The Greens' supermarket policy is not just a bad economic idea. I believe it crosses a moral line. They want to require at least 120 supermarkets and distribution capacity to be sold into public ownership to create KiwiMart. They estimate $2.8 billion to acquire the assets and fund the business. They propose compensation. But paying someone does not make a compulsory sale voluntary. If the owner cannot say no, the government is using its power to take control of private assets. My objection is not simply that politicians might run supermarkets badly. Even a promise to run them well does not give the state a moral entitlement to own someone else's business. Property rights mean very little if they only protect you until a politician thinks your assets would be more useful in government hands. These are not favours the state grants when it approves of you. They are part of what allows free people to build, invest and plan their lives. I want cheaper groceries. I also want more competition. But wanting a desirable outcome does not make every method of achieving it acceptable. Another person's property is not automatically yours to take control of because you believe you could use it for a public benefit. That does not mean supermarkets should be above the law. Fraud, collusion and unlawful exclusion should be investigated and dealt with through proper legal processes. Being pro-capitalism means defending competition, not protecting established companies from it. But identifying a competition problem and deciding the government should own the businesses are different things. One does not automatically justify the other. There is an economic problem here too. Government ownership does not remove the cost of food, wages, electricity or freight. If a public supermarket cannot cover its costs, someone still pays. Moving a cost from the checkout to the taxpayer does not make it disappear. The Greens say KiwiMart would support itself commercially. That is their intention. It is not a guarantee, and it does not answer the property-rights objection. I want a government that makes it easier for people to compete, produce and serve customers. Remove barriers to new stores and wholesale supply. Enforce fair rules. Let businesses earn our money by offering better value. We should not have to surrender the principle of private ownership to get affordable food. A government should protect our rights, not treat them as obstacles to its plans.

Who remembers Paul Henry being ‘fired’ from TVNZ for laughing about an Indian’s name looking like “dickshit”? Maiki Sherman’s ‘resignation’ from TVNZ would be the same standard right? Considering she attacked a guy. At least “dickshit” was actually funny🤣 #nzpol #tvnz

What is the bet that none of the questions will refer to Te Tiriti? rnz.co.nz/news/political/594…