Labour rules out streaming tax following administrative oversight

Tuesday 18 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 18 Aug, 12:58pm

In this story Labour Party, National Party, Chris Hipkins, Simeon Brown, Willie Jackson

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has ruled out a proposed levy on streaming services. The party attributed mixed messaging to an administrative oversight after a member's bill proposing the tax was removed from the ballot. National Party's Simeon Brown criticised the discrepancy between Hipkins' comments and the existing bill.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 18 Aug, 9:49am

   Election 2026: Labour appears to quietly ditch streaming tax proposal as National brings it to light (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 18 Aug, 11:49am

   Hipkins ruled out new levy, but forgot his MP had a bill proposing it (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZTue 18 Aug, 12:58pm

   Labour blames mixed messaging on streamers levy on 'admin oversight' (opens in new tab)