The body politic is a strange animal. Not only does the right hand not seem know what the left is doing but could be excused for thinking the other limb had taken an extended holiday.Two recent considerations for the wine industry seem to bear this out.
In the first instance, only a few weeks ago, the government was seriously contemplating putting up the excise tax on liquor in an attempt to curb teenage binge drinking and the New Zealand culture of violence that accompanies it. It's a culture that does our country a disservice and takes the lives of too many of the nation's youth.
But instead of tackling the problem head on and limiting sale and distribution of sweet, overly alcoholic spirit mixes that are designed specifically to anaesthetise youthful consumers, a blanket increase in tax was proposed. Never mind the serious effects it would have on a wine industry that not only has little connection the youth drinking problem (I don't think many drunken car crashes feature cases of Otago Pinots rattling around in the boot) but also contributes much to New Zealand both economically and in terms of our international profile. In some international circles our wine is more representative of New Zealand than the All Blacks, Colin McCahon or Whale Rider.
On the other side of the spectrum just a week or so ago we see the Minister for Economic Development, Gerry Brownlee, announcing the welcome news that the government is going to support the wine industry's push into markets in America, Northern Europe and China to the tune of several millions. According to Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers the focus will be on the premium end of the market and the Government support will be an important key to gaining entry and recognition.
All very pleasing and not before time but it does seem an odd fit with a tax proposal that may put some of those exporting wine producers out of business. Time for the body politic to hold hands do you think?
Good sipping
Martin Gillion
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