In line with National’s “no new taxes” campaign fixation, Christopher Luxon recently ruled out implementing an accommodation levy if his party was re-elected. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown was “deeply disappointed” at this decision, not only because he felt it undermined the recently signed city deal, but because he reckoned what’s commonly described as a “bed tax” is in fact “not a tax”.

“Taxes are unavoidable but the bed night levy is avoided by simply not staying in paid accommodation,” he wrote in the Herald.

Is he right? Does it matter? It’s time to find out.

Directed, filmed and edited by Isaiah Tour.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol and Emma Gleason.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.