The Mapp Report
A Block Of Cheese?
A three year wait for a $32 tax cut. That's how reluctant Dr Cullen has been in giving tax cuts. After nine years of a
Labour Government, someone on an average income will have to wait another three years to 2011 to get a $32 reduction in
taxes.
In October there will be just enough to buy a family sized block of cheese; $16 per week on an income of $50,000.
No wonder National says we can do better. People can bank on this tax cut (National has voted for it) and can expect
more by voting National.
An embassy in Stockholm?
Of course Labour will raise the old bogey that National will make cuts in public spending. But who has ever asked for a
new embassy in Stockholm? The cap on new bureaucrats in Wellington, already at an all time high, is hardly going to
affect frontline spending. So prudent choices can be made to ensure a National tax package will be affordable. It's all
about priorities.
The Broadband challenge
What else did the budget do? Did it do anything significant to boost growth? Well, Labour announced its broadband
package. At least they recognise that the New Zealand government has a crucial role to play in boosting New Zealand's
broadband capacity. Seemingly they forgot about our competition in Australia. The Labour Government in Australia has
announced a $5 billion package. New Zealand simply has no choice but to match that, in a proportional sense. Labour's
package fails that test. It will simply continue what is already happening, the roll out of alternative networks, such
as the Vector network in North Shore.
National's package is a step change; a full roll out of fibre to the premises in an integrated network. It will cost
more (the money will be capital, not from budget operating expenses), but it will deliver the ultrafast broadband that
New Zealand business, schools and homes need.
Looking forward, not back
This difference between transformational change or incrementalism was illustrated by the two speeches by the major party
Leaders. John Key's speech looked forward; Helen Clark spent her time reminiscing about the Vietnam War, the Springbok
tour, and the Muldoon budgets. One expects Helen Clark to have a good grip of history, but it is surely a surprise that
the events of more than a quarter of a century ago hold the key to the next decade.
We now roll on to the election and the full offerings of the political parties. One thing is for sure - National can do
better than the 'block of cheese' budget.
23 May 2008
EVENTS
PUBLIC MEETING -
"KICK STARTING THE ECONOMY"
7.30pm to 10.00pm
Wednesday
11 June
Netball North Harbour
Guest Speaker:
Dr David Skilling, Chief Executive, New Zealand Institute
ALL WELCOME
Dr Wayne Mapp
For more information on National visit www.national.org.nz or have a say at www.johnkey.co.nz
Visit my website for more information at: www.waynemapp.co.nz
The Mapp Report is published weekly. Please feel free to pass on to anyone interested.
ENDS