KEY POINTS:
The Green Party has released an economic policy which would cut income tax and replace the lost revenue by making "wasters and polluters" pay more.
There would be a capital gains tax on all investments except the family home. Only citizens and residents would be able to buy land.
Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said a "green economy" would see New Zealand measure and manage natural resources better and ensure New Zealand's clean, green reputation was real.
"New Zealand will become known for smart business, good education and meaningful work offering well paid jobs," she said yesterday.
"We will take more control over our own economic destiny, while trading fairly with the rest of the world."
She said the Greens would reform the tax system so everyone paid less income tax and clean businesses were rewarded.
The first $10,000 of income would be tax-free from 2011, giving every taxpayer about $20 a week more than the Government's tax cuts programme. There would be levies on waste, pollution and scarce resources.
Ms Fitzsimons said the policy would help New Zealand through an economic downturn by investing more in state housing to take up spare capacity in the building industry.
There would be a government commitment to buying local goods and services to support businesses and jobs.
- NZPA
