Goff Must Explain Niue's Spending Proposals

Friday 16 Jan 2004 Stephen Franks Press Releases -- Commerce

ACT New Zealand Associate Commerce Spokesman Stephen Franks today renewed his call for Foreign Minister Phil Goff to assure New Zealand taxpayers that Niue doesn't bite the hand that feeds it, before its spends tens of millions of dollars restoring the living standards of 1700 Niueans.

Today's revelation, that Niue could become a conduit for immigration from other Pacific islands, renews concern that if Niue is to live off the New Zealand taxpayer, then it should accept New Zealand law," Mr Franks said.

"Earlier this week, Mr Goff reacted venomously to my call that he ensure Niue's tax haven laws weren't aiding New Zealand tax dodgers. Goff denied Niue was a tax haven. However, he's been silent on that issue since it was pointed out that the Inland Revenue Department identified it as such.

"If Niue plans to rebuild its population from other Pacific islands, it casts doubt on the argument that we must rebuild Niue to preserve its unique culture. How unique will it be if half the people are from other nations?," Mr Franks said,

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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