The Panel with Sue Bradford and David Farrar – featuring Dave Ananth

Panellists

Sue Bradford and David Farrar

Audio summary

In this audio segment (33:30–40:15) on RNZ’s The Panel, hosts Sue Bradford and David Farrar interview tax lawyer Dave Ananth about proposed tax law changes aimed at overseas student loan defaulters. The proposed legislation would lower the threshold for Inland Revenue to arrest defaulting expats at the New Zealand border by removing the strict requirement to prove formal delivery of default notices. Ananth warns that the fear of border arrest will cause expats to avoid returning home entirely, while compounding interest and outdated contact details make resolution difficult. Panelist Sue Bradford echoes concerns that punitive measures punish struggling Kiwis and alienate the diaspora, whereas David Farrar argues that strict enforcement is necessary to protect taxpayers and recover billions in unpaid debt.