TOP
The Opportunity Party
Not in Parliament Founded 2016
Leader
Qiulae Wong
Evidence-based policy — unity, innovation and nature.
0
Seats
0.0% of 123
Overview
The Opportunity Party (TOP) is a small, policy-focused party campaigning on evidence-based reform — most notably an overhaul of the tax system — alongside environmental restoration and a less combative style of politics. It is contesting the 2026 election but is not currently in Parliament.
History
TOP was founded in 2016 by economist and philanthropist Gareth Morgan. It has stood at every general election since, but has not crossed the 5% party-vote threshold or won an electorate seat, so it holds no seats in the 54th Parliament. It is now led by Qiulae Wong.
Founded in 2016 by economist Gareth Morgan as an evidence-based, policy-focused party; now led by a new generation.
Core values
Reset the tax system so it is fairer and rewards work and innovation
Build a sustainable, high-wage economy where people can afford the basics
Restore nature — healthier oceans and land, and real climate action
Lower the political temperature and seek long-term, cross-party solutions
Make policy based on evidence rather than ideology
Where they stand
Tap an issue to read TOP’s position on it, in our words with their source. 9 of 11 topics have a recorded position.
TOP on Economy
Overhaul tax system with universal income, land tax, compulsory saving
The Opportunities Party wants to replace most of the current benefit system with a weekly payment of up to $370 for nearly all adults. To pay for this, they would introduce a new annual tax on land values. They also want to make KiwiSaver compulsory at higher rates over time. They say this would lower house prices, ease the cost of living, and help more people get into work or start businesses.
What they say they'll do
- Pay nearly all adults up to $370 per week (Citizen's Income) replacing most current benefits
- Introduce a 1.75% annual Land Value Tax on residential and commercial land
- Make KiwiSaver contributions compulsory, rising to 6% for employees and employers
- Reduce income tax brackets to three tiers (28%, 34%, and 39%)
- Provide exemptions and deferrals on the Land Value Tax for farmers and retirees
- Remove an estimated 2,000+ MSD bureaucracy roles by automating benefit payments
Who this affects
Renters and low-income workers
The party says this group would receive the largest income tax cut in New Zealand history and benefit from lower house prices and rents over time.
Homeowners
Most homeowners would face a Land Value Tax on their land, with the party projecting property prices could fall 10–15%, while also receiving the Citizen's Income.
People on benefits
Current benefits would be replaced by the Citizen's Income, with top-ups for those on higher payments, and the party says no one would receive less than they currently do.
Farmers
Rural land would be taxed at a reduced rate of 0.5% under the Land Value Tax, with deferrals available during tough seasons or economic conditions.
Property investors and land-bankers
Holding large property portfolios or land without development would become more costly under the Land Value Tax, creating an incentive to sell or develop.
Employees and employers
KiwiSaver contributions would become compulsory and rise to 6% each over time, increasing retirement savings but also adding to employment costs.
In their own words
“Opportunity's Tax Reset is a fully-funded package of three reforms - a Citizen's Income so everyone can afford the basics, a Land Value Tax to lower house prices and Kiwisaver 2.0, a compulsory superannuation system.”
“The Tax Reset will increase incomes for 70% of New Zealanders. Another 20% will see no change.”
“Real economic growth comes from people, not property. Working together, a Citizen's Income and Land Value Tax means everyday people have more money to buy everyday things – like groceries and school uniforms.”
Summarised neutrally from The Opportunities Party’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-26) and checked by an editor. Nothing is paraphrased without the source linked. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Economy →
Leadership
Qiulae Wong
Leader
At a glance
Total seats0
Electorate seats0
List seats0
Share of House0.0%
Founded2016
Latest coverage
News and video mentioning TOP, from the sources on our coverage page.
In the news
What the Opportunity Party's land tax would mean for house pricesRNZ · 25 AugPoll of Polls: Probability of re-elected coalition falls below 50%NZ Herald · 24 AugWas it really a ‘train wreck’? Have your say on Opportunity and its policiesStuff · 17 AugHelen Clark dismisses Opportunity Party's tax plan as 'fantasy posing as policy'RNZ · 17 AugHipkins calls Opportunity’s policy ‘unrealistic’ as its leader seeks debate after Helen Clark attackStuff · 16 Aug
All news On video
TOP Tax Policy Breakdown: $19k Universal Basic Income & Property Cra…Duncan Garner — Editor-in-Chief · 26 AugExclusive Interview: TOP Leader Qiulae Wong on TOP’s 10-Year Plan & …Duncan Garner — Editor-in-Chief · 26 AugWhat does the next economy actually look like?The Opportunity Party · 25 AugQiulae and Dan's Vision for the FutureThe Opportunity Party · 24 Aug
Sources
Seat counts from the 2023 General Election (Electoral Commission). Party background from parliament.nz and official party records. Leadership verified against the parliament.nz member roster. Leader photo: The Opportunity Party, CC BY 4.0 (source ).