Election 2008 Dunedin North and Dunedin South candidates respond to your questions.
AS part of The Star 's Election '08 coverage we offered all candidates standing in the Dunedin South and Dunedin North electorates the opportunity to answer some written questions compiled by The Star readers and The Star and Otago Chamber of Commerce staff. Candidates' answers were limited to 100 words per question in this week's The Star and were edited where necessary. Their extended answers are shown here.
THE QUESTIONS
1. Rail What are the chances of restoring a commuter rail service between Mosgiel and Dunedin during the next electoral term, and what is your medium/long-term vision for commuter/passenger rail services through Dunedin and the South? (Brighton resident Lorraine Johnston)
2. Taxation Will your party repeal taxation on unearned capital gain on foreign income that is in Taxation (Business Taxation and Remedial Matters) Act 2007, section 11, Foreign Investment Fund Income. (John Horrocks, Mornington)
3. Crime How would you address the escalation in violent crime, including domestic violence, in this country? (Business and Professional Women's group Dunedin/The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
4. Power What energy policies would you champion and what would you do to help Dunedin in terms of its old, cold homes? (The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
5. Health What is your opinion of population-based funding and what changes, if any, would you make to the current health system? (The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
6. Stadium Do you support the proposed Awatea St stadium? (The Star/Chamber of Commerce)
THE ANSWERS
1. Rail
The Green Party is committed to improving sustainable public transport opportunities throughout the country. Rail - long-distance and commuter - is integral to this. Passenger rail services between Mosgiel and Dunedin, and Port Chalmers and Dunedin, (with a shuttle service from the rail stations)
would reduce carbon emissions and relieve pressure on roads and parking within the city. The Greens seek to expand the electrification of the rail system. Hillside workshops means further development of rail will have benefits for the city. A strong Green voice in the next government is crucial to achieve commuter rail in the south.
2. Taxation
Our policy is to have a comprehensive capital gains tax on inflation-adjusted capital gains at the time the capital gains are realised (ie a realisation-based capital gains tax). Any capital gains tax must apply to assets in NZ that are purchased and sold by people living overseas as well as assets sold or purchased by NZ residents. We support a blanket exemption for the family home from any capital gains tax when it is introduced. In addition, we support treating taxable real capital gains as income for tax rate purposes and investigate mechanisms to allow the income from capital gains to be spread over several years for New Zealand residents.
3. Crime
The Green Party rejects the triennial "lock 'em up'' electioneering of other political parties around issues of crime, instead seeking to address the root causes of violence and crime within society. This means ensuring meaningful work fairly paid; an education system that fosters dignity and respect; and creating a society where everyone has a stake and a say, and large sectors are not alienated. The Green's Justice Policy promotes victim rights through compensation and counselling paid by the offender; has a focus on crime prevention and rehabilitation; and promotes a well-funded restorative justice system.
4. Power
The Green Party has energy policies at the forefront, and believes significant steps need to be taken to protect the planet and to improve the wellbeing of our citizens. Our energy, housing and transport policies all aim to reduce reliance on carbon emitting energy, and to improve the social and physical
wellbeing of the population. The Greens have improved the Emissions Trading Scheme, including creating a $1 billion fund to make New Zealand homes warm, dry and cost-effective to heat. Greens' policy will provide matched funding for local authorities taking active measures to support social housing or low-income retrofitting programmes.
5. Health
Certainty of funding is crucial for DHBs. The Green Party promotes a strong public health system, with services accessible to all, encouraging rural mobile health services where appropriate. We would resist attempts to privatise under the guise of "choice'' or "efficiency'' .The Greens want to address the factors that contribute to ill health - poor housing, poverty, stress, feelings of powerlessness, lack of exercise, poor diet, exposure to toxins and carcinogens. Employment, education, housing and transport policy have a significant impact on health, and the combination of Green policies are those most appropriate investment for a healthy population.
6. Stadium
I do not believe it has been established that Dunedin ratepayers want or need a new stadium. It seems unclear how a new stadium will cater for the wider sporting public of Dunedin. While sport is an important part of the city, if there is a need to upgrade the premier rugby venue, Carisbrook redevelopment would be more appropriate, and have the benefit of boosting South Dunedin, while retaining the history and tradition of the "Brook''.