Full Breakdown
Survey Shows Growing Wealth-Tax Support as Labour’s Issue Management Perception Declines
By Drooid · · How we work
Survey Highlights Growing Wealth-Tax Support and Shifting Party Perceptions
A recent Ipsos poll of New Zealand voters found that roughly two-thirds (64%) back a 2.5 % wealth tax on net assets above NZ$10 million, excluding the family home. The same survey showed Labour’s perceived ability to manage the country’s top issues has slipped. Labour’s share of respondents who view it as most capable on unemployment fell from 42 % to 34 %, while its rating on cost-of-living management dropped four points to 31 %. National’s ratings remained relatively steady, with a modest rise on taxation from 24 % to 25 %.
Public Views on Tax Burden and Specific Tax Proposals
The poll revealed an almost even split on overall tax levels: 44 % think they should pay less tax, 45 % feel they pay the right amount, and 4 % think they should pay more. Age differences were pronounced—58 % of respondents over 65 considered taxes appropriate, compared with 36 % of those aged 34-49. Beyond the wealth tax, 49 % supported an inheritance tax, 48 % favoured taxes on short-term visitor accommodation stays, and 45 % backed a capital-gains tax.
Party Leaders’ Positions on Tax Policy
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has asserted that Labour will introduce only a capital-gains tax, not a wealth tax. In contrast, National finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis has led her party’s criticism of Labour’s tax agenda, highlighting proposals from potential coalition partners such as the Greens, Te Pati Maori and the Opportunity Party. Among party supporters, 89 % of Green voters, 76 % of Labour voters and 72 % of Opportunity voters said they would support the wealth tax, while 47 % of National supporters and 48 % of New Zealand First supporters expressed the same preference.
Implications for the Political Landscape
The survey indicates a notable shift in voter priorities: taxation, while not in the top ten concerns overall, rose to 8 % of respondents naming it among their three most important issues—the highest share since the last election. Labour’s overall government performance rating remained steady at an average of 4.1 out of 10, but the decline in perceived competence on key issues could affect its electoral standing. The strong backing for a wealth tax across multiple party bases suggests that any future tax reforms will need to address broad public appetite, potentially reshaping coalition negotiations and policy platforms ahead of the next election.
