Little Should Ask Shearer About Moral Issues of Panama Papers

9 MAY 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union says that Andrew Little ought to be asking former humanitarian, worker David Shearer, about the legitimate reasons foreign nationals use New Zealand trusts.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says, “Incredibly Mr little told media over this weekend that he knows of “no good reason” for the trust regime. Perhaps he should ask the Zimbabwean farmer, or Venezuelan democracy campaigner why they might want to hide their assets from despotic regimes?”

“Using the plight of people protecting their assets from oppressive regimes for political point-scoring is reprehensible as the leaks place lives at risk. If Mr Little doubts that he should ask the one member of his caucus with first-hand experience of people fleeing violent regimes intent on murder and confiscation of property.”

Prior to becoming an MP Mr Shearer had a distinguished career as a UN aid worker, which saw him named New Zealander of the Year in 1992 by the New Zealand Herald due to his management of an aid camp in Somalia.

Mr Williams says “Numerous politicians appear to be trading on the misperception that the trust regime is only good for tax avoidance. That is wrong and they know , or ought to know, better."

"The moment the Panama Papers show that Kiwis are dodging their tax obligations, or that the New Zealand Government is missing out on tax revenue, the Taxpayers' Union be joining the outcry. But the material disclosed so far doesn't."

ENDS

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