Does David Parker have a cunning plan?

Does David Parker have a cunning plan?
Full of ideas: David Parker is one of the cabinet's deepest thinkers. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
Asked for the umpteenth time on Monday to clarify her position on capital gains and wealth taxes, prime minister Jacinda Ardern expressed some professionally modulated exasperation.There had been a lot of “mischief making” going on about possible Labour tax policies ever since revenue minister David Parker’s out-of-the-blue speech on tax principles last week.Inevitably, some of the mischief has been of her own and Parker’s making.One of the eternal games of politics is trying to translate a politician’s choice of w...

More Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025
Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025