And the score: Cullen, 0 the new boy, 1

By KEVIN TAYLOR

It wasn't a bad start for new Act MP Kenneth Wang.

Taking on Finance Minister and reigning parliamentary wit Michael Cullen - on his second day on the job - wasn't a task he would have taken lightly.

Mr Wang, an Auckland businessman who replaced disgraced MP Donna Awatere Huata, tackled Dr Cullen on the vexed issue of tax, an Act hobbyhorse.

Usually Dr Cullen effortlessly bats off questions on tax.

But this time, he looked a bit stumped.

Mr Wang first asked how many new taxes, levies or duties - or increases to them - had been introduced since Dr Cullen became finance minister in 1999.

Dr Cullen replied that no new taxes, levies or duties had been introduced except special levies sought by certain industries. He added there had been increases to some existing taxes, and petrol excise was due to rise from April.

Mr Wang's next question: "What taxes, levies or duties has he reduced, and by how much has he reduced them?"

A grinning Dr Cullen slowly got to his feet, amid a growing din of laughter.

"I would have to say Mr Speaker that the new member's found a better question to ask than any other member has done so far in this Parliament.

"I actually cannot think of a single one that I've reduced, at this point."