Twits send in their economic vision for NZ

by Gareth Hughes

I was given a ticket for a person to watch the Budget speeches live in Parliament tomorrow so thought I’d run an experiment.

I tweeted that I’d give the ticket to someone who shared their personal economic vision for New Zealand with me online. Sure it wasn’t a Play Station 3 or a bike as the prize but check out some of the visions Twits (those who Tweet) shared with me. I liked Geraints so he’ll be in the Gallery watching the MPs give their Budget speeches and he can evaluate the different economic visions on offer.

Thanks everyone who shared theirs – or add yours in the comments below.

• Geraint Scott A tax system that promotes productive investment through a capital gains tax and taxes on pollution. Laws that promote environmental preservation and the constructive use of resources for long term sustainability instead of short term gain through pillaging. The distribution of resources so those are vulnerable are given a helping hand instead of given further cuts and difficulties.
• Louise Nicholls I reckon NZ should implement Robin Hood tax for starters and look at long term sustainable ways to make money. Pretty much what Geriant said
• Tane Feary clean energy, eco cities, green jobs, more bush and biodiversity, low carbon economy, fairer society
• Simon John Tapp An economy not driven by ideology and private lobby, where billions isn’t spend on archaic roads. A recognition that tertiary education is a right and an investment, and that universal free (or interest free) access should be granted. An understanding that NZ is an independent state, and that external international lobbyists have no place formulating our ICT policy. A realisation that climate change is the biggest threat to our survival, and the adoption of a world leading economic shift to a coal and fossil free NZ. Fair and progressive taxation resulting in increased equality: a Tobin Tax, CGT, water use charges, pollution charges. The reproritisation of funding towards public transport alternatives, and away from subsidisation of polluters, or the construction of RONS.
• Anon we introduce competitive tax breaks for movies kick starting a beautiful high tech arthouse at the end of the world.
• Anon Cut MP perks and put the money into the public sector getting their online services organised and available to the general public
• Gideon Geldenhuys Knowledge and innovation based economy (R&D) with a strong export sector, reduced debt and an equitable tax system please!
• VJ Yetimon My vision is of a post-scarcity economy, brought about through molecular 3d printers in everyone’s garage. Maybe 15-20 years away.
• charlie russell a green, inventive, progressive economy that crests wealth for the good of all. An economy that has equality at it’s centre.
• @davejac Voting National out.
• Thomas Le Bas sustainable energy, long-term visions, not quick fixes, invest in public transport, spend wisely rather than cut-back and stall.
• @tdokta social investment, creating investment in communities for the good of community, grow local economy, look after our people first!
• Andrew Johnston New Zealand is a country of limited resources and limitless intellectual and creative energy. I envision an economy that reflects that reality.

  Firstly, we need to think inside the box, our country is framed in a wealth of soil, freshwater, minerals and space. Our economy must be based on retaining rather than exhausting this wealth. To create economic policy that reflects this we should disincentivise any activity that draws from this wealth unsustainably
  Secondly, we should be incentivising resource use that is smart and will retain the base resource wealth. Sustainable energy sources, smart dairy industry practice, tourism, sustainable forestry that is creative and intellectual rather than primitive extraction.

  The Government has a responsibility to ensure that the way we drive an economy will be fair for all New Zealanders. Because of the existing inequalities, economic policy must be redistributive. To achieve this we must firstly recreate a strong and smart welfare system – one that can supports those who simply lack the opportunity to become powerful sustainable economic, cultural and social entrepreneurs – with tools such as research and development tax credits, small business grants, further vocational and business mentoring schemes, and funding for the arts and cultural activities. This welfare system must also live in reality and have the compassion to support those who may not be the next great entrepreneur yet are obliged the support of their country when they experience difficulty.

  Secondly, we must ensure our tax system is fair and purposeful. That it has the bravery to discourage the accumulation of wealth and property when it harms others, with tools such as a capital gains tax, increased tax on higher income earners, and further restrictions on foreign investment. The tax system must also be driven by guaranteeing goods and services that are essential to the rights all New Zealanders are entitled to, such as fresh and healthy food and essential health services.

• Josh Forman An economy that encouages growth through innovation in green technology, investment in financial literacy for new zealanders, so that people stop makig really bad decisions. Major investment in preventive health measures, and the recognition of these as a way of making massive health savings for the future. Legislation and taxation on the sale of marijuana to take the drug trade out of mob houses and reduce the deficit and our young peoples exposure to crime and harmful substances, and a recognition that drugs should be treated as a health issue, NOT a criminal issue. Investment home ownership schemes to enable kiwis to purchase a warm healthy home for their families, and a crackdown on negligent landlords who charge excessive rents on substandard housing