The most interesting thing about Chris Luxon’s tax cut speech

Security blanket politics: Christopher Luxon hits familiar rather than challenging policy notes, and that seems to be plan. (Image: Getty)

Pattrick Smellie

Tue, 08 Mar 2022

The most interesting thing about National party leader Christopher Luxon’s “state of the nation” speech at the weekend was not what Luxon had to say.Most of it was fairly standard National hymn sheet stuff: that the government gets in the way, that Labour is a party of we-know-best spendthrifts, tax cuts are better than more new spending, debt is bad, and people who start and keep businesses going are the lifeblood of the economy.Mercifully, he appears to have retired the line that the government manages the economy like a fam...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Economy

RBNZ opens consultation on central bank digital currency

Protecting monetary sovereignty is a key factor.

Rebecca Howard 6:00am

Primary Sector

Warning to NZ primary sector: avoid 'commoditised B2B'

Speaking at an event about food and fibre, the former Unilever CEO did not mince words.

Dileepa Fonseka 5:00am

Warning to NZ primary sector: avoid 'commoditised B2B'

Policy

Business of Government: who benefits from restructuring, and more ...

Jem Traylen 5:00am

Sponsored

Auckland's new "Midtown" taking shape

5-star hybrid workspaces, combined with the City Rail Link, are creating a revitalised inner-city zone designed to motivate workers back to the office.

Alberts

Sponsored

Building confidence and capability is the key to boosting productivity

In the pack houses of Hawke’s Bay apple growers, smart cameras scan the apples looking for blemishes and grading the fruit to ensure only the best is selected for domestic and international markets.

ASB