The New Zealand Coalition Government promised to create a fairer tax system. With growing inequality and a tax regime that leaves critical areas untaxed, the burden could be shared more fairly. The first step has been taken but hazards lie ahead. (more…)
Max Hayton
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MAX HAYTON. The New Zealand coalition says wellness makes economic sense.
The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made a strong impact on the world stage with her vision of liberal progressive politics that promote wellness and kindness. Doubters and opponents say economic realities could defeat her. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. Democracies work despite flaws.
The electoral laws in New Zealand and Australia differ in significant ways. There are claims New Zealand may have the more democratic system. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. Jacinda Ardern stands for kindness and collectivism.
The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, challenged the forces of isolationism, protectionism and racism in her speech to the United Nations General Assembly. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. Climate change policy wins wide support in New Zealand
New Zealand’s coalition government under Jacinda Ardern has made dealing with climate change one of its highest priorities. It is planning dramatic new legislation and to the surprise of many observers, no doubt including some watching from Canberra, there is a high degree of cross party support and national consensus. While the issue helped to bring down Prime Ministers in Australia, across the Tasman it is stimulating deep thought about innovative legislation. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand bans foreign home buyers.
The New Zealand Government’s ban on foreigners buying homes is a break from the deregulation of the past when New Zealand’s doors were thrown open to all comers. The new ban is not very different from the law in Australia. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. NZ’s government looks towards investing in better lives.
The New Zealand Labour-led Government’s first budget has been judged to be conservative, cautious, restrained. It was the first step in an innovative way to reverse trends that have been souring New Zealand society. The aim is to invest in the wellbeing of the nation and improve lives, not just the economy. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. Inexperience in government brings problems for smiling Prime Minister.
Inexperience, arrogance or ignorance among members of the administration are causing problems for the New Zealand government of Jacinda Ardern. After nine years in opposition, too few members of Ardern’s cabinet have previous experience as ministers and some prefer to follow their own path, leaving the Prime Minister sometimes exposed un-briefed and even misled. (more…)
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Political pregnancies and Opposition renewal in New Zealand
Political pregnancies are the subject of public debate on both sides of the Tasman. In Australia, the Deputy Prime Minister faces a career crisis over his indiscretions. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is due to give birth in June. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s new government sets fast pace
A contention that New Zealand has “lapped” Australia is worth examining in the light of recent developments. The vote to support sex marriage means Australia has increased its pace, but has it caught up? (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. NZ election finally produces a government.
A stunning election outcome has given New Zealand a new government with the potential to transform the country’s economy and society. Risen star and youngest ever New Zealand woman Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, aged 37, leads a coalition that ends the nine-year reign of the conservative, centre-Right National Party under former money dealer John Key and farmer Bill English. Ardern and her partners represent a fresh multi-hued approach. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. The New Zealand Election: MMP will decide
The result of the New Zealand election on Saturday was inconclusive. On the night the leader of the Labour Party Jacinda Ardern said “MMP will decide” who governs for the next three years. MMP or Mixed Member Proportional elections usually create coalitions. It has done so again. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. NZ election, politics and leaks.
A dramatic event in the last week of the New Zealand election campaign looked set to destabilise the Government’s re-election plans. Although it was a major development which continues to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of visitors and New Zealanders, the Government’s polling looks firm. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. Jacindamania in NZ
The New Zealand election campaign has produced a star but is it rising or setting or is it just a descending meteorite heading for early burnout? The polls on September 23 will give the answer. Current polls a week from Election Day are confused and confusing. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. New Zealand’s General Election, September 23 2017.
There’ll be no revolution this time. Polls show New Zealand voters are as contented as a herd of freshly milked cows. The election will produce a government that will be either centre-left or centre-right. Either way, the winner will probably need help from minor parties. (more…)
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MAX HAYTON. Kiwibank – lessons for Australia.
It’s not unusual for big banks to be accused of greed, unfairness, poor service and corruption. The answer often proposed is to create a government owned bank. This has been suggested as a solution in Australia. New Zealand has already built one, but its experience shows public ownership doesn’t necessarily fix all the problems. (more…)