N.z. Isolated Land Of Mediocrity—author (Press, 25 January 1978)

On 25 January 1978, John Bruce, a New Zealand author currently residing in Ireland, expressed strong criticism of his home country, describing it as an isolated and mediocre society on the brink of bankruptcy. Bruce, who is known for his thriller “Airscream,” urged the New Zealand Cabinet to consider his draft legislation aimed at reforming the country’s tax structure to attract writers, artists, and sportsmen by making it a tax haven. He suggested that publicly funded ballet and opera companies could also drive significant revenue by drawing wealthy tourists, particularly from Japan. Having moved to Wellington in 1975 to escape perceived threats from Eurocommunism, Bruce now plans to purchase a home in Ireland within weeks, following a promotional tour in Britain and the United States. He articulated a love for New Zealand despite his critiques, stating that the nation possesses immense potential. However, he believes that its citizens have mistaken egalitarianism for mediocrity and have failed to recognise that wealth can exist alongside a lack of poverty. Bruce warned that if New Zealand's economic challenges persist, it could lead to international moneylenders taking control, jeopardising the country’s self-determination and democracy. Bruce’s decision to leave New Zealand was partly motivated by financial considerations; he claimed he would pay approximately 60 per cent tax on his earnings there, which have already exceeded $320,000. In contrast, Ireland offers tax advantages for writers, allowing them to keep more of their income. His latest work, “Airscream,” has gained positive attention, compared to publications by Arthur Hailey, and has been described as a gripping story about the aftermath of an air collision. Despite the buzz surrounding his novel, Bruce noted some critical feedback from New Zealand's literary scene, highlighting that reviews have questioned the credibility of certain characters in his narrative. Although some criticism has pointed out flaws in his writing, Bruce remains optimistic about his future as a prolific novelist and plans to continue his writing career with more themed novels in the pipeline. As Bruce reflects on his aspirations to reshape New Zealand into a more artistically and intellectually vibrant environment, he also contemplates the challenges he faces in achieving this vision while living abroad. His next project is set to explore the themes of morality and the quality of political leadership in New Zealand, focusing on a fictional narrative about a doctor accused of rape.

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