Jacinda Ardern has taken a dig at outspoken opponents of the Tax Working Group's (TWG) capital gains tax suggestions, saying not everyone has "columns in the Herald".
Last month the Sir Michael Cullen-led group recommended sweeping changes to the tax system, headlined by an expansion of taxes on capital income, so taxes can be lowered on those who work for a salary or wage.
The Government isn't expected to reveal which of the recommendations it's going to adopt until April. The Prime Minister told Newshub Nation on Saturday they'll be listening to what the public has to say first - but hinted her mind is already mostly made up.
"April is not that far away, and this has been an issue that has been debated on and off for a number of years. We're moving as quickly as we can to give certainty."
She says there appears to be a split between the haves and have-nots.
"There is a large group of New Zealanders, particularly young New Zealanders now who actually, if their aspiration has been homeownership has just become harder and harder. There's a group of New Zealanders who don't have columns in the Herald, who might not be having a chance to have their say on this.
"We need this debate in New Zealand, because we're one of only a handful of countries in the OECD that doesn't have this form of tax."
New Zealand Herald columnists who have written negatively about the TWG's capital gains tax plan include Newstalk ZB presenter Mike Hosking, Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper and NZME head of business Fran O'Sullivan.
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Coalition partner NZ First leader Winston Peters has long been against a capital gains tax, but has softened his language in recent weeks.
"When you're presented with a new set of circumstances, then it's wise to actually consider it before confirming your former opinion," he told Magic Talk last week.
"Capital gains tax is just one of the things [recommended in the Tax Working Group's report] - there were a whole lot of other suggestions made," he said. "Given the quality of that committee... we need to consider them very seriously… "Fairness is what the New Zealand people should expect from the Government."
With support partner the Green Party already on side, Ms Ardern said it's her job to get NZ First across the line too.
"My job is consensus building."
Newshub.
