Netflix tax: Kiwis shouldn't have to pay more for Labour's favourite shows

ACT Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Todd Stephenson says Labour’s proposed “Netflix tax” is just another cost-of-living hit dressed up as cultural policy.

“Streaming giants aren’t charities. If the Government slaps a levy on Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime, those companies will pass the cost straight on to Kiwi subscribers," says Mr Stephenson.

“Netflix is already expensive enough. Just as we're getting the cost of housing and groceries under control, Labour wants to come in and hike the price of entertainment, just so they can funnel money to their buddies in the screen sector.

“Labour wants Kiwis to pay more each month to fund the likes of Celebrity Treasure Island, Jacinda Ardern documentaries, 'public interest' journalism, and other productions that New Zealanders would never choose to fund voluntarily.

“This is classic Labour. They’ve never seen a problem they don’t think can be solved with a new tax or levy.

“What’s missing from this whole discussion is a clear explanation of what the actual problem is. If the goal is to support local content, New Zealanders can already do that by watching local programmes or streaming content on TVNZ+ if they enjoy it.

“ACT doesn’t believe the answer is forcing people to subsidise content they may never watch through higher subscription fees. Viewers should decide what succeeds, not politicians imposing costs and picking winners from Wellington.”