logo
South Island officials roll out welcome mat for North Islanders migrating south

South Island officials roll out welcome mat for North Islanders migrating south

NZ Heralda day ago

South Island officials are welcoming the influx of Kiwis migrating south, drawn by affordable housing and new opportunities
Figures released by Stats NZ show 85,575 people living in the North Island in 2018 had moved to the South Island in 2023. That was nearly 30,000 more than the number of

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PM's Intervention To Kill Simon Watts' Ute Tax 2.0 Welcomed By Taxpayers
PM's Intervention To Kill Simon Watts' Ute Tax 2.0 Welcomed By Taxpayers

Scoop

time17 hours ago

  • Scoop

PM's Intervention To Kill Simon Watts' Ute Tax 2.0 Welcomed By Taxpayers

The Taxpayers' Union is welcoming the Prime Minister's intervention to rule out the Inland Revenue Department's proposal to apply Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) to all utes worth $80,000 or more and other work vehicles — a plan directed by Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts. In response to media comment issued by the Prime Minister's Office last night, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said: 'Simon Watts was pushing a new Ute Tax, without his Cabinet colleagues or the public even knowing. Had it gone ahead, farmers and tradies would have been slammed with thousands of dollars in additional tax each year – not just once like Labour's Ute Tax, but every year.' 'The documents are crystal clear. IRD was instructed by Minister Watts to proceed with and consult with the tax industry on the implementation of a new FBT regime that would capture work vehicles, regardless of how they're actually used. This was a massive tax hike by stealth.' "As far as we can tell, the Revenue Minister didn't consult with any taxpayer, business, or farming groups, despite work having been done on this for nearly a year. Had he bothered to engage, the unfairness and political risk would have been obvious. That lapse saw the Government facing backlash because it was tax boffins who blew the whistle and it took everyone by surprise. Minister Watts should learn the lesson." 'Within hours of our campaign launch yesterday, the National Party was in damage control. Within six hours, the PM's team overruled Watts and confirmed the policy would not proceed.' The Taxpayers' Union yesterday revealed documents showing that IRD had been working on changes to remove the logbook exemption for work vehicles and impose FBT on the assumed private use of double cab utes. According to IRD's own estimates, the tax grab would have cost farmers, tradies and other ute owners $100 million per year. 'We give credit to the Prime Minister and his office for stepping in quickly and pulling the handbreak.' says Mr Williams. 'This is a clear win for taxpayers and proof that grassroots pressure works. We thank the thousands of Kiwis who used our online tool to email National MPs and demand the Ute Tax 2.0 be scrapped."

GDP grows 0.8% in March quarter
GDP grows 0.8% in March quarter

1News

timea day ago

  • 1News

GDP grows 0.8% in March quarter

The New Zealand economy grew in the first quarter of 2025, with GDP increasing by 0.8% in figures released today by Stats NZ. It followed a revised 0.5% increase in the December 2024 quarter. Activity increased in the March 2025 quarter across all three high-level industry groups: primary industries, goods-producing industries, and services industries. "At a more detailed industry level, nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," economic growth spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. Activity picked up in the March 2025 quarter across all three high-level industry groups. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT An increase in the production of machinery and equipment led a rise in manufacturing. The largest decreases were seen in arts and recreation services, and information, media and telecommunications. Household expenditure rose by 1.4% this quarter, up from 0.1% last quarter. Spending on services, durables, and non-durables were all up, with the increased services spending driven by rises in cultural services, other digital services imports, and accommodation services. 'Great news' - Willis reacts to 'surprise' GDP result Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the "surprise" economic result was great news for workers, families and businesses. ADVERTISEMENT "This is the second consecutive quarter in which growth outstripped forecasters' assumptions and confirms the economy was gaining momentum late last year and at the start of this year." She said New Zealanders should "take heart that the country is back on track" despite increases in global conflicts, the introduction of new tariffs, and what she called "six years of economic mismanagement" by the previous Labour government. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds including what will happen to food after supermarket blaze, Trump's dithering over the Middle East, and winter car care tips. (Source: 1News) "I know many households and businesses are still doing it tough but the steps the Government has taken to stop wasteful spending, grow the economy and provide more support to households are paying dividends. So are the efforts of the private sector." Willis said the money was flowing through to businesses thanks to the steps the Government had taken to "reduce red tape, incentivise investment and boost tourism, and the export records being set by New Zealand farmers and growers". "Inflation is down, interest rates are down, and many families have a little more money in their pockets."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store