The government's intention to create a tax system that is certain and easy to comply with is a move in the right direction, says Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Max Mason.
Commenting on Tuesday's policy speech by Prime Minister John Key, Max says the announced intention to reduce taxes across the board and collect more through a rise in GST will give New Zealanders more choice.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Max Mason.

'Aligning the top rate of tax across all areas will help achieve the government's aim of a tax system that is fair but also harder to avoid,” says Max.
'The Prime Minister's acute awareness that New Zealand's wealth is ultimately generated by the private sector – small firms, big companies and sole traders – is welcome realism and a fresh signal that will undoubtedly help boost business confidence to bring about the step change in the NZ economy this government is seeking to achieve.”
Business will also be greatly encouraged by government's focus on trade, science and innovation – an attempt to shift the focus from consumption to saving and unlocking New Zealand's natural resources, says Max.
The proof of success from the Prime Minister's statement will be in the detail in the budget and the commitment from government to deliver, says Max.