DiscoverThe New Zealand InitiativeWhen tax policy goes wrong
When tax policy goes wrong

When tax policy goes wrong

Update: 2025-09-14
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In this episode, Eric and Nick talk to Michael Keen, a former Deputy Director of the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department and co-author of "Rebellion, Rascals and Revenue", about the many ways taxation can go wrong throughout history.

They explore bizarre historical taxes like Britain's window tax and ship taxation, discuss New Zealand's exemplary GST system, and examine how poor tax design can lead to smuggling, rebellions, and unintended economic distortions.
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When tax policy goes wrong

When tax policy goes wrong

The New Zealand Initiative