backlash a slump in the polls and updated list (based on better clinical data) was suddenly able to be provided.
Still interested to see quite how they manage to get people with cancer through all the steps that start with the GP and end up with a diagnosis actually receive the medication when there are so many cuts across health.
Yes that's what I mean - and it looks like there's a pretty strong backlash re the disability funding.
Happy and proud to have your voice in the mix Bernard. Will Tautoko it in any way possible myself, important work!
Well said Bernard. I hope this opinion piece is widely disseminated in the media as it needs and deserves to be
hear hear.
And we thought National under John Key was a heartless period. They were angels compared to this motley lot.
Completely agree. I was moved by your early morning post and share those sentiments too. It’s a grubby government. But where is the opposition? The signs are currently poor and it’s going to take a while for them to regroup. Let’s hope your project 2025 will articulate a different, inspiring set of ideas for the future.
PS good piece by Max Rashbrooke in Stuff about election finances and the imbalance in favour of the right over the left. https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/29-08-2024/can-an-election-really-be-fair-if-one-party-has-four-times-more-money-than-the-other#7702?utm_source=spinoff-share-button&utm_medium=spinoff-web-mobile.
Thanks for sharing. It's easy to miss the good stuff on Stuff.
Very well put!
There’s other concerning policies and consequences too— in the environmental area. This government seems wilfully escapist about climate change! And it matters — we’ll all be the poorer for the mistakes it’s making.
Ralph Chapman
Bernard. Since this is your view then don’t just sit there and complain but get out there and become a politician
The World is full of complaining “economists” but few of them actually have the courage to make actual change by taking responsibility
I totally disagree Graham. What our society needs are thinkers who sit down and analyze. If we consider the growth of neo-liberalism it started with a small number of economists and then it spread. We need these ideas being shared by Bernard to grow and spread. Just stay where you are Bernard. I don't see you as a complainer but as an idea's nurturer. Keep it up.
Thanks Garry,
Agreed, Bernard has done his bit. The responsibility for acting on this issues now lies with us all. There is neither time for cheering nor jeering from the sidelines. Frankly, we cannot wait until the next election comes around, we all need to be engaged in our local communities, through workplaces, marae, church groups, sports clubs, schools, etc, wherever we are with the people who make up our lives, raising these matters, checking that those in need are not left alone, helpless. Then we need to be taking what ever political action is needed to turn this disaster around and get our political economy working for everyone.
Quite correct Maurice. It's us who need to inject the politics into Bernard's writing and thinking.
What a stupid, insulting comment. Bernard is one of the most insightful economists in NZ. Have you bothered to read the details of his comprehensive 26/50 Project aimed at turning around political & economic policies prior to the 2026 election? Obviously you're one of the privileged 40%, happy to bludge off the majority of your fellow citizens.
Just as clarification, my comment above related to Graham Coxhead's comment
Again, what is best for the government is not what is best for the country. NZ government is a net positive balance sheet, and nz as country has a negative current account deficit ( unique in OECD) . We are being milked by rentiers in the private sector, landlords, and offshore banking and finance. I guess there are people out there in debt up to their eyeballs thinking that the rest of the country is in the same boat and so is the government.
https://x.com/MusicalChairs14/status/1827912018034344278
Honestly, much of middle New-Zealand would rather believe the gov't is 'doing right' as an article of faith in 'their' team, than mess about with inconvenient facts. I hear this often in my central North-Island town from rich farmers and packhouse workers alike. The main Nat/Lab dividing line here is racial rather than financial tbh.
Anecdotally, and entirely off-topic; there's also an apparent tendency within the Maori community, with men more likely to support Labour and women more likely to favour TPM. I think this has something to do with the sectors in which they work- more men in the industrial sector, and more women in the gov't, healthcare and education sectors where cultural sensibilities (and culturally specific roles) are more prominent.
It actually makes me feel sick. My extra $40 fortnightly is not worth this pain. I'm donating mine to kidscan. I have number of chronic health conditions so the cuts to disability and health services is costing me far more. I'm appalled at how the coalition is copying the UK conservatives austerity
And the 1980's speed, comprehensiveness and long term in increases in equality. I despair.
Re Note 1 mentioning that NZ defaulted on its debt in 1933.
If have read in books that NZ is one of only a very few countries that have never defaulted on their debt.
Is this a definitional thing of just what the debt is and whose it is?