UF’s position on asset sales, KiwiSaver

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United Future
Since: 2007-08-08 10:30:45.829588
Posts: 220

UF’s position on asset sales, KiwiSaver

Posted at 2008-08-11 07:32:20.804. Permalink.

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne today set out his party’s position on the potential sale of core state assets and changes to KiwiSaver.

“We do not support asset sales as we believe the majority of New Zealanders, having experienced the rash of such sales in the 80’s and seen their consequences, do not want to see more taxpayer-owned enterprises flogged off,” he said.

“To go ahead with asset sales in pursuit of some purist ideology, rather than the interests of New Zealand, would be contrary to democracy and the wishes of the voting public.

“Similarly, UnitedFuture opposes any weakening of KiwiSaver.

“More than three quarters of a million New Zealanders – well ahead of expectations – have signed up to the scheme, a clear sign of its widespread popularity and any tinkering with it would be foolish.

“The only change to Kiwisaver UnitedFuture is considering is the point at which it becomes a compulsory savings scheme.

“UnitedFuture is committed to listening to the people, and then acting, rather than acting and then telling people it’s too late to make any changes,” said Mr Dunne.

Read the full text of this article.

Quentin Todd
Since: 2007-11-03 07:27:50.433
Posts: 68

Posted at 2008-08-11 07:32:20.835. Permalink.

Peter,

As part of a personal research project I am convinced even more that we should have a National Security policy. This would invlove the protection of key Infrastructure assets and potential economic assets such as farming, High Tech Industries. I am sure the Insurance Industry would agree.

National Security is not just about military threats but human security threats and economic and infrastructure protection (Think domino effect if the Rail network were to collapse).Some countries have this as core value policy. As we have seen recently with the dramatic change in NZ's climate (Waikato Drought, 172Kph winds, high storm conditions etc) not to mention the economic peril of being a part of the Global game of trade and relations, an understanding across all parties and a law that will not allow such sales will in my view, be better for New Zealand. It was good to get the Rail back.

If there were to be interference with Kiwisaver, and especally Kiwibank there would be hell to pay for those who dapple with the voters!

liberalcentrist
Since: 2008-05-28 20:00:51.134
Posts: 24

Posted at 2008-08-18 19:56:06.19. Permalink.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of overseas ownership of key strategic assets. This has a negative effect on the Current Account deficit (our level of borrowings from other countries). Apart from keeping key assets in NZ ownership we also need to boost the level of savings by NZers.

Kiwisaver will help us gain increased freedom from national indebtedness. United Future can play a key role in rebuilding New Zealand's level of savings and our financial independence by safeguarding Kiwi saver from any changes that weaken it which may be proposed by a new government.

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