Dear John, 

Confirmation today that Labour considered a wealth tax and a capital gains tax, proves what we already knew – Labour simply cannot be trusted on tax.

In a desperate bid to prop up his poll ratings, Chris Hipkins finally and belatedly ruled these taxes out today but as Nicola Willis said “Labour loves tax like a shark loves blood”.

Sure enough, this afternoon Grant Robertson was refusing to rule out an increase to the top tax rate.

This came hard on the heels of the Greens announcing that if they form a new coalition with Labour after the election, a wealth and capital gains tax are most definitely on the table.

Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are plainly divided on tax, so make no mistake, if Labour is in a position of forming a Coalition of Chaos government, New Zealanders will be hit with yet more taxes.

National’s position is clear: You can’t tax your way out of a recession to a strong economy. 

We will cut wasteful spending and provide tax relief - so the average income earner can keep almost an extra $1000 a year of their own money.

A National government will manage a strong and growing economy that ends the cost-of-living crisis, lifts wages, provides tax relief and can afford better public services in health and education.

Christopher.