When is a universal levy not universal?

The Herald reports (with our emphasis added):

The Green Party would push for a nationwide earthquake levy if they became government.

The Greens announcement in Christchurch today would see the levy used as a dedicated revenue stream to pay for the Christchurch rebuild.

Party leader Dr Russel Norman said the fund is a priority for his party this election.

"The Green Party is the only party proposing a dedicated revenue stream that will be ring-fenced and used exclusively for the rebuild of Christchurch," Dr Norman said.

"We consider that the fastest, fairest, and most economically sensible way to rebuild the livelihoods of those in Christchurch is to introduce a temporary earthquake levy on those who can most afford it.

"The people of Christchurch need assurance that all of New Zealand is backing the rebuild of their city."

There's just one slight problem in the Greens' logic; "all of New Zealand" won't be picking up the tab for this; read on:

The levy would see New Zealanders earning between $48,000-$70,000 a year pay an additional 1.5 per cent income tax on the income between those amounts, while those earning over $70,000 would pay an additional three per cent on income over $70,000.

The Greens say their levy means people earning $50,000 a year would pay an additional 58 cents per week, people earning $70,000 per year would pay an additional $6.33 per week and people on $100,000 would pay an additional $23.59 per week."

There you have it; Russel Norman is being considerably less than honest when he says that "all of New Zealand" will pay this levy. The reality is that less than half of all New Zealanders will pay this tax increase, given that it only kicks in at an income level of $48,000pa.

The Greens make much about being the only honest party, or being the most principled. When their co-leader deliberately misleads as he has done in the media release of this policy, Green Party rhetoric about principle and honesty are exposed as being just that; rhetoric.

Tell the truth Russel; this policy will see a minority of New Zealanders picjk up the tab for everyone else.