Local focus: Napier candidates talk about taxing the rich

Taxing the rich is the way to alleviate poverty, says Napier Green candidate James Crow.

“If we don’t take some from somewhere, we will never change,” he says in this Local Focus video of Napier’s candidates.

But Labor candidate Stuart Nash says raising taxes on individuals is not the way to go.

“If you tax people too much, they don’t spend money on the economy,” he says.

National candidate Katie Nimon says people are upset that there are too many taxes and that the government should invest in community groups to help those living in poverty.

“I think community organizations are the answer to poverty because you can see how well they work.”

ACT candidate Judy Kendall says a flatter tax regime would spur businesses to create more jobs.

“If you are a good worker and the company is progressing well thanks to your efforts, I’m sure nothing will stop them from increasing your salary anyway.”

On a similar issue, New Conservatives candidate Deborah Burnside said that people must be empowered to be less dependent on government.

“That’s why New Conservative has a no-tax policy on the first $ 20,000 of income.”

• John Smith is also part of the Napier electorate as an Independent.