In his introduction to his new book 'Too Much Money', Max Rashbrooke writes that “contrary to the idea of a classless New Zealand, we live in a country with entrenched social differences”. He goes on to state that the wealthiest 1 per cent of adults (40,000 people) has a net worth 68 times that of the median New Zealander, and that an “unequal wealth distribution creates, and is created by, inequalities in health, housing, schooling, income and political power”. In a sharp repudiation of the book in a NBR book review, journalist Nevil Gibson argues that wealth redistribution first requires wealth generation, and attempts to suppress inequality are unlikely and impractical. The two philosophical adversaries, joined by psychiatrist and author Dr Hinemoa Elder, square off to argue the current economic and social realities of life in Godzone and possible pathways to a resilient future. Chaired by Tova O’Brien.

AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL, WAITUHI O TAMAKI

FRIDAY 26 AUGUST 2022 – 5.00-6.00PM KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE, AOTEA CENTRE