The Letter Special - Maori Tax/Benefit Gap
While The Letter is on a summer hiatus, ACT has published a research paper showing a $5 billion Maori tax to benefit
gap. The paper is available at http://www.act.org.nz/tax-benefitgap.
Our research shows that Labour’s approach – raced-based policies – is not working. State assistance isn’t lifting Maori
achievement, and in many cases, the State is in fact part of the problem.
We are publishing this research to keep the government honest.
While many Maori are finding their own paths to success, Labour’s focus on the Treaty industry is diverting it from
addressing the real problems that lie behind alarming social indicators.
ACT believes that our policies are the solutions to the problems facing Maori – for New Zealand to succeed we need Maori
to succeed.
Lower taxes for all workers, choice in health and education, less red tape, lifetime limits and work for the dole, and
safer communities for everyone through zero tolerance for crime.
The conclusion of this work shows that throwing money at Maori is not the answer. The answer is greater family and
personal responsibility.
We intend to follow this paper up with a 10-point plan to get everybody succeeding. More information will be contained
in The Letter when we return.
Regards
Hon Richard Prebble CBE Leader ACT New Zealand