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National says it will make it easier for every New Zealander to
own their own home if it is elected next year.
The bold suggestion came from leader John Key at the party's annual
conference.
At his first conference as leader Key was welcomed as "the next
prime minister of New Zealand", a bold call, but the party faithful
were lapping it up.
"We are here to win an election," Key said.
His speech focused on National's vision but then there was a slip of the tongue about just which party he is leading.
"Under a Labour government I lead, child abusers will be severely punished," he said.
He was oblivious to the slip but some supporters caught it.
Later Key was taking it on the chin.
"We all make slips, we're all human," he said.
And he did have plenty to talk about.
Key has confirmed he would keep Labour's Working for Families
scheme which gives parents tax credits, but admits under National
those on higher incomes will not be eligible. He also claims
National will help every New Zealander buy their own home by
cutting taxes.
"After-tax wage cuts will ensure they have much greater income to service their mortages or save for a home," he says.
Key also says red tape for building would be slashed and more land freed up through changes to the Resource Management Act.
State house tenants would also be able to buy their property.
"Under National they can own the place they call home," he says.
The policy is raising eyebrows.
Housing Minister Chris Carter says state house tenants are among
the poorest people in New Zealand and would not be able to service
a mortgage.
"That's why they're in a state house is that they can't do it. That's why it's simply not credible," Carter says.
Housing lobby groups are also sceptical of National's claims that lowering tax cuts will help state housing tenants into their own homes.
Housing Lobby Group spokeswoman Sue Henry says most tenants in state houses are struggling to make ends meet as it is and tax cuts would hardly be noticeable in their weekly pay packets.
The National conference heard some bold calls about interest rates and home ownership and some slick packaging of polices that may not be new for National but will push buttons with the public.
National now has just over a year to convince voters it can deliver.
"It's our time. And that's what we are fighting for and it can't come soon enough," Key concluded.
