It has been reported that the median family in New Zealand earns $67,000 per annum and has $1700 in the bank. This means that 50% of New Zealand family's finances are below this.
The 2011 Child Poverty Action Group report suggests that the bottom 50% of people owns just 5.2% of the country's net worth.
Looking at these two sets of figures, would it be possible for many, if any, of these families to have access to the $1000 suggested as the minimum to take advantage of the share offer in Mighty River Power, the first of our asset sales?
We already own these assets. Economists tell us that the dividends from the energy utilities produce equal or greater amounts than the money realised when they are sold. Further, the dividends generated are on-going, whereas the sales are a one-off. Such action would surely create a much greater disparity in wealth in our community, than that already documented.
There is much evidence that such disparity is highly undermining of both social cohesion and a healthy society for ALL its members. A more equal society is better for everyone.

Marlene Ware