Act Party calls for ute tax to be dropped following cyclone

The Act Party is calling on Transport Minister Michael Wood to drop the ute tax following the affects Cyclone Gabrielle had on families, their homes, contents, and vehicles.

“Flood-affected families trying to rebuild their lives shouldn’t be taxed more to help pay for someone’s new Tesla,” says Act’s Transport spokesperson Simon Court.

Court recently asked Wood in Select Committee if he would consider removing the ute tax to help families, tradies and farmers who have lost vehicles in the recent floods and storms. He said Wood “wouldn’t even consider it.”

“He tried to claim that those who have lost their vehicle will just buy an EV. He knows all too well that tradies, farmers and large families don’t have that option,” Court stated.

“Insurers and lending companies have also indicated they are uncertain about their obligations to pay the additional cost imposed by the Clean Car Discount (CCD) and Clean Car Standard (CCS), which means some people simply won’t be able to afford to replace their vehicles like for like.

“Many New Zealand businesses and families have no other options right now than to buy a petrol or diesel vehicle for their needs. They shouldn’t be punished for that.”

Court went on to say that the ute tax won’t help reduce global emissions either and that the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme already puts a cap on emissions anyway.

The party stands firm on abolishing the tax.