Hot Topic
Hawke’s Bay
ACT says the first few Rugby World Cup games have been watched in pubs across the country without incident.
"It turns out New Zealanders are not a nation of irresponsible orangutans after all. We’re thoroughly decent people who know how to enjoy ourselves, then go to work," the party said in its Free Press newsletter this afternoon.
ACT leader David Seymour was the driving force behind legislation that allowed for the early opening of bars during the event.
This morning, NBR contacted the Epson MP and asked if he had turned up to work drunk.
"I'm not sure it would change my performance," he replied, not really resolving the issue one way or the other.
More seriously, over the weekend the ACT leader said he did not want to be only known for Red Peak and breakfast boozing during the World Cup.
"This government actually needs to be more robust on the economy," he said.
"Why can’t we drop company taxes when we have the highest taxes and capital in the OECD, almost?
"Where has RMA reform gone? It’s missing in action.
"What about infrastructure, particularly around the top half of the North Island?
"What about indexing tax rates to inflation for families who are paying more and more every year as they stealthily creep into higher tax brackets? But also for younger generations. John Key said he’s not going to move on Super. Well, I’m sorry, but for our generation, you’re looking at five workers per retiree now; two workers per retiree by the time current university students retire."
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Rugby World Cup: 'New Zealanders not irresponsible orangutans'
51751