Billykor

As a woman in politics who gets my fair share of online flak let me take a minute to address the Chlöe Swarbrick question. Why is National talking about her in this election campaign? The answer is simple: the Greens could play a powerful role in the next government and so their plans deserve serious scrutiny, because if they happen, Kiwis up and down the country will be worse off. On current polling, Labour has less than 30% of the vote and the Greens have over 15%. That means, if Labour wins, the Greens would have huge leverage in coalition negotiations. In other words, Labour cannot form a government without giving the Greens what they want, and Chlöe Swarbrick has made it very clear what their bottom line is: Finance Minister. Just this morning, when asked whether she wanted the role, she said “of course I do”. Chlöe Swarbrick has also been clear about what she would do in that role, and it spells trouble for New Zealand. The Greens want to impose significant new taxes on almost every aspect of the New Zealand economy. The Greens have published detailed plans for a range of new taxes - on assets, on inheritance, on incomes, businesses and more: nine new taxes in total. The Greens’ own policy manifesto says they will "structurally increase the tax base". Why does that matter to you? More taxes on hard-working people means less money in their pockets to spend on their families and their future. More taxes on businesses means fewer jobs and lower wages. More taxes would derail New Zealand's economic prospects: it would choke off investment, growth, business expansion and job creation right when the economy is recovering. The Greens also want to increase New Zealand's debt significantly - their fiscal plan sets out in black and white a plan for $26 billion in extra borrowing over the next few years. Why does that matter? Higher government borrowing pushes up interest rates for every Kiwi who takes out a mortgage or borrows from the bank. It puts pressure on inflation (and the price you pay for everything) and it leaves future generations with a painful bill to pay. I know many Kiwis are over the election campaign - you may be one of them. But this is serious stuff and it really matters for the future of our country, so National makes no apologies for giving Kiwis the information they need to make an informed decision. National has the long-term economic plan that New Zealand needs. A plan to manage the economy responsibly, bring down debt, create jobs and better wages, make sure there are no new taxes saddled on Kiwis, and invest in infrastructure and health services. I encourage you to read all about that plan at the link in my replies. New Zealand had a brush with a big-borrowing and big taxing government just three years ago under Labour. Inflation soared, debt exploded and it left massive scars in our economy. Kiwis are still feeling those scars today. National has worked hard over these past three years to repair the damage - but we need another term to see the plan through. The alternative is a return to a big-borrowing, big-taxing Labour-Green government that would derail the economy and the outlook for your job and livelihood. That's why Chlöe Swarbrick’s views matter: it's about you, your future and your vote. Your vote matters because it will decide our country's future. Stick with the plan and Party Vote National.