ZB ZB
Sport
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Explained: Is New Zealand a tax haven for Australians?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 19 May 2026, 6:48pm
Photo / 123RF
Photo / 123RF

Explained: Is New Zealand a tax haven for Australians?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 19 May 2026, 6:48pm

Following the release of last week's Budget, there's growing claims that Australians are looking across the Tasman with 'genuine envy'.

A recent article in The Australian claimed that with no capital gains tax, no stamp duty or land tax, and the opportunity to negatively gear, business owners and property investors have taken more interest in New Zealand as a result.

Australian independent economist Saul Eslake says this is likely just wishful thinking as a response to the recent Budget.

"People look over the ditch and see that New Zealand's top rate of 39 is lower than our top rate of 46...and that you don't really have a capital gains tax, other than on assets that are held for less than two years, so they might think that looks more attractive than Australia."

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you