Labour's plan for a fair, responsible Finance system

Labour will reform the tax system, giving tax cuts to low and medium income earners, and creating a new tax bracket for the very rich.

Labour understands that to keep our economy prosperous, whilst also looking after our poorest and investing for the future; means tough decisions sometimes must be made. We fundamentally disagree with the idea that the top end of town needs more money in their pockets whilst others are struggling and we would be economically long term better off if that money is put in a better place.

Preventing the privatisation of our essential services

We will prevent the privatisation of Kiwibank and Air New Zealand. It is fundamental that we have a public owned enterprises to protect the public when private corporations collude and form unchallenged monopolies. The public should always have an option for their basic needs through the public hands.

Giving Kiwis a fair go

• Maintain the two tiered Company Tax rate. Big Businesses need to pay their fair share and giving them a tax cut will not lead to new jobs, just more money in the back pockets of their executives. We reject the old, erroneous idea that trickle down economics provides for the poor.
• Defend the welfare system from the massive cuts National are proposing. This harms the least well off when they are the ones that need the most assisting. In order to get a job a person must be able to live in a way where they have their basic necessities, first.
• We will work to lower the GST to 10%. GST is a regressive tax that needs to be as low as possible.
• Raise the current minimum wage to $18, and work with small business to expand that in the future without hurting them.