Green Party reacts to Rich List with further calls for wealth tax
The Green Party has reiterated its call for a wealth tax after the 2025 NBR Rich List, released today, revealed the country's leading wealth creators are now collectively worth more than $100 billion.
The latest NBR Rich List profiles 119 Kiwi individuals and families who are building enterprises,
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Rich Get Much Richer, Driving Inequality And Poverty
Press Release – Green Party Poverty and homelessness doesnt come from nowhere. They are created by inequality. Christopher Luxon has put his foot down on the accelerator. By design, the rich are getting much, much richer while the poor are getting much, much poorer,' says Chle … The 2025 NBR Rich List makes immediately obvious the need for a fair tax system, says the Green Party. 'The rich list is now worth more than one hundred billion dollars, while the Government has chosen to cut support to tens of thousands of the lowest income New Zealanders. It's time to tax wealth, and build a country where all of us can thrive,' says the Green Party's spokesperson for Finance and co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 'Poverty and homelessness doesn't come from nowhere. They are created by inequality. Christopher Luxon has put his foot down on the accelerator. By design, the rich are getting much, much richer while the poor are getting much, much poorer. 'We already know that the wealthiest households are able to arrange their finances to pay half the effective tax rate of regular New Zealanders. That means, proportionally, teachers, nurses, builders and firefighters pay more of their income to support our country's infrastructure than the billionaires the Prime Minister has chosen to celebrate today. 'The Greens are ambitious for an Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone has what they need to thrive. We can have free GPs, free early childhood education, free dental care and rapidly reduce climate changing emissions – if the rich pay their fair share. 'A wealth tax on just the ten wealthiest rich listers alone would pay for free GP care for all New Zealanders. 'Don't let the people laughing their way to the bank while everyone else suffers tell you what is possible. We all deserve so much better, and our Green Budget shows how,' says Chlöe Swarbrick.
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Techday NZ
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Westcon-Comstor & Juniper boost Starship with sales support
Westcon-Comstor New Zealand and Juniper Networks have announced a partnership to donate a portion of sales to Starship Children's Hospital. Under the 'Sales that Transform Lives' initiative, Westcon-Comstor will donate 1% of every Mist sale in an effort to support children's healthcare needs through Starship, New Zealand's national children's hospital. The partnership continues Westcon-Comstor New Zealand's efforts to support Starship Children's Hospital. Since 2022, Westcon-Comstor has collaborated with the Starship Foundation—a non-profit organisation supporting the hospital—to raise more than NZD $68,000 through a range of activities such as fundraising events, baking competitions, team building sessions, fun runs, and other campaigns. Funds raised under the new initiative will assist with acquiring lifesaving equipment, supporting critical care services, advancing medical research, and providing family support initiatives. Sales initiative The arrangement specifies that Westcon-Comstor will donate 1% of earnings from the Juniper Mist product line on each sale. This is expected to continue the company's pledge to business initiatives that include charitable giving alongside commercial operations. Dave Rosenberg, Managing Director, Westcon-Comstor, New Zealand, commented on the company's intent to integrate purposeful actions with business operations. He said: "Partnering with Juniper Networks to support Starship Children's Hospital reflects our deep commitment to doing business with purpose. Contributing a portion of our sales is just one way we aim to give back, but more importantly, we hope it encourages others in our community to get behind this meaningful cause and help make a real impact for Kiwi kids." Juniper Networks is joining Westcon-Comstor in this effort, linking the role of technology with broader social outcomes. Ken Lord, Country Manager, New Zealand, Juniper Networks, said: "At Juniper Networks, we believe technology has the power to do more than build networks – it's about connecting people, empowering communities and creating meaningful impact. We're proud to partner with Westcon-Comstor in support of Starship Children's Hospital, with proceeds from our sales directly contributing to the wellbeing of children across New Zealand. Together, we're making every connection count while turning innovation into purposeful action and helping those who need it most." Community impact The fundraising activities correspond to Westcon-Comstor's global Responsible Business strategy, which is structured around commitments to people, the planet, and communities. According to the company, these pillars guide its decision-making processes to ensure positive social impact forms part of its business model. The Starship Foundation reports that demand for services has risen, with a 13% increase in children visiting the hospital over the past year. Jo Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Starship Foundation, described the importance of continued support: "Over the last year there has been an increase in children coming to Starship by 13%. With a huge demand on services, the work of the Starship Foundation has never been more urgent, more critical, or more relevant than right now and our children need your support more than ever. Every dollar donated helps improve the lives of seriously sick and injured children, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing support." The total funds donated, both past and future, are designated for hospital needs throughout New Zealand, addressing medical care for a wide range of health conditions affecting children, from minor injuries to severe illnesses. Last year, Starship Hospital recorded attendance from more than 150,000 children from across the country. Westcon-Comstor and Juniper Networks state that their joint initiative is intended both to provide resources for critical child healthcare and to serve as an example for others in the sector to engage in similar programmes.
