23/05/2026
A new proposed Wellington Airbnb tax?
Short Term Rental hosts already pay tax on profits and GST. Now the Council seems to be wanting to catch an extra income from this niche.
Is this a sly money grab that may eventually extend to longer term rentals also? Or possibly be applied in the future to the many people who run a business from home - Hairdressers, massage therapists, dressmakers, tutors, and child care providers?
Wellington City Council is proposing to charge Airbnb hosts commercial rates — around 2.6 times residential rates. For many ordinary hosts, that could take their rates bills as high as $30,000 a year, despite the average host only earning around $8,000 annually.
The reality is many hosts will simply exit the market.
That means fewer accommodation options for families and larger groups, and less capacity during major events like WOW, concerts, festivals, and big sporting weekends. This comes at a time when Wellington needs visitors the most.
This will drive up hotel prices and make Wellington less accessible for visitors.
Wellingtonian hosts actively encourage visitors to get out and experience the city — supporting local cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions. In 2022 alone, Airbnb guests spent $194 million while out and about in Wellington.
Nationally in 2025, Airbnb guest spending contributed $4.4 billion to the New Zealand economy, supporting around 33,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in wages.
We all want Wellington to thrive. This proposal risks pushing visitors — and their spending — out of Wellington.
Wellington Open2view franchise owner David Garratt chats with Super Host Julie Wilson about the proposed changes and why she thinks there may be a better option.
0:00 Intro3:30 What is a Short Term Rental (STR)?5:19 What changes is the Wellington City Council proposing?6:13 Is there a typical Airbnb host?8:32 The misc...
