Post ATYRyRd3kjGfxBbMDQ by BigD@mastodon.nz
(DIR) More posts by BigD@mastodon.nz
(DIR) Post #ATYP8lHrDgTLxHucym by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-12T22:55:31Z
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I think there's a consensus now in Aotearoa that much of our infrastructure is not up to 21st century standards, which leads us to one of two possible conclusions;1) our country is no longer wealthy enough to maintain a modern society, and rotting infrastructure is a new normal we all have to get used to.OR2) our situation is the outcome of 4 decades of neoliberal governments, and proof that 'leave it to the market' policy is no way to maintain critical infrastructure.#infrastructure
(DIR) Post #ATYPdf2AWCNPXTJ9X6 by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-12T23:01:07Z
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I tend towards option 2. All the most inadequate infrastructure, either in core systems, or public accessibility, of both, is in areas that have been partially or completely commercialized. The intercity train, bus, and ferry network is a classic example, as is the total failure of drainage, telecomms and power networks in the areas affected by Gabrielle. It's clear to me we need some kind of non-commercial *and* non-partisan systems for long term infrastructure planning.
(DIR) Post #ATYQPOYP5tLcKK9B5c by eythian@teh.entar.net
2023-03-12T23:09:43Z
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@strypey At a very surface level, I feel that 2 causes 1. But at the same time, I think extremely out there events are not the best situation to judge a place or situation.
(DIR) Post #ATYRyRd3kjGfxBbMDQ by BigD@mastodon.nz
2023-03-12T23:27:12Z
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@strypey Two things I seeOur tax take is too dependant on consumerism (GST) Our population is low. And deminishing. And ageing. Latest projection of school rolls predict substantial negative enrollment in ten years time.Low fertility rates lead to low natural increase and high immigration dependancy.So, who pays for major improvement to infrastructure?
(DIR) Post #ATYY5SVRUOryQTlaK0 by dn@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-13T00:35:40Z
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@strypey No doubt about 2.A friend was telling me about the amount he paid for his place, decades ago, and what he reckons it is worth now. Was nonplussed when I asked him what he did to 'deserve' such a massive 'profit'?Thus, advice to local government: if you've been under-investing in infra-structure, you've been under-charging Rates - demand a 'targeted rate' of all the folk who have enjoyed our city all this time, but NOT paid THEIR share...
(DIR) Post #ATYnujJIGpcYckzRSK by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-13T03:33:06Z
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@eythian> extremely out there events are not the best situation to judge a place or situationNot in isolation, agreed. But as part of a larger trend, it's a valid set of data points. As is the decline of water systems around the country, and the fact that Ĺtautahi is still being rebuilt. The state of the railways. There are many examples
(DIR) Post #ATYo74WBFJTjsFu2Fc by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-13T03:35:20Z
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@eythian> At a very surface level, I feel that 2 causes 1I agree that on a long enough timescale the two options collapse into one, but are we there yet? A neoliberal might still argue our poverty can be blamed on the UK joining the Common Market.
(DIR) Post #ATYrQ3atCni8NAqkXg by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-13T04:12:20Z
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@BigD> Our tax take is too dependant on consumerism (GST) Agreed. The wealthy accumulate billions in untaxed capital gains, while working people pay tax on both our income and our spending.> So, who pays for major improvement to infrastructure?The wealthy, who get such a disproportionate benefit from it, subsidized by the rest of us. Unless we wildly undertax most some of their income and fail to tax most of it at all...
(DIR) Post #ATYzWd5OxVFZovlaYS by BigD@mastodon.nz
2023-03-13T05:43:12Z
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@strypey I can anticipate a CGT being introduced within the term of the next Labour Govt.The can has had enough kicks.The stakes are getting higher by the day to fund essential improvement in many of the basic needs in this country, as a whole.There is accumulated wealth that isn't being taxed, ie capital gain.The cry certainly will be loud.
(DIR) Post #ATaRAr5LDoQwk26VJw by strypey@mastodon.nzoss.nz
2023-03-13T22:27:43Z
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@BigD> I can anticipate a CGT being introduced within the term of the next Labour GovtJacinda ruled it out, but now she's gone, the pressure will be on Hipkins to rule it out too. The onus is on those of us who support it to make a louder noise than the lobbyists for the wealthy, so it's clear it's a vote winner, no a govt killer.