John Key talks with Michael Park (right) and Joe Kan at Independent Fisheries in Christchurch. Photo / Simon Baker
He may have outbid Labour on tax cuts, but John Key's "economic package" was met with an underwhelming response when he took it to the people yesterday.
Fresh from having announced he will take from KiwiSaver and business research and development to fund tax cuts, putting about $47
into the pocket of the average New Zealand worker, the National leader visited factories in Christchurch to spread his message.
What he found was little outward enthusiasm for his tax cuts, with people more interested in long-standing issues like the smacking debate and superannuation.
He also had to defend himself when one worker asked why he visited only "when you want something".
At Independent Fisheries, a Christchurch firm exporting 80 per cent of its product overseas, long-time supervisor Keith Hodgson, 69, could not see the fuss over tax cuts.
"It doesn't mean anything really - it all gets lost in the cost of living."
Mr Hodgson has always voted National, and more cash from Labour would not have swayed him.
"I don't like the way the Labour Government has wasted money.
"National is going to get in there, no doubt about it."
Angela Coakley, 46, a quality assurance technician and solo mum, said neither Labour nor National's tax cuts were going to make a "hell of a lot of difference".
"I don't want to be bought, and I don't think it's time to be splashing money around. I can't afford to, how can they?"
Factory worker Daniel Taukiri, 21, was enthusiastic when the Herald showed him he would get about $46 more a week under National by 2011.
"It makes a big difference when you look at it there."
At Hagley Building Products, supervisor Chris Morrish, 34, figures he will be about $42 better off under National's tax cuts.
"But I'm more concerned with who can run the country, to be honest. It comes down to business know-how," he said.
Mr Key said he was not surprised at the lack of discussion about tax.
"I think New Zealanders knew for a long time National would deliver on tax cuts, and we delivered on our promise despite the fact we are facing very difficult conditions."
