Giving a fig about Labour's tax policy options

Grant Robertson loyally explains how Chris Hipkins ditched his wealth tax plan. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Thu, 13 Jul 2023

Christopher Luxon must be feeling lucky today.If Chris Hipkins hadn’t bottled on Labour's wealth tax plan, the election would have been fought against a backdrop of every taxpayer getting a $20 a week tax cut from Sept 1 – six weeks out from the election – and a wealth tax affecting barely 1% of the population.That’s what the budget advice, released on Wednesday by finance minister Grant Robertson, shows the Labour cabinet was working on until some time in mid-March when Hipkins took fright.In the job for barely six...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Unlock access to all stories with this special annual deal for just $99. Sale ends Monday 25 November 2024 11.59pm.

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.
Subscription renews at $349. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

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].interval) | 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 }}