What does the decrease in alcohol sales mean for the Govt tax take? (original) (raw)

• On Air
• Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Author

[Newstalk ZB](/author/?Author=Newstalk ZB),

Publish Date

Tue, 9 Jun 2026, 5:47pm

What does the decrease in alcohol sales mean for the Govt tax take?

• On Air
• Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Author

[Newstalk ZB](/author/?Author=Newstalk ZB),

Publish Date

Tue, 9 Jun 2026, 5:47pm

Kiwis drinking less could hurt the Government tax take, according to new reports.

Stats NZ data published last week shows total beverage volumes have fallen 10.7 percent since 2020

The Brewers Association estimates Treasury is likely overstating total alcohol excise revenue as much as $180 million dollars a year - up to 2029.

Executive Director Dylan Firth says it's been overestimated in Budgets for the past five years.

"They projected there would be a small dip after Covid, and then it would go back to normal, with slight increases over time. That just hasn't happened."

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