10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
402 views
Revenue Minister Simon Watts introduced a Bill aimed at growing the economy by reducing compliance costs, simplifying tax rules, and removing unnecessary obligations, including a streamlined approach to fringe benefit tax for employer-provided vehicles. The Bill also updates Foreign Investment Fund rules to attract skilled workers and investment, improves cash flow for start-ups, reduces red tape for charities and not-for-profits, and strengthens student loan enforcement. Overall, these changes seek to create a more efficient, world-leading tax system that benefits businesses, investors, charities, and borrowers.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
866 views
The latest government accounts reveal stronger-than-expected core Crown revenue and lower expenses, indicating an improving economy. Corporate tax revenue rose by $700 million, reflecting increased business profitability, and the deficit was $3 billion lower than forecast. Despite recent challenges like the Middle East conflict, economic indicators such as falling oil prices, rising business confidence, and increased exports suggest the economy is regaining momentum.
28 May 2026
4 months ago
913 views
The Government is updating tax rules for the charitable and not-for-profit sector to enhance fairness, clarity, and sustainability, including raising the tax-free income threshold and capping donation tax credits. These changes aim to support the sector’s integrity and resilience, recognizing its significant community contribution and economic value through volunteering. The reforms will be implemented between 2027 and 2028, with detailed guidance forthcoming from Inland Revenue.
28 May 2026
4 months ago
1120 views
Budget 2026 introduces targeted tax changes to support economic growth, including improvements to the Research and Development Tax Incentive for quicker payments and tighter software expenditure caps, as well as adjustments to Foreign Investment Fund rules to simplify offshore investing. It also simplifies fringe benefit tax compliance, strengthens tax system integrity by taxing outstanding shareholder loans after company liquidation, and updates thin capitalisation rules for foreign-owned banks. Additionally, the Government is investing $15 million annually in Inland Revenue compliance efforts to enhance tax collection, contributing to funding public services.
20 May 2026
5 months ago
975 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced a consultation on proposed regulations to modernize New Zealand's road user charges system, transitioning from petrol tax to electronic charges based on actual road use and vehicle weight. The regulations will define how approved providers operate, protect personal data, and introduce flexible payment options like subscriptions or post-payment. The government seeks input from various sectors to create a fairer, simpler, and privacy-compliant system, with consultation open until 12 June.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
988 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the Government will continue the Healthy School Lunches Programme in 2027, providing nutritious meals to around 242,000 students daily while saving taxpayers $122 million that year. Since Term 1 2025, the programme has delivered over 48 million meals to more than 1,000 schools, improving efficiency with nearly 100% on-time delivery and significantly reduced complaints, at a lower average meal cost than under the previous government. Budget 2026 allocates $212.4 million to extend the programme and the ECE Food programme, with additional funding to explore eligibility improvements and ensure lunches reach more children in need.
16 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1136 views
The Marlborough District Council has begun consulting on funding Port Marlborough’s $110 million contribution to revenue-generating port assets in Picton, supporting new resilient ferries for road, rail, and passengers. This initiative, part of a $531 million budget for Picton works, aims to replace ferries while saving taxpayers $2.3 billion and securing long-term infrastructure for the Interislander and Bluebridge services. The proposal is designed to cost no additional ratepayer funds, with dividends from Port Marlborough benefiting the community and taxpayers funding the balance through Ferry Holdings.
15 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1051 views
The Government will receive a $10 million special dividend from Landcorp Farming Limited, contributing to a total of $25 million in dividends returned to the Crown for the 2025/26 financial year. This payment reflects Landcorp’s strong financial position, improved operations, and commitment to delivering value for taxpayers, supported by favorable commodity prices and disciplined management. The special dividend follows a $9.5 million capital repayment from Fonterra and is considered a pass-through of this non-operating receipt, separate from Landcorp’s ordinary dividend policy.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1231 views
A bill has passed in Parliament providing temporary financial support to about 157,000 low-to-middle income working families affected by rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict, including a $50 weekly boost in the in-work tax credit starting April 7. The legislation also revises tax rules, such as thin capitalisation, to attract more foreign investment, particularly for infrastructure projects, while introducing measures to support startups, employee share schemes, new migrants, and digital nomads. These changes aim to strengthen New Zealand’s economy by helping households, encouraging business growth, and making the country more attractive for work, investment, and family life.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1538 views
In 2025, the Government made significant legislative progress with 81 Government Bills becoming law, focusing on economic growth, law and order, and reducing living costs through key measures like the Investment Boost tax incentive and trade agreements. Notable achievements include the unanimous passage of the Parliament Bill, modernizing parliamentary governance, and streamlined processes for infrastructure and family support. The year also featured extensive parliamentary activity, including numerous bills introduced, readings, and questions, reflecting a busy and productive legislative session.
15 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1438 views
The Ministry of Education’s ECE Food Programme Kōhanga Reo Survey Report highlights strong support for KidsCan’s delivery of taxpayer-funded meals to up to 10,000 early childhood education (ECE) children, with high ratings for reliability, food safety, communication, flexibility, and professionalism. The report shows significant improvements in children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development linked to the programme, including better energy, concentration, mood, and social interactions. With $4 million in annual government funding and expected taxpayer savings of $145 million in 2026, KidsCan’s programme continues to expand, supporting more children’s nutrition and learning outcomes.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1039 views
The Government is significantly increasing school maintenance funding for the first time since 2010, raising the Five Year Agreement (5YA) base rate by 50% and doubling the minimum allocation for small schools starting July 2026. This investment aims to ensure classrooms are safe, warm, and dry, allowing schools greater certainty and flexibility to plan essential upgrades and modernizations over the long term. Additionally, a $58 million package has already provided over 2,400 schools with one-off grants to address urgent maintenance needs, receiving positive feedback from school communities.
07 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1291 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a new school lunch program starting in Term 1 of 2026, providing affordable, nutritious lunches to around 242,000 students daily in contributing primary schools. Ten suppliers have been contracted to deliver lunches to 188 schools, catering to standard and special diets with sustainable packaging and efficient ordering systems. The program aims to save taxpayers $145 million in 2026 by utilizing a regional approach, offering meals at an average cost of $3.46 per lunch without requiring additional funding.
29 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1255 views
Revenue Minister Simon Watts has announced a refreshed Tax and Social Policy Work Programme aimed at boosting the economy by attracting capital, talent, and small business investment. The program focuses on removing regulatory barriers, delivering a stable tax environment, and encouraging critical investment in infrastructure. Key pillars include attracting capital and talent, supporting small businesses, simplifying the tax system, and improving integrity through targeted consultations and practical reforms.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1166 views
New Zealand and Iceland are strengthening cooperation in areas such as working holidays, taxation, and geothermal energy, as announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters during his visit to Iceland. Initiatives like a reciprocal Working Holiday Scheme aim to enhance collaboration between the two island nations, fostering opportunities for young people to engage, learn, and contribute internationally. The Double Tax Agreement and exploration of geothermal energy aim to bolster economic ties and address future energy needs, with Mr Peters highlighting the importance of learning from Iceland's expertise in this field during his broader visit to the Nordic region.