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Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3)

Royal assent · Introduced by Hon Simon Watts · National Party

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July 15, 2026 15:47
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What this bill does

The bill passed its third reading by voice vote; no party or individual counts were recorded. According to the bill’s explanatory material, complex Working for Families rules can cause errors and debt, unpaid shareholder loans can avoid tax, and non-resident contractors’ tax can hinder aircraft leasing. The bill aims to simplify tax-credit administration, strengthen tax compliance, and reduce barriers to leasing aircraft and aircraft parts. The bill caps gifts eligible for the donation tax credit at $100,000, exempts non-residents’ dry-lease income from aircraft from tax, taxes certain unpaid company loans after deregistration, and revises Working for Families income and presence rules.

AI-assisted summary based on the bill text and linked Hansard debates.

Latest voting result

May 28, 2026
Third reading: Passed Voice vote

Decision recorded by voice vote; no individual or party counts were recorded.

View the vote in Hansard

Earlier votes (2)

May 28, 2026

Second reading: Passed Voice vote

Decision recorded by voice vote; no individual or party counts were recorded.

May 28, 2026

First reading: Passed Voice vote

Decision recorded by voice vote; no individual or party counts were recorded.

Arguments raised in Parliament

AI-assisted summary of the linked Hansard debates. Each point is grounded in the cited transcript.

Arguments for

Shareholders with loans still outstanding six months after their company is removed from the register would be taxed, preventing company value being transferred through loans that are never repaid and improving tax collection.

Arguments against

Nuance and qualifications

The Government disputed that the donation cap would materially harm charities, saying it would affect about 350 donors and that Inland Revenue and Treasury found no empirical evidence of a giving reduction.

Bill text

Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3)

Version published May 28, 2026 00:00.

Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3) EXPLANATORY NOTE GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT The tax measures in this Bill were announced as part of Budget 2026. The Bill introduces a maximum threshold of $100,000 of gifts qualifying for the donation tax credit. An income tax exemption that ensures non-resident contractors’ tax is no longer payable on the dry leasing of aircraft and aircraft parts is also introduced. The Bill also contains changes that tax a shareholder on an outstanding loan with a company six months after the company is removed from the register of companies. In addition, the Bill gives effect to several simplification changes to the Working for Families scheme, including removing low-risk adjustments from the calculation of family scheme income, increasing the other payments adjustment de minimis to $8,000, and allowing certain family scheme income adjustments to be applied by Order in Council. It also simplifies the residence requirements by requiring both the principal caregiver and a dependent child to ordinarily reside and be physically present in New Zealand and providing for a six-week overseas travel exemption before eligibility ceases, as well as exemptions for lon…
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Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3) EXPLANATORY NOTE GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT The tax measures in this Bill were announced as part of Budget 2026. The Bill introduces a maximum threshold of $100,000 of gifts qualifying for the donation tax credit. An income tax exemption that ensures non-resident contractors’ tax is no longer payable on the dry leasing of aircraft and aircraft parts is also introduced. The Bill also contains changes that tax a shareholder on an outstanding loan with a company six months after the company is removed from the register of companies. In addition, the Bill gives effect to several simplification changes to the Working for Families scheme, including removing low-risk adjustments from the calculation of family scheme income, increasing the other payments adjustment de minimis to $8,000, and allowing certain family scheme income adjustments to be applied by Order in Council. It also simplifies the residence requirements by requiring both the principal caregiver and a dependent child to ordinarily reside and be physically present in New Zealand and providing for a six-week overseas travel exemption before eligibility ceases, as well as exemptions for longer periods of absence for specified reasons. The Bill gives effect to these changes by amending the following Acts: Income Tax Act 2007; and Student Loan Scheme Act 2011; and Tax Administration Act 1994. The following is a summary of the specific policy measures contained in this Bill. A comprehensive explanation of all the policy items is provided in a commentary on the Bill that is available at https://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/publications/2026/commentary-taxation-budget-measures-bill-no-3 . This Bill introduces a maximum threshold of $100,000 of gifts qualifying for the donation tax credit (resulting in a maximum annual tax credit of $33,333.33). Current settings allow donation tax credits at a rate of 33⅓% of qualifying gifts made, with the total amount of gifts limited to the taxpayer’s taxable income. This change continues to support charitable giving across a broad donor base while managing the Government’s expenditure on the donation tax credit. This change applies to gifts of money made on or after 1 April 2027. Non-resident contractors’ tax is generally payable on short-term operating leases of aircraft and aircraft parts from non-residents. However, in many cases, the non-resident contractors’ tax currently charged on aircraft leasing is much greater than the potential tax liability of the non-resident lessor, and this is typically passed on as an additional cost to the New Zealand lessee. In the context of a constrained global market for aircraft and aircraft parts, this presents a barrier to the leasing of these capital assets by New Zealand businesses. This Bill ensures non-resident contractors’ tax is no longer payable in relation to dry leases of aircraft or aircraft parts by excluding them from the scope of the tax and introducing an exemption from income tax for amounts derived by non-residents from such leases. This change applies from 1 April 2026. This Bill also introduces changes to tax a shareholder on an outstanding loan six months after the lending company is removed from the register of companies. This strengthens existing rules that tax loans when they are forgiven by providing a clear and certain timing rule that will support tax compliance and improve Inland Revenue’s ability to collect tax. These changes will apply for companies removed from the register of companies on or after 4 December 2025 (the release date of the consultation paper that proposed the changes). This Bill gives effect to several simplification changes to the Working for Families scheme as follows: removing low-risk adjustments from the calculation of family scheme income; and increasing the de minimis for the other payments adjustment to family scheme income to $8,000; and introducing an empowering provision for certain family scheme income adjustments to be applied by Order in Council; and simplifying the residence requirements by requiring both the principal caregiver and a dependent child to ordinarily reside and be physically present in New Zealand; and providing a six-week overseas travel exemption before eligibility ceases, as well as exemptions for longer periods of absence for specified reasons. Changes to these settings will reduce both complexity for customers when applying for Working for Families and potential future debt. These changes will apply from 1 April 2027. DEPARTMENTAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT The Inland Revenue Department is required to prepare a disclosure statement to assist with the scrutiny of this Bill. The disclosure statement provides access to information about the policy development of the Bill and identifies any significant or unusual legislative features of the Bill. A copy of the statement can be found at http://legislation.govt.nz/disclosure.aspx?type=bill&subtype=government&year=2026&no=320 REGULATORY IMPACT STATEMENT The Inland Revenue Department produced regulatory impact statements on 12 May 2026, 13 May 2026, and 14 May 2026 to help inform the main policy decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this Bill. Copies of these regulatory impact statements can be found at— https://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/publications/2026/ria-taxation-budget-measures-bill-no-3 https://www.regulation.govt.nz/our-work/regulatory-impact-statements/ CLAUSE BY CLAUSE ANALYSIS Clause 1 is the Title clause. Clause 2 gives the dates on which the clauses of the Bill come into force. AMENDMENTS TO INCOME TAX ACT 2007 Clause 3 provides that Part 1 amends the Income Tax Act 2007. Clause 4 inserts new section CW 56B , which provides that income derived by a non-resident from providing the use of, or right to use, an aircraft or aircraft parts in New Zealand under a dry lease is exempt income. Clause 5 amends section EW 29 to ensure that if a company is removed from the register of companies, a person who is a shareholder or director of that company, or a close relative of such a shareholder or director, and who has a financial arrangement with that company at the time it is removed from the register is treated as being discharged from making all remaining payments under that financial arrangement on the date that is six months after the company is removed from the register. A base price adjustment under the financial arrangements rules will therefore be triggered for that financial arrangement on that date. Clause 6 amends section LD 1 to provide that the maximum amount of gifts of money for a tax year for which a donation tax credit may be claimed is the lesser of $100,000 and the person’s taxable income for that tax year. Clause 7 makes a consequential amendment to section MA 8 to remove the now redundant definition of New Zealand resident . Clause 8 amends section MB 1 to modify certain adjustments for the calculation of family scheme income in subpart MB. Subclause (1) removes overseas pensions and certain amounts of salary or wages paid under international agreements that are exempt from tax so they are no longer included in family scheme income. Subclause (2) repeals section MB 1(5B) to (5E). The repeal of subsection (5B) removes the retirement scheme contribution exclusion from family scheme income. The repeal of subsection (5C) removes the now redundant exclusion from family scheme income of certain historical depreciation losses. The repeal of subsections (5D) and (5E) ensures that deposits to the main income equalisation account are no longer included in family scheme income at the time of the deposit and excluded at the time of their refund. Subclause (3) amends the list of defined terms. Clause 9 makes consequential amendments to section MB 4 to remove the adjustments for deposits and refunds from main income equalisation accounts as they apply to the calculation of family scheme income for major shareholders in close companies. Clause 10 repeals section MB 5 to remove the adjustment for distributions from superannuation schemes from the calculation of family scheme income. Clause 11 repeals section MB 6 to remove the adjustments for distributions from retirement savings schemes from the calculation of family scheme income. Clause 12 makes consequential amendments to section MB 7 to remove the adjustments for deposits and refunds from main income equalisation accounts as they apply to the calculation of family scheme income for settlors of trusts. Clause 13 amends section MB 7B to ensure the adjustments for employee benefits contained in that section are only included in the calculation of family scheme income if an Order in Council specifies the section applies for an income year. Clause 14 repeals section MB 10 to remove the adjustments for certain pensions and annuities from inclusion in a person’s family scheme income. Clause 15 amends section MB 12B to ensure the adjustments for certain trust payments contained in that section are only included in the calculation of family scheme income if an Order in Council specifies the section applies for an income year. Clause 16 amends section MB 13 by increasing the de minimis threshold for other payments from $5,000 to $8,000. Clause 17 replaces section MC 5 to change the tax residency requirements for entitlements under the family scheme to a test that focuses on the person’s presence in New Zealand. Clause 18 inserts new sections MC 5B and MC 5C . These sections modify the new presence requirements under replaced section MC 5 to provide some flexibility for periods of temporary absence and absences as a result of particular circumstances. Clause 19 replaces section MD 7 to change the tax residency requirements for the in-work tax credit to a test that focuses on the person’s presence in New Zealand. Clause 20 inserts new sections MD 7B and MD 7C . These sections modify the new presence requirements under replaced section MD 7 to provide some flexibility for periods of temporary absence and absences as a result of particular circumstances. Clause 21 inserts two transitional provisions, new sections MZ 4 and MZ 5 . New section MZ 4 ensures an amount of a main deposit to a main income equalisation account is not included in a person’s family scheme income twice if it is refunded in the 2027–28 or a later income year. New section MZ 5 provides for the situation when a person or child is absent from New Zealand on 1 April 2027. Clause 22 amends section YA 1. Subclause (2) amends the definition of contract activity or service to exclude providing the use of, or right to use, an aircraft or aircraft parts under a dry lease. Subclause (3) inserts a new definition of crisis event for the purposes of new sections MC 5B and MD 7B . Subclause (4) inserts a new definition of dry lease . Subclause (5) makes a consequential amendment to the definition of family member to confine its application to section CW 31. Subclause (6) makes a consequential amendment to the definition of New Zealand resident to remove the reference to repealed section MA 8. Subclause (7) inserts a new definition of removed company for the purposes of section EW 29. Clause 23 repeals Schedule 38 as a consequence of the amendment to section MB 1 in clause 8(1) of this Bill to remove the adjustment to family scheme income for amounts of salary or wages exempt under other Acts listed in that schedule. The schedule is no longer relevant to the Income Tax Act 2007, so its contents have been relocated to the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011 under clause 27 of this Bill. Clause 24 sets out the clauses that amend the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011. Clause 25 replaces the cross-heading above section 215 to refer to secondary legislation as a consequence of the relocation of the empowering provision in new section 215A . Clause 26 inserts new section 215A to relocate the empowering provision from section 225C of the Tax Administration Act 1994 to the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011. Clause 27 makes consequential amendments to Schedule 3, clause 5 to relocate the contents of Schedule 38 of the Income Tax Act 2007 to the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011 because the list of Acts contained in that schedule is now only relevant to the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011 as a result of the amendments to section MB 1 of the Income Tax Act 2007 in clause 8(1) of this Bill. Clause 28 repeals section 225C of the Tax Administration Act 1994 as a consequence of its relocation to the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011 as new section 215A of that Act under clause 26 of this Bill. The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Taxation (Budget Measures) Act (No 3) 2026 . 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on 1 April 2027. However,— a sections 5 and 22(7) come into force on the day after Royal assent; and b sections 4 and 22(2) and (4) come into force on 1 April 2026. 3 Amendments to Income Tax Act 2007 This Part amends the Income Tax Act 2007. 4 New section CW 56B inserted (Non-residents providing use of aircraft in New Zealand) After section CW 56, insert: CW 56B Non-residents providing use of aircraft in New Zealand An amount of income derived by a non-resident from providing the use of, or right to use, in New Zealand, an aircraft or parts of an aircraft under a dry lease is exempt income. amount, dry lease, exempt income, income, New Zealand, non-resident 5 Section EW 29 amended (When calculation of base price adjustment required) After section EW 29(9), insert: Treated as discharged if company removed from register 9B For the purposes of this subpart, a person who is a party to a financial arrangement with a removed company at the time the company is removed from the register of companies (the removal date ) is treated as having been discharged from making all remaining payments under the arrangement without fully adequate consideration on the date that is 6 months after the removal date if, on the removal date, the person is— a a shareholder or director of the company; or b an associated person under section YB 4 (Two relatives) of a person referred to in paragraph (a) . Meaning of removed company 9C For the purposes of this section, a removed company is a company that is removed from the register of companies under section 317 of the Companies Act 1993, other than for the ground specified in section 318(1)(a) of that Act. In section EW 29, list of defined terms, insert company , director , removed company , and shareholder . Subsection (1) applies in relation to a company removed from the register of companies on or after 4 December 2025. 6 Section LD 1 amended (Tax credits for charitable or other public benefit gifts) In section LD 1(3), after limited to , insert the lesser of $100,000 and . Subsection (1) applies to charitable or other public benefit gifts made on or after 1 April 2027. 7 Section MA 8 amended (Some definitions for family scheme) In section MA 8, repeal the definition of New Zealand resident . 8 Section MB 1 amended (Adjustments for calculation of family scheme income) Replace section MB 1(2), other than the heading, with: 2 For the purposes of subsection (1), an amount derived by the person in the income year is not treated as exempt income if it is an amount referred to in section CW 32 (Maintenance payments). Repeal section MB 1(5B), (5C), (5D), and (5E). In section MB 1, list of defined terms, delete business , Commissioner , depreciation loss , excluded income , income from employment , income tax , main income equalisation account , main income equalisation deposit , main income equalisation refund , qualifying company , retirement scheme contribution , salary or wages , shareholder , tax loss , and tax year . Subsections (1) to (3) apply for the 2027–28 and later income years. 9 Section MB 4 amended (Family scheme income of major shareholders in close companies) In section MB 4(2)(b), delete , adjusted, if applicable, by subsections (7) and (8) for main income equalisation account amounts . Repeal section MB 4(7) and (8). In section MB 4, list of defined terms, delete main income equalisation account , main income equalisation deposit , main income equalisation refund , and share . Subsections (1) to (3) apply for the 2027–28 and later income years. 10 Section MB 5 repealed (Treatment of distributions from superannuation schemes) Repeal section MB 5. Subsection (1) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 11 Section MB 6 repealed (Treatment of distributions from retirement savings schemes) Repeal section MB 6. Subsection (1) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 12 Section MB 7 amended (Family scheme income of settlor of trust) In section MB 7(2B), delete , adjusted, if applicable, by subsections (7) and (8) for main income equalisation account amounts . Repeal section MB 7(7) and (8). In section MB 7, list of defined terms, delete main income equalisation account , main income equalisation deposit , and main income equalisation refund . Subsections (1) to (3) apply for the 2027–28 and later income years. 13 Section MB 7B amended (Family scheme income from employment benefits: employees not controlling shareholders) In section MB 7B(1),— a replace This section applies with If an Order in Council under subsection (4) specifies that this section applies for an income year, this section applies ; and b replace for an income year when with for the income year when . After section MB 7B(3), insert: Order in Council 4 The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Revenue, specify that this section applies for an income year. Timing of Order in Council 5 An Order in Council under subsection (4) must be published under the Legislation Act 2019 no later than 1 December in each year and must apply for the income year commencing on the following 1 April. Secondary legislation 6 An Order in Council under subsection (4) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). Subsections (1) and (2) apply for the 2027–28 and later income years. 14 Section MB 10 repealed (Family scheme income from certain pensions and annuities) Repeal section MB 10. Subsection (1) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 15 Section MB 12B amended (Family scheme income from trusts, not being beneficiary income, and where recipient not settlor) In section MB 12B(1),— a replace This section applies with If an Order in Council under subsection (4) specifies that this section applies for an income year, this section applies ; and b replace for an income year when with for the income year when . After section MB 12B(3), insert: Order in Council 4 The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Revenue, specify that this section applies for an income year. Timing of Order in Council 5 An Order in Council under subsection (4) must be published under the Legislation Act 2019 no later than 1 December in each year and must apply for the income year commencing on the following 1 April. Secondary legislation 6 An Order in Council under subsection (4) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). Subsections (1) and (2) apply for the 2027–28 and later income years. 16 Section MB 13 amended (Family scheme income from other payments) In section MB 13(3), replace $5,000 with $8,000 . Subsection (1) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 17 Section MC 5 replaced (Third requirement: residence or entitlement to emergency benefit) Replace section MC 5 with: MC 5 Third requirement: presence or entitlement to emergency benefit Third requirement 1 The third requirement is that— a the person referred to in section MC 2 is entitled to receive an emergency benefit under section 63 or 64 of the Social Security Act 2018; or b all of the following are met: i the person referred to in section MC 2 meets the person’s presence requirements in subsection (2) : ii the child referred to in section MC 4 meets the child’s presence requirements in subsection (3) : iii either the person or the child or both meet the lawful presence requirement in subsection (4) . Presence requirements for person 2 The person meets the person’s presence requirements if the person— a ordinarily resides in New Zealand; and b is not a transitional resident or the spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of a transitional resident; and c is present in New Zealand on the days for which the person has a tax credit under any of sections MD 1 (Abating WFF tax credit), ME 1 (Minimum family tax credit), and MG 1 (Best Start tax credit entitlement); and d either— i has been present in New Zealand at any time for a continuous period of 12 months; or ii is recognised as a refugee, within the meaning of section 126 of the Immigration Act 2009, who has been brought to New Zealand. Presence requirements for child 3 The child meets the child’s presence requirements if the child— a ordinarily resides in New Zealand; and b is present in New Zealand for the entitlement period. Lawful presence under Immigration Act 4 Either the person or the child or both must be lawfully present in New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009 other than under a temporary entry class visa. Presence for part days 5 For the purposes of this section, being present in New Zealand for part of a day is treated as being present in New Zealand for the whole day and not absent for any part of the day. Relationship with subject matter 6 This section is modified by sections MC 5B and MC 5C . child, civil union partner, de facto partner, entitlement period, New Zealand, spouse, tax credit, transitional resident 18 New sections MC 5B and MC 5C inserted After section MC 5, insert: MC 5B Modification of presence requirements for temporary absences What this section does 1 This section modifies the presence requirements in section MC 5 for the purpose of applying those requirements to a person or a child when the person or child is absent from New Zealand on a temporary basis. Periods of 42 days or less 2 If the person or child is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of 42 days or less, they are treated as being present in New Zealand on all the days in that period. Periods of more than 42 days 3 If the person or child is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than 42 days, they are treated as being present in New Zealand only on the first 42 days of that period. When subsection (5) applies 4 Subsection (5) applies if the person or child— a is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than 42 days; and b returns to New Zealand; and c is absent from New Zealand for a subsequent period within 42 days of their return. Trips within 42 days of each other 5 Despite subsections (2) and (3) , the person or child is not treated as being present in New Zealand on any day in the subsequent period referred to in subsection (4)(c) . Return travel delayed or prevented 6 If the intended return to New Zealand of a person or a child is delayed or prevented because of the occurrence of a natural disaster, either in New Zealand or outside New Zealand, or a crisis event, the person or child is treated as being present in New Zealand for the period starting on the day of their intended return and ending on the first day they could reasonably practicably return to New Zealand. Meaning of crisis event 7 For the purposes of this section and section MD 7B (Modification of presence requirements for temporary absences), a crisis event — a means an unexpected global or regional event; and b includes an act of war, terrorist activity, political or social unrest, pandemic, or industrial action; and c is not unexpected if,— i while the person or child was present in New Zealand, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade had published a warning not to travel to a country affected by the event; and ii the person or child travelled to that country regardless of the warning. Notification and evidence 8 A person who has a tax credit arising under any of sections MD 1 (Abating WFF tax credit), ME 1 (Minimum family tax credit), and MG 1 (Best Start tax credit entitlement) must— a notify the Commissioner if subsection (6) applies; and b provide evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner— i of the day of their intended return that was delayed or prevented and the reason for that delay or prevention; and ii that a specified day is the first day they could reasonably practicably return to New Zealand. Presence for part days 9 For the purposes of this section, being present in New Zealand for part of a day is treated as being present in New Zealand for the whole day and not absent for any part of the day. Relationship with section MC 5C 10 Section MC 5C overrides this section. child, Commissioner, crisis event, New Zealand, notify, tax credit MC 5C Modification of presence requirements for certain types of absences What this section does 1 This section modifies the presence requirements in section MC 5 for the purpose of applying those requirements to a person or a child when the person or child is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than 42 days. Absence for schooling 2 A child who is absent from New Zealand is treated as being present in New Zealand for the period of their absence if the absence is to attend— a primary or secondary schooling outside New Zealand: b a sporting or cultural tour or event outside New Zealand. Absence for Government service 3 A person, and any child who accompanies that person, who is absent from New Zealand is treated as being present in New Zealand for the period of their absence if the person is absent— a in the service, in any capacity, of the New Zealand Government; or b because they are accompanying their spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner who is in the service, in any capacity, of the New Zealand Government. Absence for other events 4 A person or child who is absent from New Zealand is treated as being present in New Zealand for that part of the period of their absence that is the result of any of the following: a the death, serious illness, or serious injury of the person, child, or a family member of either the person or the child: b the person, child, or a family member of either the person or the child is seeking medical treatment not available in New Zealand: c the person, child, or a family member of either the person or the child is subject to, or been called as a witness to, criminal proceedings outside New Zealand. Notification and evidence 5 A person who has a tax credit arising under any of sections MD 1 (Abating WFF tax credit), ME 1 (Minimum family tax credit), and MG 1 (Best Start tax credit entitlement) must— a notify the Commissioner if any of the circumstances set out in subsections (2) to (4) apply to the person or the child; and b provide evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of the circumstances. Relationship with section MC 5B 6 This section overrides section MC 5B . child, civil union partner, Commissioner, de facto partner, New Zealand, notify, spouse, tax credit 19 Section MD 7 replaced (Third requirement: residence) Replace section MD 7 with: MD 7 Third requirement: presence Third requirement 1 The third requirement for an entitlement to an in-work tax credit is that— a the person referred to in section MD 4 meets the person’s presence requirements in subsection (2) ; and b the child referred to in section MD 4 meets the child’s presence requirements in subsection (3) ; and c either the person or the child or both meet the lawful presence requirement in subsection (4) . Presence requirements for person 2 The person meets the person’s presence requirements if the person— a ordinarily resides in New Zealand; and b is not a transitional resident or the spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of a transitional resident; and c is present in New Zealand on the days for which the person has a tax credit under section MD 1; and d either— i has been present in New Zealand at any time for a continuous period of 12 months; or ii is recognised as a refugee, within the meaning of section 126 of the Immigration Act 2009, who has been brought to New Zealand. Presence requirements for child 3 The child meets the child’s presence requirements if the child— a ordinarily resides in New Zealand; and b is present in New Zealand for the entitlement period. Lawful presence under Immigration Act 4 Either the person or the child or both must be lawfully present in New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009 other than under a temporary entry class visa. Presence for part days 5 For the purposes of this section, being present in New Zealand for part of a day is treated as being present in New Zealand for the whole day and not absent for any part of the day. Relationship with subject matter 6 This section is modified by sections MD 7B and MD 7C . child, civil union partner, de facto partner, entitlement period, in-work tax credit, New Zealand, spouse, tax credit, transitional resident Subsection (1) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 20 New sections MD 7B and MD 7C inserted After section MD 7 , insert: MD 7B Modification of presence requirements for temporary absences When this section applies 1 This section modifies the presence requirements in section MD 7 for the purpose of applying those requirements to a person or a child when the person or child is absent from New Zealand on a temporary basis. Periods of 42 days or less 2 If the person or child is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of 42 days or less, they are treated as being present in New Zealand on all the days in that period. Periods of more than 42 days 3 If the person or child is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than 42 days, they are treated as being present in New Zealand only on the first 42 days of that period. When subsection (5) applies 4 Subsection (5) applies if the person or child— a is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than 42 days; and b returns to New Zealand; and c is absent from New Zealand for a subsequent period within 42 days of their return. Trips within 42 days of each other 5 Despite subsections (2) and (3) , the person or child is not treated as being present in New Zealand on any day in the subsequent period referred to in subsection (4)(c) . Return travel delayed or prevented 6 If the intended return to New Zealand of a person or a child is delayed or prevented because of the occurrence of a natural disaster, either in New Zealand or outside New Zealand, or a crisis event, the person or child is treated as being present in New Zealand for the period starting on the day of their intended return and ending on the first day they could reasonably practicably return to New Zealand. Notification and evidence 7 A person who has a tax credit arising under any of sections MD 1, ME 1 (Minimum family tax credit), and MG 1 (Best Start tax credit entitlement) must— a notify the Commissioner if subsection (6) applies; and b provide evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner— i of the day of their intended return that was delayed or prevented and the reason for that delay or prevention; and ii that a specified day is the first day they could reasonably practicably return to New Zealand. Presence for part days 8 For the purposes of this section, being present in New Zealand for part of a day is treated as being present in New Zealand for the whole day and not absent for any part of the day. Relationship with section MD 7C 9 Section MD 7C overrides this section. child, Commissioner, crisis event, New Zealand, notify, tax credit MD 7C Modification of presence requirements for certain types of absences What this section does 1 This section modifies the presence requirements in section MD 7 for the purpose of applying those requirements to a person or a child when the person or child is absent from New Zealand for a continuous period of more than 42 days. Absence for schooling 2 A child who is absent from New Zealand is treated as being present in New Zealand for the period of their absence if the absence is to attend— a primary or secondary schooling outside New Zealand: b a sporting or cultural tour or event outside New Zealand. Absence for Government service 3 A person, and any child who accompanies that person, who is absent from New Zealand is treated as being present in New Zealand for the period of their absence if the person is absent— a in the service, in any capacity, of the New Zealand Government; or b because they are accompanying their spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner who is in the service, in any capacity, of the New Zealand Government. Absence for other events 4 A person or child who is absent from New Zealand is treated as being present in New Zealand for that part of the period of their absence that is the result of any of the following: a the death, serious illness, or serious injury of the person, child, or a family member of either the person or the child: b the person, child, or a family member of either the person or the child is seeking medical treatment not available in New Zealand: c the person, child, or a family member of either the person or the child is subject to, or been called as a witness to, criminal proceedings outside New Zealand. Notification and evidence 5 A person who has a tax credit arising under any of sections MD 1, ME 1 (Minimum family tax credit), and MG 1 (Best Start tax credit entitlement) must— a notify the Commissioner if any of the circumstances set out in subsections (2) to (4) apply to the person or the child; and b provide evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of the circumstances. Relationship with section MD 7B 6 This section overrides section MD 7B . child, civil union partner, Commissioner, de facto partner, New Zealand, notify, spouse, tax credit Subsection (1) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 21 New sections MZ 4 and MZ 5 inserted After section MZ 3, insert: MZ 4 Family scheme income when main deposit made in 2026–27 or earlier income year When this section applies 1 This section applies for the purpose of determining under sections MB 1, MB 4, and MB 7 (which relate to adjustments for calculation of family scheme income) the amount that is included in the family scheme income of a person when a main deposit made to a main income equalisation account in the 2026–27 or an earlier income year is refunded to the person in the 2027–28 or a later income year under any of sections EH 10, EH 13, EH 15, EH 17, and EH 23 (which relate to refunds of deposits made to main income equalisation accounts). Refunds of main deposit 2 The person’s family scheme income does not include the amount of the main deposit refunded to the person in the 2027–28 or a later income year. amount, family scheme income, income year, main deposit, main income equalisation account MZ 5 Presence requirements for person or child not present in New Zealand on 1 April 2027 When this section applies 1 This section applies to— a a person referred to in section MC 2 (Who qualifies for entitlements under family scheme?): b a child referred to in section MC 4 (Second requirement: principal care). Start date for period of absence 2 For the purposes of sections MC 5B and MD 7B (which relate to modification of presence requirements for temporary absences) and determining the period for which the person or child has been absent from New Zealand, if the person or child is not present in New Zealand on 1 April 2027, the period of absence of the person or child is treated as beginning on 1 April 2027. child, New Zealand 22 Section YA 1 amended (Definitions) This section amends section YA 1. In the definition of contract activity or service , after paragraph (b)(ii), insert: iii providing the use of, or right to use, in New Zealand, an aircraft or parts of an aircraft under a dry lease Insert, in appropriate alphabetical order: crisis event is defined in section MC 5B(7) (Modification of presence requirements for temporary absences) for the purposes of that section and section MD 7B (Modification of presence requirements for temporary absences) Insert, in appropriate alphabetical order: dry lease means an agreement providing for the use of an aircraft or aircraft parts under which the lessee is responsible for providing crew, maintenance, and insurance In the definition of family member , after family member , insert , in section CW 31 (Services for members and former members of Parliament), . In the definition of New Zealand resident , repeal paragraph (b). Insert, in appropriate alphabetical order: removed company is defined in section EW 29(9C) (When calculation of base price adjustment required) for the purposes of that section Subsection (3) applies for the 2027–28 and later income years. 23 Schedule 38 repealed (Acts exempting income from tax: income included in family scheme income) Repeal Schedule 38. 24 Amendments to Student Loan Scheme Act 2011 Sections 25 to 27 amend the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011. 25 Cross-heading above section 215 replaced Replace the cross-heading above section 215 with: Secondary legislation 26 New section 215A inserted (Orders in Council) After section 215, insert: 215A Orders in Council 1 The Governor-General may, from time to time, by Order in Council, amend Schedule 3, clause 5(2) by— a adding a statute, if the statute provides for an exemption from income tax, for salary or wages, that is to be ignored in determining the adjusted net income of a person for an income year: b removing a statute. 2 An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). 27 Schedule 3 amended (Adjustments to net income for purposes of section 73, applying from 1 April 2014 for 2014–2015 and later tax years) In Schedule 3, clause 5(b), replace Schedule 38 of the Act (Acts exempting income from tax: income included in family scheme income) with subclause (2) . In Schedule 3, clause 5, insert, as subclause (2): 2 The following are the Acts referred to in subclause (1): a the Arbitration (International Investment Disputes) Act 1979: b the Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1971: c the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1968: d the International Finance Agreements Act 1961: e the Pitcairn Trials Act 2002. 28 Amendment to Tax Administration Act 1994 This section amends the Tax Administration Act 1994. Repeal section 225C.

Hansard

May 28, 2026

Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3) — First Reading · Full day report

First Reading Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue) (16:44): I move, That the Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3) be now read a first time. This Government is committed to building a tax system that is not only fair but works for businesses and taxpayers. It should be simpler for businesses and individuals to navigate. It should have lower compliance costs and strengthen the integrity of the tax system. The first item in the bill introduces a ceiling on donation tax credit entitlements. The charitable sector does a lot for the community, especially in tough economic times. We continue to support the work they do and part of that lies in ensuring that the policy settings are targeted to achieve the most value for money for the Government’s contribution through the donation tax credit. The credit aims to encourage and reinforce charitable giving. However, the Government’s view is that the current open-ended tax credit does not provide value for money. Research shows that the increase in donations as a result of the tax credit is likely to be lower than the cost of the tax credit itself. The bill therefore introduces a maximum entitlement of donations eligible for a donation tax c…
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First Reading Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue) (16:44): I move, That the Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3) be now read a first time. This Government is committed to building a tax system that is not only fair but works for businesses and taxpayers. It should be simpler for businesses and individuals to navigate. It should have lower compliance costs and strengthen the integrity of the tax system. The first item in the bill introduces a ceiling on donation tax credit entitlements. The charitable sector does a lot for the community, especially in tough economic times. We continue to support the work they do and part of that lies in ensuring that the policy settings are targeted to achieve the most value for money for the Government’s contribution through the donation tax credit. The credit aims to encourage and reinforce charitable giving. However, the Government’s view is that the current open-ended tax credit does not provide value for money. Research shows that the increase in donations as a result of the tax credit is likely to be lower than the cost of the tax credit itself. The bill therefore introduces a maximum entitlement of donations eligible for a donation tax credit to the lower of $100,000 or the donor’s taxable income. The vast majority of donors will not be affected. To be clear, this proposal does not stop people from donating as much as they like. It merely places a cap on the amounts that are eligible to receive a tax credit. This is about giving the donating public confidence in the system and helping to assure the future of charitable giving. The bill also supports New Zealand’s aviation sector by exempting aircraft leases from the non-resident contractor tax. In the industry and in the airline industry more specifically, operating leases have become more common owing to the global supply constraints and increasing global demand. It is a cost-effective way for New Zealand airline operators to acquire aircraft and aircraft parts, but a non-resident contractor tax is discouraging offshore aircraft suppliers from leasing to New Zealand. This is affecting the competitiveness of our companies. Affordable access to aircraft and parts is essential for economic growth and connectivity. If we lose access to aircraft passengers and freight, New Zealand and our economy will take a hit. That is why this bill makes a sensible change to exempt aircraft operating leases from the non-resident contractor tax. It’s about supporting more economic activity and encouraging more investment in our aviation sector, not discouraging it. The bill also makes important changes to the rules around shareholder loans. We must always stay alert to the integrity risks in our tax system, especially when people are trying to avoid paying the tax that they should. Last year, Inland Revenue consulted on the growing number of issues of shareholders not repaying loans that they have taken from their own companies. While many loans are used appropriately, others can be used to strip assets from the company or generate other integrity concerns. That is why we are proposing that if a company is removed from the Companies Register, outstanding company loans will become taxable after six months. This strengthens existing rules that tax loans when they are forgiven by providing a clear and certain timing rule, will support tax compliance and improve Inland Revenue’s ability to collect tax. These changes will apply to companies removed from the register after 4 December. The last set of changes amend and simplify the Working for Families scheme. We want to make it easier people to understand and to be clear on their correct entitlement. The rules for calculating the family scheme income currently are complex, making it difficult for many families to understand and apply correctly. Part of the application process requires people to calculate their family scheme income, which involves deciding whether a range of income adjustments apply to their circumstances. The proposed amendment streamlines these requirements by removing several income adjustments. It is about ensuring Kiwis who need support are getting what they are entitled to. We are also proposing to simplify the residence requirements for Working for Families. All too often families moving overseas fall into debt because they have struggled to understand the residence requirements for entitlement to Working for Families. Currently, there are different requirements for the principal caregiver and for the dependent child, leading to inconsistent outcomes for families in similar circumstances. We’ve proposed simplifying the residence requirements by requiring both the principal caregiver and dependent child to ordinarily reside and be physically present in New Zealand. This does not mean that people cannot travel; what it does mean is that families can travel overseas for up to six weeks at a time without affecting their Working for Families eligibility. Those travelling for longer and for specified situations, such as emergencies, will be able to seek an exception in order to continue to be eligible for those payments. This bill will strengthen our tax system. I, therefore, commend this bill to the House. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): The question is that the motion be agreed to. Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour) (16:50): This Budget and this tax bill are, in some ways, more notable for what they don’t do than for what they do actually do. We’ve already heard around the Budget—there were some interesting measures in it—that, in fact, those at the bottom of the heap are getting nothing from this Budget. In fact, they’re getting more pain. We know that’s coming through in subsequent bills. A whole lot of stuff has been announced, but there are also a whole lot of gaps in this Budget. Actually, it’s the same, in an odd way, with this tax bill. Now, the Government announced a whole suite of tax measures today. It announced a whole set of changes around charities and not-for-profits, and that is sitting in today’s tax bill. It announced some work on non-resident contractors’ tax exemption for aircraft leasing, and that’s in this tax bill. It announced some work on company loans to shareholders, and that’s in this tax bill. It announced some changes to the Working for Families scheme income, and that is in this tax bill. Then there was a whole lot of material—a whole lot of things—that the Government announced that’s sitting in the Budget announcements around taxation, and that’s now sitting on the excellent website that the policy team at the Inland Revenue have put together. There were to be some changes to the foreign investment fund rules that has been announced, but they’re not in this tax bill. There were some changes to the financial arrangement rules to support migrants, but they’re not in this tax bill either. There was some work on modernising non-resident contractors’ tax—not in this tax bill. There’s some work that’s been announced on the research and development tax incentive—not in this tax bill. There has been something announced around changes to fringe benefit taxes around vehicles—not in this tax bill. And they’ve announced some changes to the thin capitalisation rules for foreign-owned banking groups—also not in this tax bill. That’s interesting that this Government has announced a whole lot of tax measures, but it’s not announcing consultation on them or anything like that, and it’s not putting them in this tax bill. Why announce those measures on Budget day if it wasn’t going to put them in the Budget legislation? That is, I think, a real gap. In previous years, the Government has put substantial tax measures into the Budget tax bill; this year, well, there’s some stuff in there but not a lot. It suggests that this Government might be starting to run scared of us on committee stages. Then I do want to talk about some of the issues that are in this bill. Now, at this stage, the four measures that are sitting in this tax bill—the four groups of measures—look fairly sensible. There are some issues around charity donations. I’d just note for the Minister’s benefit, since he didn’t seem to know it at that stage, that tax credits for charities have never been open-ended; they’ve always been limited by an individual donor’s tax-paid income. Nevertheless, there’s some interesting work there. There’s some good work, some sensible work, on the aircraft leases. It’s sensibly removing a barrier around aircraft leasing that’s been creating problems for our airlines. There’s some interesting work on shareholder loans. These have been a way for shareholders, perhaps, avoiding—well, I certainly don’t want to say evading but certainly deferring—taxation to the point that it is not paid at all. We can characterise that with various words. There are some changes to the family scheme income–so changes to the way that the family scheme income is calculated. At this stage, this party, the Labour Party, will be supporting this bill through the first and second readings, but come the committee stage, there are some questions we do want to ask about all those measures and the impact on taxpayers and the impact on the Government’s fiscals, and some quite technical questions around some of the things which haven’t been done on them. For example, on the shareholder loans, I’m puzzled as to why addressing it has been done via the financial arrangement rules rather than via the dividend rules—that’s a choice but maybe not the best one. At this stage, we are supporting this bill, but we do know that this bill is a bill of gaps. Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Green—Rongotai) (16:55): Tēnā koe, Madam Speaker. The Budget, obviously, doesn’t have a lot to console New Zealanders who are struggling with the higher cost of living and the fossil fuel crisis, and staring down rising unemployment over the next few years. We would have liked to see more than what has been announced. There’s certainly much more that we could be doing to help people through these difficult times. This taxation bill has some interesting and very limited changes to the tax system. Overall, at first reading—and we only received this bill in the last hour or so, so we haven’t had much time to get across all of the detail—it appears that the changes are reasonable and marginally positive. They are a long way from like structurally making a fairer tax system, which we would like to see in the Green Party, but introducing a ceiling on donation tax credits seems very, very reasonable to us. It was interesting just now—very quickly, trying to skim read the regulatory impact statements, which were only just tabled, so I only had the eight minutes of the previous speakers to look at them—but it did say that “The existing donation tax credit settings result in Crown expenditure of around $350 million per year.”—that is quite a lot—“The empirical evidence is mixed on whether such a tax credit is cost effective in encouraging charitable giving.” Personally, in my family, we participate in charitable giving, but we’d much rather see a lot of the core services that are excellently provided by charities being more directly funded by the Crown and not relying on the whims of those who happen to have enough money. We’re seeing charitable organisations that do really important work, helping people who are homeless—like the City Mission, the Downtown Community Ministry, and Kaibosh in Wellington; there are heaps and heaps of charitable organisations in Rongotai and Wellington that do amazing work. They are all struggling because people are struggling with higher cost of living, unemployment, and reduced investment. That’s precisely the time at which those charities need more Crown funding, and I don’t think we’re going to find that buried in the Budget, but I do think it’s fair enough that we shouldn’t be spending that core money. It would be great if this $350 million—which, maybe, the Crown is going to get back by putting a ceiling on the donation tax credits—was going to charitable organisations and funding them so that they can help the people who are really struggling as a result of the Government’s policies. I doubt that’s going to be a line in the Budget. Again, we only just saw the Budget recently, so we’re still digging through it to understand it. While we don’t have issues with most of the what’s proposed in this bill—the company loans to shareholders changes make sense, and the Working for Families changes seem, actually, kind of sensible and compassionate, and the aircraft leasing changes make sense—there are some amendments to the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011. It’s unclear what changes are being made just from the summary of the bill, so we’ll have to speak more to that in further debates today. Of course, we would expect, because this is happening under urgency, that there will be plenty of time in the committee of the whole House stage for scrutiny because, of course, this bill is not going to select committee to get the normal scrutiny that it should get in our democratic system. So that is the Green Party’s position: support at first reading. We expect to have a fulsome debate in the committee of the whole House stage and be able to dig into everything that’s happening. Finally, I’ll just say obviously what’s lacking in this taxation bill are the substantial changes that are needed to create a fairer tax system in New Zealand, which would mean more revenue for productive investment in things that actually make peoples’ lives better, that support them in meaningful work that helps build our country, protect our environment, protect our climate, and electrify it, because all of that is common sense. TODD STEPHENSON (ACT) (17:00): This is very exciting—my first speech in the budget debate on the budget bills. I want to thank Minister Watts for bringing this bill to the House: the Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3), no less. Look, it’s going to be very exciting to work through this bill in all stages. Let’s get these changes in place. The Minister’s already outlined what they are. But alongside this, this really is fixing what matters on this side of the House in Government. There have been some other great announcements around simplifying the fringe benefit tax rules. That is going to help tradies and small businesses across New Zealand—very, very exciting. And for foreign investment funds rules—again, announced alongside this, time and time again we’ve heard about how this is actually holding people back. So the changes of lifting the threshold, which has been announced alongside from $50,000 to $100,000 is excellent. So I want to congratulate the Minister on all of the measures he’s put through in this Budget, and I commend this bill to the House. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): Can I just remind members, before the member starts, that this is the taxation bill. It’s not a general budget debate speech. Thank you. Dr DAVID WILSON (NZ First) (17:01): Yes. And we’ll be talking about tax. Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3) 2026—thank you, Madam Speaker. The Government is looking to operate a predictable revenue system and the current main tax base is personal income tax, company tax, and broad-based taxes already are the main income earners for us. In a situation where we are attempting to return to surplus and rebuild the economy, we’d just like some of the people that are maybe still with us looking at Parliament TV to kind of be aware of what the alternative is here. So far we have a policy-free zone from across the aisle. The only thing they’ve come up with is a capital gains tax, where they’re going to turn that into—what are they? Hospitals, private—what is it? [Interruption] Anyway, it’s completely incoherent. And then, across this side, we’ve got the approach to killing innovation and taxing success, otherwise known as the “Green envy taxes”. The Taxpayers’ Union, not usually our friends necessarily, but boy they’ve done a good piece of work here. Hon Dr Megan Woods: Point of order, Madam Speaker. Far be it for me to suggest to the Chair, but I think, when we have a Government member waving around documents from another party, we’re far from the bill being debated. You can sit down. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): Actually, that’s my call. And before the member stood up, I did remind the House that this is a taxation bill—it’s not a general budget debate opportunity. So please return to the bill. Dr DAVID WILSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wanted the public to be aware of what they’re up against here. So the alternative has been outlined. Anyway, thank you. I join with my friend from the ACT Party in approving of getting rid of the fringe benefit tax for tradies. Fantastic little bill and we’ll have more to say on all the other parts of the taxation bill as we go through this process. Thank you, Madam Speaker. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): Wow. That was close. I had my— Ryan Hamilton: So much noise. I commend this bill. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): I actually hadn’t called you, Mr Hamilton. I’m sorry, there was a lot of noise going on. So I call Ryan Hamilton. RYAN HAMILTON (National—Hamilton East) (17:04): Oh, thank you, Madam Chair. Look, this is a great bill. It’s some simple tax hygiene, some incentives for leasing of vehicles, leasing of planes—a huge opportunity. I commend it to the House. Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Labour—Wigram) (17:04): Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is my pleasure to take a call—the first of many, I’m sure—on this Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3). Nothing screams budget legislation like kicking off with a piece of tax legislation. Now, what we do know is the things that this bill is going to do. It’s quite a narrow piece of legislation and, as my colleague Hon Dr Deborah Russell indicated, at this stage, on the surface, these are things that Labour can get behind—the things that are done in this tax bill. But we will also have some questions as we go through these changes, as we go through the various stages of the bill, which is what you would expect. So what we do know: the outstanding loans from company to a shareholder as taxable income of the shareholder six months after the lending company is removed from the register of the Companies Act 1993. That is not an uncommon situation where you do have companies having outstanding loans to shareholders. And making sure that we’ve got the legislative provisions right in terms of our tax legislation regarding that is something that we do need to cover off. Charities—and this is introducing a donation limit of $100,000 per annum. As my colleague Deborah Russell pointed out, there has always been a cap, but this is about increasing it for natural purposes claiming a donation tax credit. So the change increases the tax received and the cap reduces the donation tax credits paid out. So one of the things that we really want to interrogate when we get to this part of the committee of the whole House stage is whether or not this might reduce the amount of money that is being donated to charities. This is a very important question for us on this side of the House, because what we do know with a lot of other measures that are coming in through this Budget that are going to disproportionately make some of the most vulnerable people in our communities even more vulnerable, that never before in our history are our charities going to be called into action. We’ve had a release today that homelessness is at the highest point it has ever been in our history. And the role of charitable organisations when the Government is missing in action has never been more important. So this provision around any changes to the tax treatment of charities is something we will be interrogating with a great deal of scrutiny. Because, if we were to put any kind of handbrake on people donating to charities in the current context that we’re in, New Zealand would be in an even more precarious state. The people who are made even more vulnerable by today’s Budget would be put in an even more precarious state. So that’s something that we will be looking at. There’s stuff around membership subscription and levies and there’s also about increasing the effective tax-free threshold for smaller non-profits. That’s increasing the effective tax-free threshold for not-for-profits from $1,000 to $10,000. Given that this threshold hasn’t shifted since 1979, there’s probably an argument that it probably is time to have a look at that threshold to see if it does need some movement. Again, this goes that we know for so many of our not-for-profits that are doing good work that this will make a significant difference not only in the amount of tax they pay, but actually in the compliance. So if that threshold is lifted, they won’t have the compliance that goes with needing to pay tax. But as my colleague did indicate, there are a number of tax changes that were announced in the Budget today that are not included in this tax bill that we have that accompanies the Budget, and we’re interested to know why. So just signalling to the Minister that we are going to have some questions. For example, the changes to the research and development (R & D) tax initiative. Now, I can understand why in-year payments aren’t in this bill, because you can do them already. It’s just reannouncing something that has been the practice for a number of years in terms of making available to innovative companies their R & D tax credit so they can put that back to work in their business. So I can see why the Government isn’t at haste to change the law about that, given it’s already happening. But I am interested that given that they want mining companies now to be able to claim any of their R & D tax incentives that that’s not in this Budget. So why is that not in this Budget and when is the Government planning to make the changes in order to do that? Because this is the only opportunity we get—[Time expired] Oh. I wanted to go longer. You could’ve given me longer! ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): Actually, I was so engrossed I missed the clock myself. DAN BIDOIS (National—Northcote) (17:09): This is a good bill. Let’s get it done. I commend it to the House. CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL (Labour—Ikaroa-Rāwhiti) (17:10): Reo Māori. E te Māngai o te Whare, otirā koutou katoa kei ō koutou kāinga maha, tēnā rawa atu koutou katoa. E tū ana awau ki te kōrero mō te Pāti Reipa i runga i tēnei pire, arā te pire e pā ana ki ngā take tāke. Māmā rawa atu te kite kāore rawa atu tēnei Kāwanatanga e paku mārama ki te ao tūturu e pā ana ki te iwi Māori, e paku mārama ki te ao tūturu e pā ana ki ngā tāngata puta noa i a Aotearoa. [I will speak in the Māori language. Madam Speaker, and everyone in your various homes, I greet you all. I stand on behalf of the Labour Party to talk about this bill; that is, the bill relating to tax issues. It is clear to see that this Government does not comprehend in the slightest the real-world issues relating to Māori, does not comprehend in the slightest the real-world issues relating to all people in New Zealand.] It’s my pleasure to rise on behalf of the Labour Party to speak on the taxation bill. At a time where we know and we are told each and every day that the number one priority for people across Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and across Aotearoa is the cost of living, and yet, this Government have elected to make their first matter of business, post-Budget, a taxation bill that has very little relevance to what the people, my Electorate and Community Office (ECO) staff, and the staff of many MPs around Aotearoa are getting every day. While my learned colleagues before me have advised that we are supporting this bill through to committee stage, it must be acknowledged that very few people in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and very few people in Aotearoa are contemplating making donations over the threshold of $100,000. People across Aotearoa are contemplating the 30 extra dollars a week they need to find to keep roofs over their heads. They are contemplating why, at the moment, there are more cuts impacting their families. Another thing: the Hon Dr Deborah Russell, in referencing the aircraft leases said that it’s sensibly removing some barriers. But once again, no one in my electorate has come to me and said, “I’m having issues about all these aircraft parts that I’m leasing. Can you do something to help me out?” Not one—shock, horror from that side—of my constituents has said, “Hey, Cush, all these aircraft I’m leasing, I need help.”, and yet, this is the first order of business for this Government. How out of touch. Hon Simon Watts: How did you get here? CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL: Probably on an aircraft you lease—probably on an aircraft you lease. I’ve just been asked how I got here—ha! Yeah, you should catch it home. For the whānau watching, you can’t hear, but the interjections from the opposite side are longer than the speeches they make in their contributions. Again, an indication of the value they put on what matters to constituents around New Zealand. Cameron Luxton: Yeah, yeah—this is filibustering. Go on. CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL: Sorry? You can wait your turn. You’re going to get time—and we’re going to get time to debate this further. Hon Kieran McAnulty: Wait for your 10 seconds. CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL: Wait until you get your 10 seconds! So, yes, this is the first point of business. Working for Families—again, that is actually something that comes up consistently throughout my ECO offices, throughout Ikaroa-Rāwhiti. Between Wainuiōmata and Rangitukia up the East Coast, Working for Families is something that comes up every day. Of course, simplifying that process will actually have a direct impact on families throughout Aotearoa who vote and put us all here. But I must reiterate, at a time when we’ve had cuts to Kāinga Ora; at a time when we have had cuts to Māori-specific education initiatives; at a time when we’ve had cuts to Te Puni Kōkiri; and cuts to services that directly impact Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and communities around Aotearoa, this Government is choosing for their first matter of business, post an underwhelming Budget, to discuss a taxation bill that will have very little real impact on the lives of the majority of Aotearoa. So while we do support this bill through to committee stage, I must make those points.Tēnā koe. NANCY LU (National) (17:15): In these days of unprecedented global uncertainty, this bill will join the rest of the bills that this Government will be delivering to fix the basics and build a future for all New Zealanders. I commend the bill to the House. Motion agreed to. Bill read a first time. ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Maureen Pugh): This bill is set down for second reading immediately.

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