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
- Introduce a Citizen's Income of up to $370 per week ($19,400 per year) for most adult residents, replacing most existing benefits
- Introduce a 1.75% annual Land Value Tax on residential and commercial land to fund the Citizen's Income and reduce property speculation
- Raise KiwiSaver employee and employer contribution rates to 6% over time to build a compulsory retirement savings system
- Lift research and development spending to at least 2% of GDP and introduce technology investment tax credits
- Give the Commerce Commission legal power and funding to break up duopolies such as supermarkets via the High Court
- Reduce income tax brackets to three tiers and automate functions currently performed by an estimated 2,000+ Ministry of Social Development staff
Who this affects
Renters and lower-income workers
The party says this group would receive the largest income tax cut in New Zealand history and benefit from projected falls in house prices and rents.
Homeowners
Homeowners would pay an annual Land Value Tax of 1.75% on their land value, though the party says most would still be better off once their Citizen's Income is factored in.
Retirees and superannuitants
NZ Superannuation payments would be replaced by the Citizen's Income plus a top-up to match current rates; Land Value Tax on their home could be deferred until the property is sold.
Farmers
Rural land would attract a reduced Land Value Tax rate of 0.5%, with deferrals available in tough seasons, though farmland prices are expected to soften.
People on benefits
Most existing benefits would be replaced by the Citizen's Income, removing high effective tax rates on part-time work and reducing time spent dealing with WINZ.
Small businesses
The party proposes faster access to R&D tax credits, funded budgeting support, a new 'Impact Company' legal structure and fairer ACC and retail payment systems.
In their own words
“For working Kiwis who rent, this is the largest tax cut in NZ history.”
“A Land Value Tax will bring house prices down by a projected 10-15%, encouraging money to flow to business investment instead of property and increase high-density development in our cities.”
“Real economic growth comes from people, not property.”
Summarised neutrally from The Opportunities Party’s own official policy (as at 2026-09-07) 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
Parties rule out deals to get Opportunity’s Qiulae Wong over the line in heartland seatNewsroom · 10 SepLabour and National polling collapsing - both under 30 percentRNZ · 6 SepCoalition returned to government in new poll, as Opportunity loses kingmaker spotRNZ · 6 SepYour ultimate guide to Opportunity Party – as Qiulae Wong eyes potential balance-of-power roleNZ Herald · 28 AugWhat the Opportunity Party's land tax would mean for house pricesRNZ · 25 Aug
All news 
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 ).