Over 100,000 16 and 17-year-olds worked and paid $126 million in income tax in 2024 alone. That’s almost 75% of all 16 and 17-year-olds in New Zealand that pay income tax.* Yet they don’t have a say in where this money goes.

 

Young people are supporting the economy and paying significant income tax, as well as GST, and they deserve to have a say on where this money goes.

 

More funding could go towards youth services, supporting our education system, and issues that directly impact young people, but right now, 16 and 17-year-olds are shut out of the conversation.

 

To be clear, we’re not saying you should have to pay tax to vote. Voting is a right, not something you should have to earn. But too often, people say young people don’t contribute. When in reality, they already pay a huge amount. It’s only fair that they have a say.