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

Wellington's blue sky boondoggle
Infrastructure

Pattrick Smellie: Wellington's blue sky boondoggle

Is the capital's airport serious, or is Infratil just trying to pump value?

Govt’s arms flailing, with little cohesive direction
Economy

Ganesh Nana: Govt’s arms flailing, with little cohesive direction

A tight-fisted Government is hobbling its own ambitions. 

It’s time for a national conversation on productivity
Economy

Cameron Bagrie: It’s time for a national conversation on productivity

Bold action needed as a further downgrade to Treasury's forecasts looks likely.