29 May 2002

"The decision to exempt super yacht crews from income tax means they join Maori authorities in gaining special tax concessions from this Government," says National's Revenue spokesperson Annabel Young.

Ms Young says handing out zero tax rates to the crews of super yachts makes a complete mockery of the Government's claim that people don't mind paying higher taxes.

"Rich yachties and Maori incorporations obviously don't enjoy paying high taxes, so they join an elite group who Labour dishes out special tax concessions to.

" National believes in lower tax rates for all - rather than just isolated groups - because it will benefit New Zealand's economy. That is why we have proposed reducing taxes in our economic policy.

"Unfortunately, under the current Government there appears to be two tax systems developing. High tax rates for ordinary, hard working New Zealanders and special low tax rates for those who find favour with Helen Clark. "

Ms Young says the Government is treating super yachts as though they are sovereign countries, meaning they'll be embassies on the water for tax purposes.

"If these super yachts are to be treated like embassies, will this exemption on income tax extend to other New Zealand regulations - especially our drug laws?" she asks.

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