Dear The Treasury,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information.

Background
On 19 March 2026 (reference 20260147), Treasury responded to my OIA request regarding the fiscal analysis of food tax relief for local producers. The response, signed by James Haughton, Unit Manager, Revenue and Economic Development, stated:
"New Zealand's tax system generally follows a 'broad-base, low rate' approach, to minimise complexity and efficiency costs. We have therefore not considered targeted tax relief for local food production, and this analysis has not been requested by Ministers."
the government has implemented or restored the following sector-specific tax concessions for residential property investment:
Full restoration of mortgage interest deductibility for residential rental properties (100% from 1 April 2025 https://www.opespartners.co.nz/tax/inter...), reversing the previous government's interest limitation rules
Reduction of the bright-line test from 10 years to 2 years (effective 1 July 2024)
These are sector-specific interventions that narrow the tax base for a single asset class. I am requesting information regarding the analytical basis for applying the "broad-base, low rate" principle to refuse consideration of food production tax relief while simultaneously implementing targeted tax concessions for residential property investment.
Requests

All internal advice, analysis, or cabinet papers that assessed the fiscal cost of restoring full mortgage interest deductibility for residential rental properties, including the estimated annual revenue foregone.

All internal advice, analysis, or cabinet papers that assessed the fiscal cost of reducing the bright-line test from 10 years to 2 years, including the estimated annual revenue foregone.
Any analysis comparing the social or economic return on investment of property investment tax concessions against potential food price interventions including but not limited to GST reduction or removal on food, producer tax credits, or supply chain cost reductions.

Any internal discussion, advice, or policy rationale explaining how full mortgage interest deductibility and bright-line reduction are consistent with the "broad-base, low rate" principle cited in your response 20260147 as the basis for not considering targeted tax relief for food production.

Any cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact statement, or social harm modelling conducted prior to the implementation of these property investment tax concessions.
If no such analysis exists for any of the above, please confirm that in writing for each item.

I note that Treasury's stated position in response 20260147 was that the "broad-base, low rate" principle means targeted tax relief for food production has not been considered. These two property investment concessions are targeted tax relief for a single asset class. The question is whether the "broad-base, low rate" principle was applied consistently, or whether it was applied selectively to decline consideration of food production relief while being set aside for residential property investment.

I would appreciate a response within 20 working days as required under the Act.
Nga mihi
Hayden Seager