Election 2026: More taxes have been proposed for this election than any other. But every tax has a cost – Sir John Key

Opinion bySir John KeyNZ Herald·12 Sep, 2026 01:00 AM5 mins to readSir John Key is a former Prime Minister of New Zealand and a former leader of the National Party.Sir John Key warns that even if you don't pay a new tax, you will feel its effects. Photo / Alyse Wright Tax. A short little word. Seems innocuous.People often tell pollsters and talkback hosts they’re up for paying more tax. After all, who wouldn’t pay a bit more to get a faster commute? Or to make sure Gran gets her hip operation sooner? However, in my experience, what they usually