11 JULY 2018

Queenstown Mayor’s proposed bed tax could choke the goose that lays the golden egg, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “As though it’s not already costly enough for people to stay in Queenstown, this tax would cost a family of four staying four nights an extra $160.”

“The Mayor might think hotels are an easy target for a revenue grab, but these businesses, which form part of the backbone of Queenstown's economy, already pay massive rate bills due to their land values."

“The Mayor needs to balance his books the old fashioned way – with sensible sending and broad-based rates. New taxes are like rust: what starts as something small will only grow as soon as the Council finds itself wanting more revenue.”

ENDS

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