Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
National has dumped two taxes it had been actively considering, with party leader Christopher Luxon ruling out both an accommodation levy and a bank tax as part of what he calls a new “no new taxes” election pledge.
National has slammed the brakes on any new tax proposals, formally abandoning both an accommodation levy and a bank tax as it sharpens its election message around cost‑of‑living pressure and fiscal restraint. The shift comes just two weeks after leader Christopher Luxon publicly floated both ideas — signalling they were under active consideration — before now ruling them out entirely.
Luxon and finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis confirmed the reversal today, stating that if re‑elected, National would introduce no new taxes, full stop. Their commitment explicitly rules out the two most‑discussed proposals: a bed tax strongly backed by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, and changes to bank tax settings that Willis had previously said were worth examining.
Willis said the party had concluded there was “no way to do an accommodation levy without increasing costs on Kiwis booking a weekend away”, adding that National would instead explore how existing funding mechanisms could better support councils facing tourism‑related expenses.
The announcement tightens National’s tax stance at a time when the party is intensifying its attacks on Labour, arguing a Labour‑led coalition would bring a wave of new taxes. Luxon has repeatedly claimed Labour and its potential partners are considering as many as nine new revenue measures — a claim Labour rejects.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins insists the only tax change under Labour would be a capital gains tax to fund three free GP visits. However, Labour’s messaging has been dented by recent missteps, including ruling out a streaming tax only to discover a member’s bill in the ballot that would have introduced one, and senior MP Willie Jackson appearing to entertain a lower land tax before later walking it back.
One area National’s statement did not clarify is fuel excise. Luxon recently said it was “highly unlikely” the Government would proceed with next year’s scheduled increase, but today’s pledge did not address whether National would freeze or adjust fuel tax settings if elected.
Luxon is expected to front media at 3pm in Auckland, where he will reinforce the party’s position that tax — and who plans to raise it — is a defining theme of the 2026 election.
