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Katherine Ransom, a writer and theatre practitioner, would like to leave a sustainable ecology and economy for her grandchildren to thrive in. She is Convenor of the National Council of Women’s Economics Standing Committee. Originally from the USA, she is now a citizen of NZ and welcomes the opportunity to work for economic and social justice through social credit. Katherine is the DSC Spokesman for Social Issues and for Housing.
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Top 5 Issues
- The deepening poverty in New Zealand is causing severe social problems, including drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, crime, and poor health. This poverty is caused by an unjust and unstable financial system that enriches the already wealthy and robs the rest of us. A good example is the huge tax cuts for the rich and the hike in GST that went beyond any tax relief for the poor. Our most shameful statistic is the one quarter of all Kiwi children living in poverty.
- Increasing environmental damage, including water pollution, is making a mockery of our clean green image. The financial system, which draws off most investment money to speculative activity, and forces businesses and farms to strive for profits at the expense of our precious environment, must be changed.
- Response to crises, whether Acts of God or man made, should not be hampered by the power of insurance companies. I will work for a financial system that maintains New Zealand's sovereignty, and promotes our ability to repair damage to homes and environments with the resources and labour we have at hand. Further, the safety of our people and land should not be endangered by weak, cost-saving, corporate friendly regulations, whether they be for building codes, mine safety or the navigation of our coastline.
- No asset sales, ever. With a reform of the financial system, New Zealand could afford to not only keep our assets but also buy back essential services such as power and water. That way we could ensure the infrastructure for these services is maintained to the highest standards, and the pricing reflects the actual cost of production and supply, rather than 'market forces'.
- Debt underpins all of these issues and more. The major parties want to borrow, one to spend now, the other to keep some in case we need it later. This is little short of national suicide. We have a publicly owned Reserve Bank which could create all the funding we need - all it would take is the political will. Where there are resources, skilled labour and the public call for any project or service, the money should be made available.
Personal Profile
Authorised by Peter Ferguson of 21 Okoroire Street, Tirau 3410
