With the Budget this Thursday, we've asked our readers to tell us what they would prioritise if they were in charge of New Zealand's bank balance. Kurt Burrows shares his plan.

I would take the opportunity presented by the 2013 budget to announce a radical change of direction for New Zealand society.



1. The Government would get back to the core issues which are infrastructure, education, policing, defence, health and diplomatic relations. All special interest issues that only distract the government would be added to a three-year referendum format.



2. Welfare would be overhauled. Student loans would be abolished within 12 months. All existing loans would be charged at market rate interest. Unemployment would be paid for a maximum of six months in any given 20-year period. Solo parent benefit would be axed within five years. Disability and sickness benefits would be axed within five years. Working for Families would be axed within six months. The pension would be paid as a portion of tax paid over a lifetime. In effect, all free rides would cease.



3. Promotion of strong family units would be encouraged. In times of need your family should be the first place you look to for support. If you find yourself unemployed, a solo parent, ill, etc, then your family would be the place to look for support.



4. Generational wealth would be encouraged. If all families pooled and created wealth for the future generations of their families then greater opportunities would be developed. To promote this, families would be encouraged to look after their elderly. This not only promotes stronger family units but protects family wealth which is otherwise spent in retirement homes.



5. City council spending would be reined in. When rates reach a stage close to 1-2 per cent of a properties value per annum they become unaffordable. When you cannot afford to live in a home you own you know there is a problem.



6. State and council debt would be targeted with the end goal being the removal of debt completely. This will free up lost tax income for strengthening the core infrastructure of the country.



7. Crime would be heavily targeted in all forms. All criminals would spend their days breaking rocks into smaller rocks for the standard eight-hour work day.



8. Personal responsibility and accountability would become the country's mantra.



9. Once state debt has been repaid, a serious look at taxes will occur with an end goal of severely reducing tax rates and returning income to the pockets of New Zealanders.



We have spent 40 years tearing down our society. We have lost our way and become comfortable with our ineptness. I believe we can get it all back within a generation. Have we got the courage to try?