Christchurch, New Zealand -2 December, 2011 - New Zealand's leading online tax refunds company NZ Tax Refunds has ranked 30th on this year's Asia Pacific Deloitte Technology Fast 500 with 1401% growth.

Hon Peter Dunne Minister of Revenue Speech Keynote Address to NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA), 2011 Tax Conference Auckland, 9.30am Friday 11 November

A double tax agreement between New Zealand and Hong Kong is now in force, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne announced today. Mr Dunne has welcomed the new agreement, which was signed in December last year.

Following the abolition of Gift Duty, Age Concern New Zealand reminds older people to think carefully before disposing of their assets. Age Concern's honorary solicitor Jock Nicolson is concerned older people may be encouraged to give away too many assets prematurely.

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne today called for public submissions on certain remedial matters focused on simplifying aspects of tax administration and compliance. Key areas include:

Leading expert and former IRD advisor professor Chris Ohms from AUT University Law School says that the decision by the Supreme Court yesterday regarding the Penny and Hooper case does not create uncertainty, contrary to the views expressed today in the media.

The release today of a discussion document from the IRD on GST and transactions with non-resident businesses has been welcomed by Deloitte tax partner Allan Bullot.

A petition signed by 40 000 New Zealanders asking for GST to be removed from food will be presented at Parliament at noon tomorrow Tuesday 16 August 2011.

People renting out their house for the Rugby World Cup are under scrutiny from Inland Revenue to ensure they meet their tax obligations.

Millionaires are the biggest beneficiaries from of the lack of tax on capital gains while the vast majority of New Zealanders would be completely untouched by such a tax, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today.

Speech to National Party Northern Region Conference Welcome to the 2011 National Party Northern Region Conference. I'd like to thank you for being here today. You are loyal National Party members and you make this Party strong.

Dear Bill, At Friday morning's ANZ Budget Breakfast, you challenged the 350 or so attendees to let you know if they had any big ideas which would have a transformational potential for the New Zealand economy, "because we haven't".

Research at Victoria University could contribute to new treatments for the costly and sometimes fatal condition of fly strike in sheep.

Fonterra Shareholders' Council Chairman Simon Couper said it was very disappointing to see dairy farmers made the target of a cheap shot that ignores the facts. In an article today The Dominion Post questioned whether farmers were paying their fair share of tax.

DairyNZ says the average tax paid by dairy farmers over the last decade is $28,225, a far cry from the average reported today.

Operating costs and business debt shouldered not only by farms but all businesses are reflected in their level of taxes paid, says BusinessNZ.

Thursday's budget is being dubbed the "zero budget" but it's actually a "sub-zero budget" says the PSA and one that will highlight the recklessness of last year's tax cuts and the Government's lack of vision for the economy and lack of commitment to public services.

Child Poverty Action Group says the definition of 'family scheme income', which came into force on 1st April goes too far.

Tax Justice supports the NZ Not For Sale campaign, which is opposing the National-led government's behind-the-scenes negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

Political parties need to bite the bullet on capital gains taxes, the National Distribution Union said today, as the new Productivity Commission gears up to review housing affordability.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says New Zealand workers have to get ready for a serious and long term battle to defend public services.

In announcing further tax relief measures for Christchurch residents and businesses, Mr Dunne talks about "common sense, flexibility and pragmatism." Child Poverty Action Group calls on him to amend his policies so the same principles work to maintain the necessary support of children.

Independent fuel retailer Gull New Zealand today slammed plans by the Auckland Council to levy a regional fuel tax which it says is one of the options to fund further investment in Public Transport but in reality is a "Highway to Hell."

"The massive vote in support of a Financial Transaction Tax by MPs in the European Parliament is good news for the campaign in New Zealand," says Vaughan Gunson, Tax Justice campaign coordinator.

"Now more than ever New Zealand needs Tax Justice," says Vaughan Gunson, Tax Justice campaign coordinator.

Core Crown tax revenue was 0.7 percent above forecast at $25 billion in the six months to December, Treasury says.

A Labour MP has told a Grey Power meeting that the top personal income tax rate will remain below Australia's under a Labour government. Party leader Phil Goff has said the top rate would increase under Labour to help pay for its proposed tax freeze on the first $5000 of income.

A Levin church is being taken to court by Inland Revenue which is chasing a $1.2 million tax bill -- something the church says is an honest mistake.

A survey of 1000 voters has shown 70 percent of them haven't noticed any benefit from the October tax cuts, which Prime Minister John Key is finding difficult to understand. The TV3 poll asked voters: Have you noticed your tax cut and what are you doing with it?

Opposition MPs complained tonight that parliamentary process was being abused when the Government inserted a new, 70-page section into a tax bill.