17/08/2018
Dear Sir,
Every six months, the 600 @ risk dairy owners, @ liquor shop owners live in mortal fear, when the tax increase time comes around, attacks on their small businesses, have increased 100% in the last 3 years, usually after a tax increase. There is now proving that the tax is no longer working.2025 to have NZ smoke free is a pipe dream! 3% smoking under 15 is as good as it gets. The good news is it is no longer "hip" to smoke. My friends’ @ the local dairy closed last Christmas for one week @ a half for the first time in 8 years, to recover from their injuries after an attack! The neighbouring licker shop owner (lovely fellow) was hospitalised for three weeks after another attack, he hired extra security, which he could not afford, now after 19 years he has sold his business, all his hopes & dreams gone.
I am fortunate to be able to use a great Auckland City Council facility the local superbly administrated swimming pool, their l see the damage faces of business owners that have been attracted, that seems to take forever to heal.
The very able assistant Prime minister The Right Hour able Winston Peters, & his proactive New Zealand Labour government are about to review the current "crazy” tax, let’s give him hour total support. If the cigarette tax increases continue, as night follows day their "living hell will continue. Brothers @ Sisters, it is not flash to give the bash, for so little cash, to get court & go to the bin makes you a has bin & you have committed a major sin.
Ross Middleton Papatoetoe
( AK "Mr Wonderful” Australasian Primer Supermarket Charity Bucket Collector.)
For NZ Hearld