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Saturday 31 October 2026
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Bed Tax

Election: Bed tax divides parties with potential kingmaker Opportunity in favour… 15th October 2026 /

Election: Bed tax divides parties with potential kingmaker Opportunity in favour…

At Queenstown Business Chamber’s ASB Great Debate of finance spokespeople last night, there was more support for a bed tax among the political parties on stage.


…as Greens release bed tax policy to fund tourism infrastructure 15th October 2026 /

…as Greens release bed tax policy to fund tourism infrastructure

The party also wants to establish a nationally supported register for Airbnbs and other short-term accommodation providers.


Perspectives: NZ’s bed tax efforts have stalled but England is the latest to open the door 5th October 2026 /

Perspectives: NZ’s bed tax efforts have stalled but England is the latest to open the door

The National Party may have gotten cold feet but bed taxes are on the march, with England among the latest to consider them to help tackle visitor pressures, writes tourism academic Linda Osti.


Election 2026: LGNZ backs ACT’s tourism dividend, pushes accommodation levy in manifesto 4th September 2026 / /

Election 2026: LGNZ backs ACT’s tourism dividend, pushes accommodation levy in manifesto

LGNZ’s election manifesto urges the govt to expand the tools available to councils to fund key infrastructure and services.


Election 2026: Political parties split over bed tax 2nd September 2026 / /

Election 2026: Political parties split over bed tax

NZ First and the Green Party have backed different forms of an accommodation levy to help fund tourism, while Labour stops short of committing to one.


Bed tax backtrack prompts Otago councils to reopen talks on Regional Deal 28th August 2026 / /

Bed tax backtrack prompts Otago councils to reopen talks on Regional Deal

Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Otago Regional Council reopen negotiations with the govt.


Perspectives: Bed tax debate misses the real tourism funding problem 27th August 2026 / /

Perspectives: Bed tax debate misses the real tourism funding problem

HCA’s James Doolan says the real issue is how tourism tax revenue can be allocated and reinvested.


“Really disappointing” – Grant Webster on National’s bed tax u-turn 26th August 2026 /

“Really disappointing” – Grant Webster on National’s bed tax u-turn

With an accommodation levy off the table, THL’s CEO says some of the $3.6bn in GST generated annually by the sector should be used to pay for tourism infrastructure.


Tourism funding work continues despite scrapping of commitment to consider bed tax – Upston 25th August 2026 / /

Tourism funding work continues despite scrapping of commitment to consider bed tax – Upston

Scoping an accommodation levy is referred to in the govt’s new Tourism Policy Statement, although Upston’s office says it is not a TPS commitment.


National in bed tax u-turn, rules out exploration despite Auckland Deal pledge… 24th August 2026 /

National in bed tax u-turn, rules out exploration despite Auckland Deal pledge…

It had previously committed to exploring the funding option, putting the promise in writing in its city deal with Auckland.


…with industry reaction to reversal ranging from “gutted” to “welcome” 24th August 2026 / /

…with industry reaction to reversal ranging from “gutted” to “welcome”

Tourism reaction to National ruling out an accommodation levy has been mixed, with a leading regional tourism leader calling it a “massive blow” while Hotel Council Aotearoa backed the decision.


“A fairer deal without a new tax” – ACT’s Seymour pitches Local Tourism Dividend 14th August 2026 / /

“A fairer deal without a new tax” – ACT’s Seymour pitches Local Tourism Dividend

The proposal would give councils $1 for every guest night recorded in their area, with the money drawn from GST and existing visitor levies.