Hipkins’ ‘only new tax’ promise 'gone by lunchtime’

The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Chris Hipkins for suggesting that bed taxes could be introduced under a potential Labour-led coalition, just hours after insisting Labour would introduce only one new tax.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:

“Chris Hipkins’ ‘only new tax’ promise didn’t even make it to dinner.

“This morning, Labour was promising one new tax. By lunchtime, Hipkins was already opening the door to number two.

“He’ll no doubt claim a council bed tax doesn’t count because someone else sends the bill. Pull the other one.

“Councils can’t impose a bed tax now. Hipkins wants a Labour Government to change the law so they can. If Labour creates the taxing power, it’s a Labour-enabled tax.

"And this new tax isn't even needed. The International Visitor Levy is forecast to collect $229 million in 2026/27, with just $173 million allocated for expenditure. Before creating another tax, the remaining $56 million should be used to support the regions bearing the greatest costs from tourism.

“Yesterday it was one new tax. Today it’s two. At this rate, Lord knows how many we’ll have by election day.

“Hipkins needs to come clean: what other taxes are waiting in the wings?”