John Key’s tax increase (15% GST) = tax cut? – yeah right.

www.nbr.co.nz/article/union-not-celebrating-tax-reforms-130860
John Key’s tax increase (15% GST) = tax cut? – yeah right.

FACTS:

It was the ‘Rogernomic$’ Labour Government that first introduced the Goods and Services Tax 1985. The GST rate was 10%.

It was the ‘Rogernomic$’ Labour Government that raised GST to 12.5% in 1989.

It is the ‘Rogernomic$’ National Government that has raised GST to 15% in 2010.

This National Government under John Key’s leadership, has broken another National Party pre-election promise – this time on tax reform.

www.national.org.nz/files/2008/ECONOMY/Tax_Policy_Paper.pdf

(Increasing GST to 15% was nowhere to be seen.)

“Our tax policy is therefore one of responsible reform.

People want to know that valued public services will be protected and that effort will be rewarded. Business wants to know that competitiveness will be maintained and that consumer confidence will be supported.

In the short term, National’s tax package will give households confidence and some cash in their back pockets to keep the economy going and to pay down debt.

In the longer term, our tax package encourages people to invest in their own skills and make best use of their abilities, because they get to keep more of any higher wages they earn. It encourages them to look for and to take up better and higher-paying jobs that make more use of their skills.”

How is taking cash out of the back pockets of those who can least afford it, while giving tax cuts to the wealthy – ‘responsible reform’ John Key?

That’s why I’ll be joining those protesting against this GST increase in Auckland today, at 2pm outside JB Hi Fi , 7 Wagener Place, opposite St Lukes shopping centre.

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/place?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-…

I’ll be bringing my ‘Tui billboard banner’.

“TAX INCREASE (15% GST) = TAX CUT? – Yeah right.

I protested against the ‘Rogernomic$’ Labour Government’s dropping income tax rates for the rich, and introduction of GST back in 1985.

Twenty-five years later – I’m protesting against this ‘Rogernomic$’ National Government’s dropping income tax rates for the rich, and increasing the GST rate from 12.5% to 15% in 2010.

Isn’t it high time for a review of ‘Rogernomic$’?
To check the FACTS against the mantra?

Who has benefitted?
Where have our public monies and public resources gone?

During this Auckland Mayoral campaign – I have yet to meet one ratepayer whose rates have gone DOWN since the ‘Rogernomic$’ local government ‘business model’ reforms wrecked Auckland, and made it ‘dysfunctional’.

Seems that what is good for big business and the very wealthy isn’t good for the public majority.

I think it’s high time we ‘rolled back Rogernomic$’.
Enough of this ‘war on the poor’!

Penny Bright
Media Spokesperson
Water Pressure Group
Judicially-recognised Public Watchdog on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters.
“Anti-corruption campaigner”

AUCKLAND MAYORAL CANDIDATE

‘Public Watchdog – not corporate lapdog’

www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

Organisational ‘Flow Chart’ PROVES the corporate structure for the $UPERCITY cannot serve the public or the public interest! Don’t be CONNED by other Mayoral candidates!

29 September 2010

PRESS RELEASE BY AUCKLAND MAYORAL CANDIDATE, ‘PUBLIC WATCHDOG’ PENNY BRIGHT:

Don’t be CONNED by other Mayoral candidates!

The ‘Organisational Flow Chart’ PROVES the corporate structure for the $UPERCITY cannot serve the public or the public interest!

The underpinning $UPERCITY legislation has set up the corporate structure for the Auckland region to be run ‘like a business, by business – for business’.

The Auckland $UPERCITY ‘organisational flow chart’ visually shows in a way that words cannot describe, how this corporate structure will work.

This Auckland $UPERCITY ‘organisational flow chart’ proves how empty are the words of those Mayoral candidates who are effectively promising that this corporate structure can be made to serve the public and the public interest.

It cannot.

See for yourself.

part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H06yECiAsNM
part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhbrahaGi0Y

(This ‘$UPERCITY ‘organisational flow chart’ was filmed on Thursday 27 May 2010, after I addressed a meeting of the Rodney District Council.)

It doesn’t matter how ‘well-meaning’, personable or approachable the other Mayoral candidates are – the key question is – are they opposed to the $UPERCITY and the mechanism for this corporate takeover – the unelected, unproven Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) model into which 75% of Auckland regional rates are to be paid?

75% of YOUR rates will be controlled by appointed businesspeople that YOU never elected, who will be running 7 CCOs you never voted for, under the $UPERCITY corporate structure for which YOUR lawful democratic right to a binding poll (Local Government Act 2002, s24’Reorganisation Proposal’ Schedule 3, s 49 ‘Poll must be held’) – was railroaded over in another ‘Rogernomic$ blitzkreig’

The fact is that none of the ‘leading’ Mayoral candidates is opposed to the CCO model, although CCOs have never been subject to any ‘cost benefit analysis’ which proves their ‘cost-effectiveness’ for the public majority.

We are talking about up to $28 billion worth of public assets being placed under this ‘commercialised’ /’business’ CCO model.

Where is the ‘due diligence’? ‘Prudent stewardship’? Fiscal responsibility’?

How come a ‘cost-benefit analysis’ on the cost-effectiveness of the CCO model for the public majority has never been carried out by:

The Royal Commission on Auckland regional governance.
The Office of the Auditor-General.
The Department of Internal Affairs.
The Auckland Transition Agency.
None of the 8 Councils in the Auckland region.
The NZ Treasury.

This underpinnng Auckland $UPERCITY legislation must be repealed.

Look how billion$ of public assets owned at central government level were stolen off us under ‘Rogernomic$ Mark I’!

The 1984 – 1987 Labour Government got away with ‘Rogernomic$ Mark I’ partly because of the lid that was put on the fightback by Labour Party trade unionists who said ‘ we can’t embarrass a Labour Government’.

This time, unfortunately, some union leaders are seeing these elections as a battle between ‘left’ and ‘right’ – when it is between the public and corporates, and those who serve their interests.

Why working people or their Unions would support a corporate takeover, by supporting those candidates who are not opposed to this corporate takeover is difficult to grasp.

It is time to think politically ‘outside the square’, organise and take action which has never been done before – or there will be nothing left for the kids.

The first step is to give the Government which railroaded through this Auckland $UPERCITY legislation a message that they CANNOT ignore!

If all those who are opposed to the Auckland $UPERCITY vote for the only candidate with the proven track record as a fighter defending the public and the public interest – vote Public Watchdog Penny Bright for Mayor – it will be a landslide.

Opposed to the $UPERCITY?

Support the principle that – “It is the will of the people that is the basis of the authority of Government’?
Support the principle that there should be “No taxation without representation”?

One tick!
One box!
Vote Penny Bright for Mayor

Penny Bright
Media Spokesperson
Water Pressure Group
Judicially recognised ‘Public Watchdog’ on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters.
“Anti-corruption campaigner”

AUCKLAND MAYORAL CANDIDATE.

PUBLIC WATCHDOG – NOT CORPORATE LAPDOG.

www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

www.stopthesupercity.org.nz

www.stopprivatisation.org.nz

waterpressure@gmail.com

Open Letter to the Chair of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce John Lindsay – Why was Auckland Mayoral candidate Penny Bright excluded from the ‘Meet the candidates breakfast meeting 9 September 2010?

30 September 2010

OPEN LETTER TO CHAIRMAN OF THE AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – JOHN LINDSAY

Complaint by Auckland Mayoral candidate Penny Bright to the Human Rights Commission:

RE: Being denied access to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce ‘Meet the Candidates’ breakfast meeting held on Thursday 9 September 2010 at the Heritage Hotel.

Dear John,

I have received a written response from the Human Rights Commission, regarding my complaint.

I was advised to write to the Chairman of the Chamber, John Lindsay, about my concerns, which, as summarised by the Human Rights Commission senior staff member handling this complaint, are as follows:

“To summarise, you wished to speak at a

“Meet the (Mayoral) Candidates” 9 September 2010 breakfast meeting arranged by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”).

You complained that only three Super City mayoral candidates, Len Brown, John Banks and Andrew Williams were invited to speak at the breakfast.

You stated that you asked the Events Manager Rebecca Seymour-East if you could speak. You said she advised you that it was too late for you to be a speaker but you could register and pay to attend the breakfast.

You informed the Commission that you followed the process but were denied access to the breakfast.

The Commission acknowledges your statement that you felt angry and humiliated.

You claimed that Rebecca Seymour-East has refused to give you any reasons as to why you were denied entry.”

_______________________________________________________________________________

Evidence that I followed the process as outlined by Auckland Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Rebecca Seymour-East, follows:

to events@chamber.co.nz,
waterpressure@gmail.com
date Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 12:47 AM
subject Confirmation of attendance at the ‘meet the mayoral candidates’ event Thursday 9 September 2010
mailed-by gmail.com

9 September 2010

As per my telephone discussion yesterday with Rebecca – I am confirming my attendance at your ‘meet the mayoral candidates’ event Thursday 9 September 2010.

Kind regards

Penny Bright

Auckland Mayoral Candidate

Ph (09) 846 9825
021 211 4 127
____________________________________________

FURTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE HRC:

I am advised by the Human Rights Commission:

“To advance the first element of your complaint of unlawful discrimination you would need to show that the group of mayoral candidates that was not invited to speak at the breakfast shared a common factor covered by the prohibited grounds of the HRA.”

EVIDENCE THAT THIS AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ‘MEET THE (MAYORAL) CANDIDATES BREAKFAST MEETING WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

www.eventfinder.co.nz/2010/sep/auckland-cbd/meet-the-candidates-aucklands-super-city

When:
Thu 9 Sep, 7:30am–9:15am
Where: Heritage Hotel & Conference Centre, 35 Hobson St, Auckland CBD Show map
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:

* Chamber members (excl GST): $50.00
* Non-members (excl GST): $65.00
* Table of 10: Chamber members (excl GST): $500.00
* Table of 10: Non-members (excl GST): $650.00
* Buy Tickets – 09 309 6100
* Booking fees may apply

Website:

* Auckland Chamber of Commerce

Have your say about this super city. Nominations for the first ever Auckland Super City Mayor have officially closed and now it’s up to you to decide who gets the job. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce invites you to hear from three of the most prominent candidates at a special informative breakfast.

Len Brown, John Banks and Andrew Williams will square off and promote their policies for a greater Auckland as the city’s history is written before your eyes. There will be a two-course plated breakfast, not to mention plenty of food for thought.

If you are interested, undecided, or have a strong opinion of your own, this is your opportunity to get involved. The first Auckland Super City elections will be remembered in years to come, so join us at this eventful breakfast and be part of Auckland’s history. Register now to avoid disappointment.

To register for this event please email events@chamber.co.nz.

This event will be held in the Grand Tearoom at the Heritage Hotel.
Event author’ avatar
Event listed by Chamber of Commerce
_____________________________________________

(My underlining).
______________________________________________

A) Please provide me with a copy of the invitation from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to Auckland Mayoral candidates, requesting that they address the ‘Meet the (Mayoral) Candidates” 9 September 2010 breakfast meeting.

B) Please advise me on what lawful grounds I was excluded from attending the ‘Meet the (Mayoral) Candidates” 9 September 2010 breakfast meeting, when:

1) This breakfast meeting was publicly advertised as being open to ‘non-members’, the cost of the ticket being (excl GST): $65.00), and ‘all ages’.

2) I had ‘registered’ my interest in attending, by email, as advised by Auckland Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Rebecca Seymour-East.

3) I arrived at the event, with cash to pay for my ticket, but was excluded by Auckland Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Rebecca Seymour-East, although I had followed exactly the process she had outlined the previous day.

C) Please explain how such behaviour by staff employed by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce:

‘assist(s), promote(s) and advance(s) the interest of the commercial community participating in commerce and industry especially in the region of Auckland and generally throughout New Zealand’,

(as per Rule 2.1.3. of the THE AUCKLAND REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (INCORPORATED)

www.chamber.co.nz/Chamber/files/83/8399e468-a2e2-44e5-ad4a-c833715ee9a7.pdf

D) Please provide a copy of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce ‘Register of Interests’, where ‘senior management’ list their ‘pecuniary’ and ‘non-pecuniary’ interests, including membership of political parties.

Yours sincerely,

Penny Bright
Judicially recognised ‘Public Watchdog’ on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters.
“Anti-corruption campaigner”

AUCKLAND MAYORAL CANDIDATE

www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

https://waterpressure.wordpress.com

Ph (09) 846 9825

021 211 4 127

_____________________________________________

BACKGROUND LETTER – WIDELY DISTRIBUTED:
_____________________________________________

‘Open Letter

10 September 2010

Complaint filed with the Human Rights Commission after Auckland Chamber of Commerce denies Mayoral candidate Penny Bright access to ‘Meet the Candidates’ breakfast meeting, Thursday 9 September at the Heritage Hotel.
_____________________________________________________

“I’m sure there would have been some honest and decent businesspeople who would have been VERY interested in what I had to say, had the Auckland Chamber of Commerce not denied me entry,” says Auckland Mayoral Candidate Penny Bright.

The only Mayoral candidates invited to speak were the current Mayors – John Banks, Len Brown and Andrew Williams.

Ms Bright, ‘judicially-recognised ‘Public Watchdog’ on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters, was not invited to attend as either a Mayoral candidate or as a member of the audience, despite her proven track record in fighting for ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local government.

Notification of this event, was emailed to Ms Bright from a friend.

“I was advised by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce Events Manager, that it was too late for me to be a ‘speaker’, and if I wished to attend, I would need to pay the same ‘non-member’ registration fee, as everyone else.

So – I followed the ‘process’ as I had been so advised, by Auckland Chamber of Commerce Events Manager, emailed to express my interest in attending, and arrived at 7.30am, 9 September 2010, with enough cash to cover the non-member $65 (+ GST) entrance fee.

(My intention was to use the opportunity to mix and mingle – (‘network’), as I have done on other occasions where, as a Mayoral candidate, I have not been given a formal opportunity to address the gathering.)

The same above-mentioned ‘Events Manager’ denied me entry – no reasons given – despite my having done exactly what she had asked of me.

How such woefully ignorant and discriminatory behaviour, by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce:

‘assist(s), promote(s) and advance(s) the interest of the commercial community participating in commerce and industry especially in the region of Auckland and generally throughout New Zealand’,

(as per Rule 2.1.3. of the THE AUCKLAND REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (INCORPORATED)

Click to access 8399e468-a2e2-44e5-ad4a-c833715ee9a7.pdf

– is quite beyond me.

Perhaps the Directors of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce need to ensure that the good judgment of key employees in such matters is not impaired by their membership of partisan political organisations standing in these Auckland Council elections?

I have filed a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission.

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce have picked on the wrong woman!” concluded Ms Bright.

Penny Bright
Judicially recognised ‘Public Watchdog’ on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters.
“Anti-corruption campaigner”

AUCKLAND MAYORAL CANDIDATE

http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz

https://waterpressure.wordpress.com

Ph (09) 846 9825

021 211 4 127