The steadily widening gap between wages and the cost of living, the financial state of the country and law and order weigh heavily on the minds of Kiwi voters of Indian origin as they ponder which party to give their valuable tick to next Saturday.
Indian Weekender canvassed a cross section of Kiwis of Indian extraction for their opinions on the factors that concern them most and which party they think had the best policies to address them.
For almost all of the Kiwi Indians contacted, the inability of the country’s politicians to come up with policies that create economic growth, more jobs and better wages was one of the biggest concerns, especially in the worsening global economic conditions.
Among other concerns were fears of growing international debt that could send New Zealand down the road that Greece, Italy and some other European nations find themselves on.
The flight of young, trained and skilled talent to Australia while not properly assessing the skills that migrants already possess but are not permitted to practice because of unrecognised qualifications were other concerns expressed.
“Cost of living versus wages is the biggest concern,” says Auckland based chemical engineer Sudhakar Prabhu.
He agrees with economists who have been saying for many years that New Zealand needs planned population growth to make its economy viable and growth oriented. “Population growth is needed to provide sustained growth,” he says.
Alton Shameem, JP, who describes himself as a “New Zealander-Fijian” is a prominent certified public accountant and community leader based on Auckland’s North Shore. According to him, the country needs to have “Prudent, efficient, responsible, common sense and effective management of our macro and micro economies so that the fruits of the economy flows to all levels of society and much needed jobs are created.”
For former New Zealand Indian Central Association President and Wellington resident Ratilal Champaneri, “The cost of living, law and order, the economy, hospitals/education and the rebuild of Christchurch” are the biggest priorities.
The cost of living coupled with lack of jobs and enough opportunities to earn more whether in employment or business is what is driving Kiwis out of the country, according to Auckland based management consultant Arun Rao. “We are also far behind comparable countries in IT, telecommunication and broadband network in terms of both capacities and affordability, not to speak of infrastructure,” he says.
‘Indian MP’s have failed to influence policy’
Mr Prabhu believes that there is enough talent in New Zealand especially among the vast migrant communities that the government has no mechanism to tap. They are neglected either because their qualifications are not recognized or because they have no experience in those jobs in this country.
“There is a vast resource of talented and skilled people mainly among immigrants who are not utilised well. Most of these persons are working several levels below what they can deliver. I’ve met many taxi drivers who were bankers, chemists, etc. but are now doing menial work. All of these people are polyglots and educated. They can be used to the advantage of industry.”
This is where community leaders, particularly Members of Parliament of Indian origin have failed badly, say the respondents. “They have not done enough to make a difference in the corridors of power to help the migrant cause at least in terms of recognition of their qualifications and experience in their home countries,” says Mr Prabhu.
Entrepreneurship needs to be promoted
“The government needs to promote entrepreneurship at all levels of society as the wealth of the nation is created by entrepreneurs and business people in conjunction with the workers. They can be self employed, small, medium or large enterprises,” says Mr Shameem, who is the founder, leader, chairman and president of numerous community, professional and business organisations including the New Zealand Association of Certified Public Accountants (NZACPA).
Lifting productivity and creating jobs and encouraging innovation, which new Zealand has been known for is what needs the most attention from the new government, says Mr Champaneri.
Mr Rao believes New Zealand needs to grow out of the milk, meat and agriculture mindset. “We’ll have to develop a long term strategy to encourage and support industries – starting with education, R&D subsidies and management support. On shorter terms, we can look to exploiting our natural resources like coal, oil, minerals, etc.”
Sunita Patel, Henderson Mitre10 Mega Finance Director says there ought to be “More support for business growth through shorter consent processes and periods; differing wage rates for youth and apprenticeships must be promoted to teach practical skills,” in the interests of business growth in the country.
“Core industries need to set up moving away from a import based economy. Exports of software, technology, etc has to be given the impetus. Something like Nehru`s 5 year plan is needed to make this happen,” says Mr Prabhu.
Economy a worry
All respondents were equally concerned about the economic climate in New Zealand and most believe that there ought to be restraint on government expenditure so that taxpayers’ hard earned monies are wisely and productively utilised in health, education, law and order and social services.
“There has to be reduction in our government’s overseas borrowing and savings must be encouraged so that we don’t end up with financial disasters like we are currently witnessing in Greece, Italy, other European Union countries and the USA,” says Mr Shameem.
“Encourage savings, investments and reducing debts both at national and individual levels so that our future generations are not shackled with colossal debt burden and are not at the mercy of some foreign powers,” he adds.
“More work needs to be done on Free Trade Agreements with potential other countries. New Zealand can provide quality and expertise on Agriculture and should be capitalise,” says Mr Champaneri.
Which is the best party suited to achieve this?
Going by Indian Weekender’s respondents, the community appears divided on which is the best party that could bring fruition to their wish list.
“National has a lead even though Labour has come up with a few positive policies like paying businesses for employing apprentices and developing skills, capital gains tax and investing more in early childhood education,” says Mr Rao.
For Sudhakar Prabhu, National’s intention on tightening the noose on social security rorts gets a thumbs up. “I think that at present National is having the best policies to deal with these issues. Their idea of controlling social security payments is appealing to me,” he says.
Mr Shameem believes the Act Party is the best bet. “The Act Party’s focus is on economy, freedom, personal responsibilities, re-engaging with Fiji, creating jobs, law and order, employment opportunities and making government resources efficient, affordable, effective and productive for the greater good of the nation and the people.”
“Labour Party’s ideas on Super is arguably more to the right, but the main trend of its policy is left,” avers Mr Champaneri. “The policy to remove GST from fresh vegetables and to make income tax more progressive are broadly liberal moves. Its capital gain tax has been hailed by right as well as left-wing economists and once again the economic case for it is strong. Capital gains are a form of income.”
“Neither of the major ones is good enough,” is how Ms Patel responded.
Who will be the best PM?
Contrary to the divided opinion on which is the best party to lead the nation, the respondents were near unanimous on their choice for the next Prime Minister, though a couple shied away from naming their definitive choice.
Mr Shameem is diplomatic when he responds with, “The one who has the majority support in the Parliament,” as the best PM.
“John Key is my pick,” says Mr Prabhu. Key is also Ms Patel’s choice for leading the next government.
“People want someone positive in any crisis. Mr Key has the best grasp of economic issues facing the country, compared with Mr Goff,” says Mr Champaneri. “There is no doubt in my mind that Mr John Key will be the next Prime Minister even though he has some drawbacks and the opposition has no leader. Bring back Helen Clark,” he adds.
And finally, their take on the electoral system
For Mr Champaneri, no voting system is perfect. “FPP suffered from a perfect storm of three factors: Muldoon’s doctorial ways, Rogernomics and Ruthanasia, when the two major parties supporters felt betrayed, and the 1978 and 1981 elections, when the Party winning the most votes didn’t win the most seats in parliament. My personal preference is the MMP system – it’s working OK.
“Each has it’s strengths, and weaknesses and delivers its own particular benefits and drawbacks. Under MMP, major government parties have been forced to take a more inclusive and conciliatory approach to other views and interests. They have seen the need to negotiate for support before introducing legislation. On the whole this produces better legislation and a more constructive parliament.
“The MMP system has positives and should be given some more time to see its effects rather than to change it now,” he concludes.
“MPP stops dictatorial and arrogant democracy by the two major grand old parties viz; National and Labour. However, it needs fine-tuning to make it equitable and a fairer system and not abused as is currently the situation,” says Mr Shameem.
Mr Prabhu says, “MMP seems to be the best as it is already entrenched and change will do little for the common man considering the pool of politicians is very small.”