Straggle Muster 171 - 18/11/2005
Treasury Right, Cullen Wrong - With Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers' Vice-President.
MEDIA LOWLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Gee whiz. Nandor Tanczos calls Parliament a "toxic hell hole" but he likes it so much that he is going back for another term so he is eligible for a nice little earner some time soon called a pension and a cool $110k for passing go. That must be hell Nandor! Some unkind soul said he should have a haircut and get a real job. Tut.Tut
MEDIA HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This goes to Dr Michael Cullen for getting another spanking by Treasury officials calling for tax cuts to help an economy facing reduced business confidence, capital flight and poor productivity. Dr Cullen responded by suggesting Treasury was having another "ideological burp", something he has accused them of having for 21 years.
Now, I think the 21 year retort is significant. That aligns with the collapse of the massively controlled economy of the Muldoon era.
Dr Cullen's responsibility is to respect his official's intelligence rather than say that the voters of New Zealand voted for his prescription. A major chunk of the electorate have been immunised by welfare and that includes some business, so it stands to reason that the truth is unpalatable to some, even the Minister it seems.
New Zealand by OECD standards has a very poor productivity per person and with the government's dead weight spend impacting upon real investment opportunity, who could blame business for relocating.
While bird flu (flew) might be a scary proposition, migrating kiwis have already learned to fly. Just please can someone tell Dr Cullen? Will he sack Treasury officials or will he listen and act? And how can a carbon tax enhance national wellbeing? Go figure.
HERO OF THE WEEK
The Shearing family of Riverton-Southland, fighting for justice at great personal cost, had the fortitude to take on their local council and win a High Court ruling. This was a case where minority influence, poor leadership at council level, and an unsafe Environment Court decision tried to impose unreasonable restrictions where an existing use right was apparent on private property.
While I applaud the Shearings, I condemn the council for the negative effects that all ratepayers will be exposed in next year's rate demand. A mitigation plan promoted over a year ago by Federated Farmers Southland and Shearings, was refused by Council.
Too many times we see management who may appear perfectly reasonable, acting with an agenda beyond the authority that the law allows.
People, who value the property rights, owe the Shearing's a huge debt of gratitude.
Don Nicolson.
Federated Farmers Vice-President
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