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Uncertainty, apathy or tax evasion?

Uncertainty, confusion and just plain apathy are being blamed for an apparently slower than expected uptake of the new retirement saving scheme, KiwiSaver.

Uncertainty, apathy, or just another tax on our income? The Government hasn't even had the legislation voted in, the employee contributions don't start until April 2008, people have issues over disclosure of fees, lack of guaranteed return and an expectation the government will change the rules at any time in the next 20 years.

It's not apathy, it is a deep and unabiding distrust of the Labour government, and the way they go about conducting business.

They could always front a 15 million dollar tax payer funded TV advertising scheme in an election year announcing "You're better off with Labour". Hang-on, that's what they pulled last election. and the joke was their 15 million government (tax payer) funded propaganda was *threatened* by the Exclusive Brethren's $500,000 one page pamphlet on Green Policy. Hell, the pledge cards cost more than that.

Perhaps they could have Benson-Pope front the new campaign, as a prime example of the trust worthy nature of the Labour cabinet. I mean, Cullen reneged on his chewing gum promise, and Helen has been tainted with Doonegate, Paintergate, Speedgate and Investigate. And Benson-Pope has more time available on the back-benches. I am assuming he will not be back in cabinet by the next election though.

Or maybe they'll have to legislate KiwiSaver to make it mandatory. For our own good.

Related Link: KiwiSaver yields low interest rate from day one

Comments

  1. I haven't signed on for Kiwisaver yet. I do think it's a good idea to save for the future, but you're right: I just don't trust Labour. I'll hang back for a while (maybe until National gets in next year) and see what happens.

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  2. I didn't sign up for it either, not because I don't think its a good scheme, but simply because the financial burden is too great. I am a low income worker and I am not going to starve my kids so I can have a few bucks when I am a geriatric. Distrust of Labour is neither here nor there. I distrust all governments no matter what colour their little flags.

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  3. NZ Herald:
    ' "They are using the luxury of the next two or three months to make a good choice," he said.'

    Ha. Is this the same population that invested with National Finance, Provincial Finance, and blew 500million on Bridgecorp? And is this the same population that persists in storing its nuts in property, running up towering debt, and couldn't assess 'risk' even if it fell through it?
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    1. Those are suprising low uptakes.
    2. The funds will likely give very similar returns over time to prevent scandalized angry mobs bashing down doors so choices are likely to be moot.

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  4. Quite so, Zen. It will turn out to be just another worthless unsustainable election bribe.

    Bring on the sustainablilty campaign. I can see the bill boards now.

    ReplyDelete

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