81 Comments
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Alfred E's avatar

Those who have been hoping for a CGT and wealth tax have expressed disappointment. But I totally agree with you Nick. I think Labour have got it about right. This policy will be palatable to most and we want this arrogant, nasty, uncaring government to be voted out. Thanks for your intelligent, informed and realistic analysis.

Nick Rockel's avatar

You've got to win an election, and a wider policy risks losing some in the centre. Once people realise that the sky hasn't fallen, then you can expand things, and as Mr Luxon knows, you never know what might result from coalition negotiations.

Gavin Scoble's avatar

I agree it's a start Nick. I also look forward to what I hope will be serious coalition talks between Labour, the Greens and TPM late next year. I hope the GP and TPM will be able to turn Labour left out of the middle of the road.

Anne L's avatar

It is fair to say that TPM will have to get their act together first. They can't afford dissenters within their party. Not because it is something unusual because it isn't. But they have to be more careful than the other parties because a significant section of the media will use it to beat them with. Their leaders understand the problem. Some of their supporters don't.

Keith Simes's avatar

A small but sound beginning. There is room for another party to insist on, for example, a wealth tax in the upcoming coalition discussions…. How about a cage fight between Bead and Nicky?

Leonie's avatar

There is likely more to come???

Rachel Merritt's avatar

The 3 free GP visits is a Preventative Medicine attitude, treat in the community means less hospital admissions. The only way to go.

Nick Rockel's avatar

Also, less pressure on Emergency Departments as people can afford to see a Doctor and not wait until the issue is acute.

Bea's avatar

I believe we will still need more GPS who will be attracted through other policies maybe?

Pauline Arnold's avatar

Yes definitely more GPs & nurses & doctors.

Cindy's avatar

👍💯 The need for more GPs was mentioned, but also other support strategies that reduce the need to see a GP... This is obviously part of an integrated policy rollout, so more "health" to come?

Darien Fenton's avatar

I agree Nick. This policy links the dreaded CGT to social policy, ie free doctors visits. I like it a lot. Of course there are a lot of naysayers, not only the CoC. Some on the Left also, who are wailing that it's not a wealth tax or doesn't go far enough. For the hundredth time, I find myself reminding people that this is ONE policy, We are still a year away from a general election. Expect some more announcements on policy at the Labour Party Conference at the end of November. LP Manifesto doesn't come out until February. Meanwhile, Policy Council, including people like Craig Renney are working away and members are busy getting ready for debates at conference. There are policy discussions happening between now and then if you are a member.

Cindy's avatar

💯 People are both a) impatient and b) short on memory of previous elections when policies are usually released much closer to election time. 🤷 Perhaps CGT is early to get the "shock! horror! disaster!" headlines out of the way ❓

Jeremy Coleman's avatar

It will be very interesting to see what the CoC comes back with, if anything. Looking forward to what they’ve got, or think they do. No doubt Luxo will leave it to his lackeys to sort out and bugger off to somewhere warm.

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Comment deleted
Oct 29, 2025
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Jeremy Coleman's avatar

Thankfully the scare-mongering isn’t gaining much traction. How convenient that Luxo decided that dinner with his idol Don was more important, so had to be away….again. Maybe Donald could take him home with him when he goes back to his new bunker?

Shell's avatar

I think it's perfect...the "noise" in the media will still be low on facts, high on panic, but maybe (fingers crossed) most people will realise it's a damn good first step.

Ken Emmens's avatar

When I first read that a CGT will fund free visits to the doctor I thought "Oh no, Labour have opened the floodgates for many to abusive the system, going to the doctor every few days for the most minor of issues, like stubbed toes and so on." Instead the policy is limited to 3 free visits a year which is sensible. What I would like to see though is, by means of a smart Medicard, the ability to transfer unused visits to other people or groups, those with much higher health needs who do genuinely need frequent visits to the doctor but lack the means to pay.

Jo's avatar

What a beautiful idea. I would totally support that 😀

Jeremy Coleman's avatar

Ditto Jo. Kindness and compassion for others, somehow forgotten by the Conspiracy of Cheapskates. A great idea Ken👍

Lorraine's avatar

I'd like to see wealthy people not using the card just because they are entitled to.

Leonie's avatar

Leaves room for incentivising self care.

Ken Emmens's avatar

*abuse the system. not abusive!

Jeremy Coleman's avatar

I wouldn’t worry too much Ken. 30 others didn’t notice.🙂

Ken Emmens's avatar

Haha, took me a few hours to notice. 😂

Jeremy Coleman's avatar

I’ve been waiting all day to see if anyone reminded Nick that today is actually Tuesday but nobody did so I won’t bother😀

Janet Peters's avatar

Thanks Nick. I like this policy!

Patricia Flinn's avatar

Ita a good start.

Gloria Sharp's avatar

I am so very pleased that Chris has put this policy in. Would have been very upset without one.

Helen Fisher's avatar

I like the CGT-lite but would also be in favour of a stamp duty on all house sales with a one time exemption for first home buyers. We watch housing programmes from overseas and everybody knows they have to allow a bit extra for the stamp duty and it simply becomes part of buying a house. Even at a minimal1% that only means $10,000 duty on a million dollar house but given we sell 77,000+ houses a year it soon adds up!

Pauline Arnold's avatar

Not a fan of stamp duty that was in years ago by the time you've paid real estate fees lawyers fees moving costs it's a big chunk of money if your moving to another property.

Mac Stevenson's avatar

Great to see this policy Nick and well done to those who come across as adults, Chippy and Barbara, who will be so good for the country.

John Farrell's avatar

Make it retrospective to October 2023...

MsP's avatar

Would be so great to make Luxon pay.

Lorraine's avatar

Best on for him selling most of his rental houses before 2027?

Maggie Hillock's avatar

About bloody time.

Vicky Fletcher's avatar

What cleverness this is and a stirring of hope at last about the next election with the calibre of the people working in the Party .... "fortune favours the brave"

MsP's avatar

Very much so. They need to be brave now for all of us

Clare Sheehan's avatar

Oh gawd..a ‘debate’ between brad and nickynoboats

No thanks

Nick Rockel's avatar

Brad, from the flat, was at least honest about what was known and what wasn't. Willis attacks, no matter what, so her views are irrelevant.

Gavin Scoble's avatar

Willis has only one setting for sure. I don't listen to her or Luxon any more. You can predict what they are going to say and they add no value to my life.

Stephen D's avatar

Once a CGT is established, it can be extended, amended, improved. That is what I suspect will happen. Over time expect other capital gains, e.g shares to be included.

Nick Rockel's avatar

Oops, I got the day wrong with Labour Day and this was of course Tuesday rather than Monday.

Anne L's avatar

Oh dear Nick you are entering "senior" territory. As one senior to an approaching senior, wait til you have to check the day of the week on a daily basis. (wink)