Asleep at the wheel: the KiwiSaver GST flip-flop

Asleep at the wheel: the KiwiSaver GST flip-flop
Even the adult mayfly lives longer than the ill-fated KiwiSaver GST proposal. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
Governments are generally lumbering beasts, but this one proved today it can still turn on a dime when it needs to. After a five-year gestation, the proposal to impose GST on all KiwiSaver provider fees lasted less than 24 hours once it reached the light of day. This puts it in the same league as the adult mayfly, except that the adult mayfly generally lasts a full day before expiring.At Question Time in parliament today, and in revenue minister David Parker’s press statement announcing the climb-down, we are asked to believe th...

More Opinion

Builders may make the difference for themselves
Opinion

Maria Slade: Builders may make the difference for themselves

Govt initiatives to boost housing are a triumph of politicking over practicality.

Maria Slade 06 Oct 2025
CEOs prove pay is not performance
Opinion

Eden Bradfield: CEOs prove pay is not performance

Understanding short and long-term incentives.

Eden Bradfield 04 Oct 2025
Is a change as good as a holiday?
Opinion

Bronwyn Heenan: Is a change as good as a holiday?

The Employment Leave Act will ultimately bring some much-needed simplicity.

Bronwyn Heenan 03 Oct 2025