11-05-2023, 02:24 PM
The government sets the rules for tax and everyone pays what is decreed to be their share. Anyone who wishes to pay more can of course do so, but I think most people who wish to do more for society will pass on giving the government a chance to mismanage even more money, and will choose where it goes. It's called philanthropy and it's alive and well in NZ, just like the rest of the world.
The biggest benefit isn't from just handing over money but comes instead from people doing things that better enable people to help themselves, and understand the flow on benefits to others, plus those who donate to research and development, etc. Everyone has different circumstances and interests and everyone can do their bit without needing it to be mandated. Of course there will always be some who don't do much, but even they might be leaving bequests after they are gone.
The biggest benefit isn't from just handing over money but comes instead from people doing things that better enable people to help themselves, and understand the flow on benefits to others, plus those who donate to research and development, etc. Everyone has different circumstances and interests and everyone can do their bit without needing it to be mandated. Of course there will always be some who don't do much, but even they might be leaving bequests after they are gone.