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Leader's LetterMarch 2004
The Social Problems We FaceWE SEEM TO have more than our fair share of social problems in New Zealand. Even when we know what causes them we continue blindly along the same path. Gambling:We have a problem throughout the country with gambling. It has long been a serious problem in New Zealand and there is now a suggestion of banning new pokies. If there is a loss of $91 million by people in Manukau alone as presently claimed, why have these machines been introduced? The main reason appears to be the tax take and the inability to manage the country’s financial situation. How can any government make money on the misery of the people? The Dollars:We have a population of about four million. Our Gross Domestic Product is $112 billion dollars. Divide that by our population and we have a figure of about $28,000. Compare this to Ireland which has the same population but a GDP of $200 billion and we arrive at a figure of $50,000. Singapore has the same population but a GDP of $300 billion which means $75,000 per person. The difference is that Ireland and Singapore create growth and wealth, just like any business when the profit is ploughed back into it. Where is our growth? Where is the reinvestment back into the country that will provide the social services that New Zealand needs? We believe that our superannuation should be invested within our shores and that superannuitants must have their own private accounts. Some of this investment is at present struggling to show a return. The Government cannot introduce a “Job Jolt” policy when there has been no local input into the economy to create work. Unfortunately there will be a jolt - but no job! Family Values:Already we are feeling the shocks of the Prostitution Reform Bill. Now same sex marriage legislation is coming before the House and this should sound a warning that this threat to family values is coming to the fore. Those who voted for a government that promotes these issues will be held accountable for the destruction of society’s fabric. These issues will have a far greater effect on society than the promoters of this legislation can imagine. I implore all MPs to make good and informed decisions. NZ First opposed legalising prostitution because we believe it denigrates women and creates a form of slavery. It is disturbing to hear that young people, barely teenagers, are now selling their bodies on the streets of Christchurch. We warned that this would happen, just as we warned against lowering the drinking age to 18. At the weekend, city streets are littered with drunken teens and even primary school children. Even worse is the growing problem of methamphetamine being peddled to our children. The Government must give the police the resources to wage all out war against this scourge. New Zealand cannot afford to let these problems continue. The future of our nation is at stake. Bill Gudgeon MP
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