I'd like to try setting a UBI rate similar to benefits. Then remove all benefits (and super, etc), and cut lower tax rates to claim that same amount back as extra tax. Basically almost everyone is in exactly the same position as they were before, but now we can slim down WINZ to only deal with more targeted support (family support, accommodation supplements, etc).

This would end up costing slightly more but in theory would be offset by reduced operational costs for WINZ.

Now, don't get me wrong, this is an idea not a policy, and I'm under no illusion that it wouldn't fall apart under scrutiny. But I think it's an idea worth exploring.

But no one will vote for a party that promoses to leave you in the same state after the election as you were in before for the sake of a social experiment. So this is probably just a big dream that will stay in my head.

I just love the idea of NZ being early adopters of large scale change.