Taxing the so-called rich isn't hard.

It shows the lack of imagination of a party that should be desperate for growth ideas, desperate to encourage opportunity and entrepreneurial attitude, and not stifle it.

A new top tax rate is not a path way to prosperity. Neither literally, given it raises a few hundred million, nor figuratively because generally it socks those who create the wealth in the first place.  

It is at the politically safe end of the spectrum, given it affects only a small percentage of voters. Which in and of itself is a reminder of why it is so small minded.

The fact there aren't more large earners is a sign we lack a certain level of productivity and success. Being a poor nation is nothing to be proud of.

Having limited expectations is the same, and comparing us to other countries, as is their want these days, and saying we are comparatively low taxed in terms of the OECD is simply another declaration of mediocrity. It exposes who Labour really are, the Cullen party who hate "rich pricks".

Here's the real out working of it. Our biggest trading partner and closest friend Australia is cutting tax. Faced with the same problem, they're doing the opposite.

And the trouble with that is cuts lead to greater expenditure, expenditure leads to growth, and when you get growth you need labour. No one has been a greater source of labour for Australia than we have.

And another simple outworking of incomes at the high end is that they are earned by people with skill, skills that are in demand and very often transportable.

The other matter is, of course, the company tax rate which is lower than the top tax rate. That's one of the reasons they cut it originally. The moment the top tax rate is higher than the company rate, you'll be surprised at how many people become companies.

• Labour reveals new tax rate of 39 per cent for high-earners

I honestly hoped Grant Robertson would be better than this. It's petty. There would be hardly anyone who will be hit by this that gets their income for sitting round doing nothing. They work, they take risks, they are highly trained, highly skilled, they contribute, they employ, and they deserve a party and a government that represents and appreciates their contribution.

What they’ve got is a party that gives them the middle finger.