Well done and thank you to the HCC and RSA organisers, local bands and choruses for your superb musical items, and to everyone who attended the parade and subsequent Civic Ceremony.
It was heartening that so many local schools were represented during the laying of wreaths — and to see all ages and sectors of our community remembering the fallen and honouring all who have served in the defence of our freedom.
Welcome backdown on CGT
After 18 months of costly uncertainty, the Government has finally conceded what we knew all along — a Capital Gains Tax isn't needed, isn't wanted, and would hurt our country.
Our economy has suffered while the Government had a public discussion about a policy their own coalition parties couldn't agree on, underlining their political and economic mismanagement.
Two years ago our economy was growing at 4 per cent — it's rapidly heading down to 2 per cent.
Investment slowed significantly while business owners worried and New Zealanders are worse off accordingly.
National's relentless opposition to a CGT was based on our knowledge that it would damage small businesses, hurt small investors, and stop investment in start-up businesses and research and development.
It also had the potential to take $65,000 away from the average person's KiwiSaver over their lifetime.
Labour argued that this was about making the tax system 'fairer'. But fairness isn't raiding someone's retirement fund for which they've worked hard over a lifetime. Labour can't be trusted over tax.
There's still a range of taxes on the table, including a vacant land tax, an agricultural tax and a waste tax.
We'll keep fighting for those who earn the money this Government is so keen to acquire.
