New Zealand’s Opportunity party, led by 38-year-old Qiulae Wong, has outlined plans to introduce a universal basic income of NZ$19,400 per year for most residents, funded by a 1.75% annual land tax that would include primary residences. The proposal forms part of a broader tax overhaul aimed at shifting the burden from income to wealth and property.
The party, which entered politics in November, projects that 90% of New Zealanders would be financially better off or at least no worse off under the policy. Its modelling also suggests house prices could decline by 10% to 15% if implemented. The tax plan includes simplifying New Zealand’s income tax system, a shift Wong described as aligning with a global trend toward taxing wealth more heavily.
Home affordability has become a central issue in the debate. Current prices stand at roughly seven times household income, compared with about three times when Wong’s parents purchased their first home. "We’ve seen more than a doubling of that in a generation," Wong said in a video interview on August 20. "If that doubles again for the next generation, it’s just a completely unsustainable trajectory."
Opportunity’s proposals also include measures to improve competition in the supermarket and banking sectors and a cap on individual political donations at NZ$30,000. The party, founded a decade ago, is polling above the 5% threshold required to enter parliament, positioning it as a potential kingmaker in the November 7 election. Both the ruling National Party and opposition Labour Party currently rule out adopting the land tax proposal, though Wong has indicated a willingness to negotiate roles in finance or revenue ministries to advance elements of the agenda.
Wong emphasized the broader appeal of the party’s policies, stating that measures such as competition reform and lobbying restrictions align with the interests of a strong economy and democracy. "Those are things that if you believe in a strong economy and strong democracy, either Labour or National should be supporting those ideas," she said. The next general election is scheduled for November 7, with the subsequent vote expected in 2029.
