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