National rules out bed and bank taxes, pledging no new levies before election
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has committed to a "no new taxes" policy, abandoning proposals for accommodation and bank levies ahead of November's election.
National leader Christopher Luxon has announced a firm "no new taxes" pledge ahead of the general election, ruling out previously considered plans for a bed tax and bank tax. The decision has disappointed regional leaders including Auckland and Queenstown mayors, who were involved in deals that included consideration of these levies. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has suggested the bed tax remains government policy despite National's position, signalling potential tension within the coalition on the issue.
Covered byRNZStuffNZ Herald1NewsNewstalk ZBOtago Daily Timesinterest.co.nzNot covered byNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDesk
Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
interest.co.nz
Tax talk of the town: Political parties scrap over taxes
Tax claims fly around parliament as National targets Labour over tax
NZ Herald
National abandons plans for bed tax, bank tax amid âno new taxes pledgeâ
Two weeks ago, Christopher Luxon was talking about possible new taxes under National.
1News
Luxon vows 'no new taxes', dumping bank and bed tax ideas
National had previously committed only to "no new taxes on working people".
Stuff
âThe choice is clearâ: National says no new taxes at PMâs campaign launch
The National party has promised there will be no new taxes if it is re-elected on November 7.
1News
Luxon vows 'no new taxes', dumping ideas for bank and bed tax
National had previously committed only to "no new taxes on working people".
Newstalk ZB
National abandons plans for bed tax, bank tax amid âno new taxesâ pledge
National is abandoning any plans to campaign on an accommodation levy or a bank tax, committing to âno new taxesâ this election.
1News
Full video: Luxon, Willis speak after 'no new taxes' pledge
National leader Christopher Luxon and finance spokesperson Nicola Willis are expected to speak to media in Auckland this afternoon.
interest.co.nz
National pledges no new taxes
National rules out proposed bed tax and bank tax in promise of no new taxes if the party's reelected in November's election
Stuff
Wayne Brown âdeeply disappointedâ as National rules out bed tax
Auckland Council and central government signed a deal which included the consideration of an accommodation levy in April.
NZ Herald
Mayors left disappointed by National ruling out bed tax
Wayne Brown questioned the Govt's commitment to the Auckland Regional Deal.
NZ Herald
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to Mike Hosking after ruling out bed tax
The PM had said accommodation levy and bank tax changes were on the cards.
Otago Daily Times
âPolicy making in a state of panicâ: Queenstown mayor slams decision to rule out bed tax
1News
Queenstown mayor says National's bed tax u-turn 'policy made in panic'
John Glover says National has abandoned a chance to make international visitors contribute, while Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the move undermines a Govt deal.
NZ Herald
Bed tax backdown: Queenstown Mayor John Glover seeks urgent meeting after Government U-turn
John Glover says he may walk away from the Regional Deal over National's bed tax backdown.
Newstalk ZB
Bed tax backdown: Queenstown Mayor John Glover seeks urgent meeting after Government U-turn
Queenstownâs mayor is calling for an âurgentâ meeting with the Government after it blindsided the council with its decision to back away from a bed night levy.
Newstalk ZB
Mat Woods: Destination Queenstown CEO voices disappointment with National's u-turn on bed taxes
A tourism leader says a National about-turn on bed taxes is a massive blow to the sector.
RNZ
Mackenzie District mayor feels let down by bed tax backtrack
Mackenzie District's Scott Aronsen says a bed tax would have helped fund fixing toilets left in a shambles by tourists.
Newstalk ZB
Election 2026: âStill on the tableâ: Winston Peters dampens National efforts to ditch bed tax commitment
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has cast doubt on the National Partyâs ability to stop a bed tax.
RNZ
'A deal is a deal': Bed tax still government policy, according to Winston Peters
The NZ First leader says bed levies in Auckland and Queenstown are still on the table, even if National doesnât want them.
NZ Herald
Election 2026: âStill on the tableâ: Winston Peters dampens National efforts to ditch bed tax commitment
National has vowed not to take any new taxes to the election.
1News
'A deal is a deal': Bed tax is still Govt policy â Winston Peters
As part of its "no new taxes" commitment, National has ruled out a bed tax if re-elected.
NZ Herald
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says bed tax conversation âis not overâ
Rotorua leader spoke at the launch of Tourism Industry Aotearoaâs revised strategy.
RNZ
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown disappointed with National's 'nonsense' reason to reject bed tax
Wayne Brown says Christopher Luxon's party is panicking ahead of the general election.
Newstalk ZB
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking live
Watch Christopher Luxon and Mike Hosking live from the ZB studio.