New Zealand is not working to its full potential and needs Government and public input to create significant growth, says one of the country's leading businessmen.
In the second of three essays from the country's "thought leaders" for the Herald's Career13 employment survey, Mainfreight group managing director Don Braid highlights shortcomings in the national mindset.
He calls for compulsory superannuation, a capital-gains tax on property (except the family home) and a longer parliamentary term.
"As a nation we need long-term policies, with investment in infrastructure and business. Under the current mandate of three years, our politicians get about a year to implement anything worthwhile in between taking on the mantle of Government and getting research and plans in place for the first year, followed by battening down during the third year to avoid criticism that would impact on re-election."
Mr Braid says the Government and public fail to understand what his company's overseas earnings mean.