Sunday 23rd May 2004

Budget 2004: 'Cullen Hood' Economics - Destiny NZ Napier Tour

The ideological battle between wealth creation and socialistic wealth redistribution forms the basis of this year's budget says Destiny NZ economics spokesman, David Jesze.

Addressing a public meeting in Napier on Friday, Jesze likened Labour Finance Minister, Dr Michael Cullen to a Kiwi 'Robin Hood'.

"Robin Hood stole from a group of rich people who had gained their wealth unjustly or had stolen from the poor, and he gave it back to the poor," said Jesze. "Looking at the budget snippets released over the last weeks, Dr. Cullen seems to see himself as a kind of 'Kiwi Robin Hood'."

"The government is sitting on a tax surplus of over $7 billion. This surplus does not belong to the government but to the people - every New Zealander has simply been overtaxed. Now the government is trying to tell us that our families should be happy as they might get back an extra $50 or so per week. You take too much from someone, then give a little bit back and try to convince them that you are showering them with gifts? This seems more like a schizophrenic Robin Hood mentality, than a sound plan of helping New Zealanders to a better quality of life."

Jesze said Labour had an ideological problem with businesses and higher income earners and was taking a communistic approach to wealth.

"We believe that businesses are wealth creators and should therefore be encouraged and supported in every possible way, instead of punishing them. We must give our nation clear signals that entrepreneurship and hard work is something desirable and will be encouraged."

Asked about the welfare focus of the new budget, Jesze said Labour was perpetuating welfare dependency rather than a long term working culture.

"By investing allegedly over $1 billion into 'welfare deform', Labour has made it clear they would rather encourage people to stay on a benefit instead of encouraging families to break the cycle of intergenerational welfare dependency. We must help those people who are really in need, while strongly encouraging those who are able to work - but don't wish to - to get back into employment. Welfare must be of a temporary nature not a life style."

Destiny New Zealand strongly supports a substantial lowering of corporate and personal tax rates with a long term goal of a flat tax rate. A business-friendly party, it has a dedicated exporters' support policy that aims to position New Zealand as the leading exporting nation of the Pacific.

Launched last July, Destiny New Zealand has built up a significant support base and plans to stand candidates in many electorates at the next election.

The political team of Destiny NZ will be presenting an overview of key policies in Tauranga on Friday June 11th and in Gisborne on Saturday June 12th.

For more information on Destiny New Zealand please visit www.destinynz.org.nz.

ENDS

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