Inequality – what’s the solution?
by Max Rashbrooke • September 21, 2012 • Comment • 4 Comments
Our first talk on inequality at Te Papa, on September 13, was a huge success: a great crowd of well over 200 people, and a fantastic array of speakers setting out all the reasons – personal, social, and economic – why we should worry about the widening divide.
Now, we’re gearing up for the second talk, on October 4, this time looking at solutions. The event blurb is below. All welcome!
Forums for the Future: Between Rich and Poor – the Solutions / October 4, 2012 Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, 6.30-8pm
The widening gap between rich and poor is damaging our families, our economy and our shared social fabric, and threatens our traditional values of fairness and egalitarianism. But we can do something about it. At this event, four leading speakers will discuss the way that education, a stronger economy, fairer workplaces, and a more supportive welfare system could help close the gap between rich and poor.
Speakers:
• Cathy Wylie, chief researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research – on education and its role in reducing inequalities
• Ganesh Nana, chief economist, BERL – on tackling inequality and creating a stronger economy
• Prof Nigel Haworth, Auckland University – on people, work and fair rewards
• Associate Prof Mike O’Brien, former head of the Alternative Welfare Working Group – on tax, benefits and redistribution
Good to see these forums going on. Unfortunately I can’t get to them as I am on a pension and living up the far end of the country. Maybe the politicians might listen this time?!
Hi Maureen, thanks for the comment. Putting the talks on You Tube helps a bit, I hope. And yes, fingers crossed politicians are listening! The more noise people make, the more they are likely to…
What would you say to a campaign demanding a maximum wage of $100,000 for all citizens?
Business owners to cede profit above this amount to a central fund. The resulting surplus to be used for improving social services and the payment of a minimum wage of $50,000, with an all purpose age, sickness, unemployment etc benefit of $25.000.
That would not ensure equality, but would go some considerable way towards equity and the provision of life’s necessities and enjoyments for all.
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