Dr Eric Crampton, chief economist at the New Zealand Initiative, unpacks tax as a defining election issue, noting that even without new taxes, "fiscal drag" from inflation is quietly pushing more Kiwis into higher tax brackets and driving up government revenue as a share of GDP.



He argues that post-COVID spending has outstripped pre-pandemic levels far beyond what population ageing alone explains, meaning voters must judge whether they're getting real value for that extra spend, or face either higher taxes or cuts. Dr Crampton is sceptical of taxing "the rich" alone or introducing a wealth tax, warning both often drive capital and investment offshore, and instead argues Labour's proposed capital gains tax is messier than needed given decades of existing workarounds. He instead favours raising GST paired with a low-income rebate (Canadian-style) as the least distorting way to fund government if more revenue is truly required ([www.nzinitiative.org.nz](https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz)).




Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Dr Eric Crampton, chief economist at the New Zealand Initiative, unpacks tax as a defining election issue, noting that even without new taxes, "fiscal drag" from inflation is quietly pushing more Kiwis into higher tax brackets and driving up government revenue as a share of GDP. He argues that post-COVID spending has outstripped pre-pandemic levels far beyond what population ageing alone explains, meaning voters must judge whether they're getting real value for that extra spend, or face either higher taxes or cuts. Dr Crampton is sceptical of taxing "the rich" alone or introducing a wealth tax, warning both often drive capital and investment offshore, and instead argues Labour's proposed capital gains tax is messier than needed given decades of existing workarounds. He instead favours raising GST paired with a low-income rebate (Canadian-style) as the least distorting way to fund government if more revenue is truly required ([www.nzinitiative.org.nz](https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz)).
 Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.Produced using AI tools under human supervision.

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.