In answering questions about the proposed Auckland Harbour Bridge Toll yesterday, Chris Hipkins told media: "Tolling a new road is something Labour has been open to previously, tolling an existing road is something we've been opposed to".

"But that's a porkie pie,” points out the Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:

“Right now, the Government has a Bill before the Parliament to give Ministers the powers to toll existing roads - effectively changing tolls to taxes - and the replace the status quo of tolls only being applied to new roads. Despite what Mr Hipkins now claims, Labour voted for it."

"The election is nine months away, but Chris Hipkins is gaslighting New Zealanders when it comes to tax."

"It's bad enough 'no new taxes’ National aren't ruling out the proposal, but at least they're honest about it."

"In a cost of living crisis, Kiwis cannot afford new taxes, levies, or tolls. Hipkins says he knows so, but actions speak louder than words."

Notes:

Hipkins comments quoted above can be heard via here (at 3:20): https://weekondemand.newstalkzb.co.nz/WeekOnDemand/ZB/auckland/2026.02.23-16.45.00-D.mp3

More information about the Bill can be found here: https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/summer_road_trips_are_about_to_cost_more

The Hansard record of the vote can be found here: https://hansard.parliament.nz/hansard-transcript/2025-11-18/vote-bills-land-transport-revenue-amendment-bill?sId=0eaa1f23694c4985b81ae0eca459b826

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is an independent and membership-driven activist group, dedicated to being the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. Its mission, lower taxes, less waste, more accountability, is supported by 200,000 subscribed members and supporters.

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