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Mobley's avatar

"Shared prosperity in a rapidly changing world..." Boo hoo hoo, OMG, here we go again. Have the quality working people earn the wealth so we can waste (not spend, but WASTE) it on the numpties and numpty projects.

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Marilyn MurrayYork's avatar

I believe the government of the day, ongoing, should cap all residential rents at 20 per cent of the minimum wage. This would deter landlords increasing their property portfolios and give tenants the opportunity to save for their own home plus afford to eat better and have a reasonable standard of living. (The landlord's eventual profit should be in the eventual rental home sale) Even 'Kainga Ora' ( ie State) tenants' rents are too high. When there's a benefit increase (e.g Superannuation) the state rent is also increased, which I think is wrong. It keeps people poor. The government's State housing portfolio, I'm sure, does very well, and private landlords fare even better.

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Andrew Riddell's avatar

Re: "For about the last 30 years, it’s a been a cliché that Kiwis need to learn to work smarter, not harder: produce more per hour rather than work more hours."

This suggests(confirms) we have been following the wrong model of how the economy works for at least that long.

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Grant Duncan PhD's avatar

Good point, Andrew. Perhaps 'wrong models' plural. NZ did well out of the post-WW2 Bretton Woods arrangements, but began to fall behind (relative to other wealthy nations) from the early 70s. Past governments have made efforts to turn that around, but not with enough success. The present lot (including the previous government) have no ideas, however. Rewarding landlords should be well down the list of priorities, especially while some tenants work 2 or 3 jobs just to pay the rent and feed the family.

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Margie's avatar

Excellent overview, thanks Grant. Wish it could be read more widely.

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Grant Duncan PhD's avatar

Thanks, Margie. Feel free to share. Grant.

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Stephen D's avatar

One thing I picked up when dealing with a lot of smes in a previous life. When they had the choice of upgrading plant and equipment, or upgrading the boat, most went for the boat.

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Grant Duncan PhD's avatar

That's true, Stephen! Firms aren't investing smartly enough in physical and human capital, and governments are investing enough in training post-school. These things can change, if there's a will.

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Judith Paulin's avatar

Very astute Bryce - every point you make rings true, and makes those of us aligned with your thinking wring our hands in despair!! But someone has to tell the truth, or how can we change directions?

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Grant Duncan PhD's avatar

Thanks, Judith. You can call me Grant – and I'll take the compliment anyway! Cheers

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