• Inequality – what’s the solution?

    by  • 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

    Max Rashbrooke

    About

    Max is an author, academic and journalist working in Wellington, New Zealand, where he writes about politics, finance and social issues. Sign up to Max's mailing list.

    4 Responses to Inequality – what’s the solution?

    1. September 24, 2012 at 3:18 am
      33

      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?!

      • Max Rashbrooke
        Max Rashbrooke
        September 24, 2012 at 3:21 am
        34

        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…

    2. Don Franks
      October 4, 2012 at 8:07 pm
      37

      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.

    3. Pingback: the connection between super and benefits « aged matters

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