National promises no new taxes if re-elected
New Zealand's National Party has pledged not to introduce any new taxes if re-elected, while leaving the door open to adjusting existing ones. The party specifically ruled out a bank tax and an accommodation levy, framing the policy as a commitment to disciplined economic management.
Why it matters
Tax policy is a central pillar of the upcoming New Zealand general election, directly impacting the economic platforms of the two major political parties.
The National Party is promising no new taxes if re-elected this November, but has not ruled out increasing existing taxes.
The party had already ruled out a bank tax and on Sunday scrapped the idea of an accommodation levy on short-term rentals such as bed and breakfasts.
It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke publicly a fortnight ago about the possibility of three new taxes under National - a bed tax, a bank tax, and a fuel excise increase.
The announcement on Sunday ruled out the first two but was silent on the third, fuel excise.
Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis said policies like a bed tax would only hurt those booking weekends away and the party would instead look at existing mechanisms to help councils cope with tourism costs.
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