Last Updated: Nov 19th, 2009 - 11:07:39 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 9 December 2005 Thought for the Day I am reliably informed that the Labour Caucus consists of 28 unionists and 23 teachers out of 50 members. After 6 years of increasing taxes, more regulation and a burgeoning bureaucracy the economy is starting to falter. It takes business and entrepreneurs to generate wealth and modern economists to set the scene. How on earth did we come to elect a government of teachers and unionists? Dec 8, 2005, 12:56 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 9 December 2005 China's Benign Neglect Pays Off China has been a cohesive civilisation for thousands of years. They are now entering the modern world economy with amazing results. What they do will greatly affect our economy (and everyone else's) for decades to come. It therefore behoves us to learn a little about the history of China in the hope that greater understanding will lead to a philosophy and strategies for greater economic growth in New Zealand. Dec 1, 2005, 11:05 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 9 December 2005 Economic Success and How to Get More of It I have recently written to the leaders of our government parties asking for information about the legislation that they are working on that will generate a higher a higher growth rate for our economy. Peter Dunne has responded saying he has two initiatives underway - "a review of the current business taxation regime" and "an independent cost-benefit analysis of the proposed carbon tax." So far, so good. Every journey begins with the first step - however small! Winston's private secretary replied briefly saying not very much and Helen's reply must be still in the mail. I have also written to the opposition (but not Winston again) asking if they know of any legislation proposed for this year that will get us back on the growth track. Don's office have acknowledged receipt of the letter but that is all. Australian's are still working at revving up their economy. Our current legislation will slow ours down. The gap grows ever wider and the call to our young people grows ever louder. Let us hope that our rich grandchildren in Australia keep on sending some money back home to us oldies. Just like Mexicans in America do. Or Filopinas in Japan do. Or Central Europeans in London do. Roger gives a nicely balanced story which was printed in Dunedin but I didn't see it in the DomPost. Have a read. Nov 28, 2005, 10:42 Newsletters : 2005 Newsletters : 9 December 2005 Taxing Times: Tax, Competition and Regulation Do you want to know what "New Europe" thinks about "Old Europe"? This is a straight from the shoulder opinion from one who is living there discussing tax competition and reform. Nation states are in competition for us workers! And about time too. Will Helen and Michael wake up to the threat from Australia while they still have time to do something about it. Or will we see our growth rate reduce dramatically next year and our economy head off for the "long drop"? We are currently at number 38 in the World Wide Wealth list. DOWN from 37 in 2000 and growth has been good for the last few years. Unfortunately for us, other countries are striving for economic success too. If politicians don't get the economic environment right the better citizens will just look elsewhere. People follow incentives. It is just that simple. Oct 31, 2005, 12:38