Unlike in Australia, the NZ government budget shows a surplus and it’s a good time to promise tax cuts for electoral popularity purposes.

According to this story in the NZ Herald:

“Further tax cuts taxes and lifting incomes would be one National’s priorities if it is re-elected in September, Prime Minister Bill English said.

“But he wont be specific about which taxes and says there will be no specific promise during the election campaign.”

We mentioned in an earlier post that GST on local council rates is a tax on a tax and shouldn’t be there.  If they own their buildings, businesses can claim it back, but individuals can’t. The typical saving for most households in Waikanae would be around $350 a year by our estimate.

It’s an issue to raise with the parliamentary candidates over the next 3 months!