For sure; though I also favour progressive taxation so would be targetting people significantly wealthier than the average voter for the most noticeable rises and new taxes (CGT). I also find simplifying the system by adopting a UBI to replace all the various forms of rebates, benefits etc sounds like it could be a good idea too.

[–] Dave 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Yes I'm a huge favour of establishing a UBI. But sometimes I have to ask myself if it's because I like people or if it's just because I hate WINZ (in my plan IRD will run UBI and WINZ will be a shell of it's former self).

[–] TagMeInSkipIGotThis 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

It can be both!

It massively simplifies the whole system; and basically takes away a huge amount of work that is essentially stupid and/or punitive in nature and would hopefully then free up what is left over to focus on the social and health services side of what they're supposedly responsible for.

Imagine if a visit to WINZ wasn't about filling in a form and checking a box to confirm that yet, you did look for work, but no there still isn't any work that you can do (or whatever); and instead it was about them coming to you with help - how are you coping with your heating budget, here's some support to help you get more nutritious food without spending as much money.

[–] Dave 1 points 8 months ago

I doubt WINZ could pull off the "helpful" angle. You'd need to build a new ministry from the ground up to make it effective.