Marama Davidson recently told Ryan Bridge she’d be perfectly happy to pay more tax. Chloe Swarbrick claims people approach her all the time, saying the same thing. And every election cycle, a parade of self‑anointed “rich people” step forward to publicly announce their eagerness to hand more of their money to the State.
Fine. If they’re that desperate to give the government more of their income, let’s make it easy for them.
1. Create a voluntary tax code
A dedicated IRD tax code for voluntary contributions — and crucially, one that cannot be refunded. The last thing we need is performative generosity on camera followed by a quiet refund once the applause dies down.
2. Build a simple IRD portal or app
A clean, frictionless interface where these civic saints can transfer their extra tax at any time. No forms, no accountants, no excuses. If they want to pay more, let them do it with a single tap.
3. Use it as the standard reply to moral grandstanding
Every time a politician, activist, or wealthy virtue‑signaller proclaims their willingness to pay more tax, simply direct them to the voluntary tax portal. “Great news — you can start today.”
Of course, we both know what will happen. Nothing.
Because this isn’t about paying more tax. It’s about being seen saying they’re willing to pay more tax. It’s a performance; a public ritual of moral superiority at someone else’s expense.
But at least with a voluntary tax system in place, the next time one of these self‑righteous sermonisers starts lecturing the rest of us about “doing our part”, the Coalition can politely point them to the IRD website and invite them to lead by example.
And if they don’t? Well, the silence will be more honest than the sermon ever was.........The full article is published HERE
Colinxy regularly blogs at No Minister
A dedicated IRD tax code for voluntary contributions — and crucially, one that cannot be refunded. The last thing we need is performative generosity on camera followed by a quiet refund once the applause dies down.
2. Build a simple IRD portal or app
A clean, frictionless interface where these civic saints can transfer their extra tax at any time. No forms, no accountants, no excuses. If they want to pay more, let them do it with a single tap.
3. Use it as the standard reply to moral grandstanding
Every time a politician, activist, or wealthy virtue‑signaller proclaims their willingness to pay more tax, simply direct them to the voluntary tax portal. “Great news — you can start today.”
Of course, we both know what will happen. Nothing.
Because this isn’t about paying more tax. It’s about being seen saying they’re willing to pay more tax. It’s a performance; a public ritual of moral superiority at someone else’s expense.
But at least with a voluntary tax system in place, the next time one of these self‑righteous sermonisers starts lecturing the rest of us about “doing our part”, the Coalition can politely point them to the IRD website and invite them to lead by example.
And if they don’t? Well, the silence will be more honest than the sermon ever was.........The full article is published HERE
Colinxy regularly blogs at No Minister
6 comments:
When will Iwi start paying tax?
Brilliant idea - simplicity in action - it would be a great BS nullifier!
Is Marama Davidson feeling guilty of taking public funds and contributing nothing to the betterment of all NZers ?
If she was genuine, she would do what others do, and donate to organizations that don't get a fair share of taxpayers dollars.
Just another attempt to make a virtuous headline - Marama, you are not fooling anyone.
I dislike the Green Party intensely but to be fair, Marama would argue that the scale of the problem requires collective action and the contributions of just a few would make little difference.
I think the Greens should be promoting policies that grow the pie bigger instead of just slicing it.
If people want to pay more tax let them. If superannuitants want to pay more tax, let them, if young families support the Greens let them pay more tax, if wealthy people want to pay more tax, let them. Don't be surprised if most people don't want to pay more tax. Don't be surprised if most people want their taxes spent on tangible things(and their rates). Let's have a tax code: special people or SP. Let's do it. We can shower them with gratitude and acclaim.
Reminds me of Trump and how he still hasn’t revealed his tax returns yet. The world is crazy with a loser like that in charge.
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