How should NZ pay the earthquake costs?

8:29 AM Wednesday Mar 2, 2011

Photo / Mark Mitchell

Some of New Zealand's largest infrastructure projects - including Auckland's downtown rail loop and the Puhoi "holiday highway" project - face delay or cancellation as money and resources are diverted to Christchurch.

Giving an initial indication of the effect of last week's quake on Government's finances, Finance Minister Bill English said "there could be issues around the timing" of infrastructure plans but in general the Government remained committed to the programme.

That could delay some projects on which work has started, and mean the axe for some projects such as Auckland's downtown rail loop which the Government has not yet accepted.

How should NZ pay the earthquake costs? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

Abbs (New Zealand) | 10:42AM Wednesday, 02 Mar 2011

I think we can cope with a levy of the type Julia Gillard put in place to help with Queensland flood repairs and I don't think most of us would argue about it. The worry is, what happens when the next quake/ cyclone/ flood/ tsunami hits us? Also, what about the already struggling families who simply can't afford any sort of a reduction in income?

I think that this event illustrates very clearly just how small a country New Zealand really is and how it doesn't have the economic resources to take care of its citizens. As witness to that, look at Key holding out his begging bowl to the world.

The notion of merging with Australia as another state of that country is an emotive rather than rational issue, like nucler power, that needs to be looked at clinically so we can share their resources and become part of something larger with more clout and more world visibility.

jacko (New Zealand) | 11:55AM Wednesday, 02 Mar 2011

Whats wrong with taking the total profits from Lotto for say 5 years. At least its a more worthy cause than some of the present receipients.

Bruce (Wellington) | 12:11PM Wednesday, 02 Mar 2011

Abbs makes a valid point with regards to living in an Earthquake prone country. Increasing the EQC levy from $60 to $180 only goes so far. To recover quickly and to stock up for any future earthquake requires a radical shift of attitutes. We need to make hard and unpopular choices.

Sustainable and environmental friendly mining of our land and sea must be considered, encouraging immigration and businesses to NZ will widen the tax base, shaving back on social luxuries such as interest free loans, bailing out investors and WFF must also be up for grabs. I would not touch PAYE tax or GST. To do so will lengthen the recession and put even more out of work. We need economic recovery across the whole country