We need more tax coming in the door: someone has to pay

The government needs more money to pay for many infrastructure projects. (Image: Getty)

Thu, 20 Apr 2023

Tax is being talked about again, including a wealth tax and whether people are paying their fair share. Is the tax system fair? How can we best support people through the cost-of-living crisis? Or should some people pay a bit more?Two tax reports are set to be released just before the 2023 budget. They will likely highlight a good deal for some and a raw deal for others, adding urgency to the need for change and becoming a possible prelude to tax changes. Another report has been released, by OliverShaw – a tax consultancy concer...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Primary Sector

PGG Wrightson reports $10.7m profit

Its revenue was up 6%.

Riley Kennedy 9:23am

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Tuesday, Aug 12

Think you're clever enough?

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Markets

Rakon's Robinson standing 'to do one thing'

Brent Robinson has laid out his vision for Rakon as he campaigns to lead its board.

Rebecca Stevenson 8:40am

Rakon's Robinson standing 'to do one thing'

Sponsored

Why NZ businesses lag on solar and the adoption of clean on-site renewable energy

Aussie firms are beating Kiwis in solar use – but that can change.

Lightforce

Sponsored

A decade in, Spark’s AI journey is paying off

The telco’s use of AI offers insights for every Kiwi business.

Spark

More Economy

Economy

Jones looking at gas rationing

“The wholesale hollowing out of the regional manufacturing sector.”

Ian Llewellyn 11 Aug 2025

Economy

Treasury says covid spending overcooked

A new Treasury paper has criticised the last Government for overspending during the pandemic, leaving the country with a high level of public debt that makes it vulnerable to future shocks.The paper calculated the total cost of the pandemic at about $66 billion. It put the total...

Staff reporters 07 Aug 2025