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Source: Q+A -
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Labour leader Phil Goff says the top tax bracket should be lifted.
Goff has told TVNZ's Q+A on Sunday morning that there is an argument for lifting the threshold for workers earning more than $70,000 a year.
"So that people that weren't intended to be caught in that top tax bracket don't pay that top tax rate," he says.
"You do not create wealth by taxing people."
Currently every dollar earned over 70,000 is taxed at 38%.
He says Labour has been looking at options and has told the government its willing to work together to find a consensus.
But the party does have bottom lines.
"Our key bottom line is that it has got to be fair to all New Zealanders, that the many benefit from those tax changes not just the few."
Goff has also hit out at top earners who avoid their tax responsibility.
Many wealthy people shelter their money in trusts, which are taxed at the lower rate of 33%.
Goff says that is not fair.
"What we have heard from the Minister of Finance is that half of them aren't paying the same proportion of their tax as people who are the battlers and the strugglers in life.
"If you have a system that allows people to avoid paying tax, they will avoid paying taxes. What you have to do is get the system right.
"I earn good money. I have never resented a cent in taxation that I have paid if that is going to help my fellow New Zealanders."
