New Zealand's Tax Future: Revenue, Investment and Global Challenges
We are delighted to welcome Michael (Mick) Keen, former Deputy Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to speak at a series of events in New Zealand. Mick’s visit comes at a time when there is heightened interest in the future design of our tax system, driven by several converging pressures: expected fiscal challenges from an ageing population, questions about our tax settings for investment and competitiveness, and recent international events challenging the multilateral framework for international taxation.
We’ve partnered with EY and TMNZ to host this special event. Join us as Mick Keen and leading tax and economic experts Aaron Quintal (Tax Partner, EY), Robyn Walker (Tax Partner, Deloitte) and Kelly Eckhold (Chief Economist, Westpac) explore these critical tax policy questions, followed by audience Q&A and networking drinks.
— Key Questions We’ll Explore
- Does New Zealand need to increase its tax revenue? What are the alternatives?
- If more tax revenue is needed, what options involve the lowest economic cost, and least harm to investment, productivity and international competitiveness?
- New Zealand has recently been at the forefront of implementing complex international tax measures developed at OECD. With some countries walking back from multilateral tax and other initiatives, how should New Zealand respond?
— Event details
Date: Thursday 18 September
Time: 5.30pm (for a 6pm start) to 8.30pm
Host: EY, 2 Takutai Square, Auckland
Agenda:
- Welcome from Aaron Quintal
- Introduction from Brendan Brown, Chair Tax Policy Charitable Trust
- Keynote presentation from Mick Keen
- Panel discussion with Mick Keen, Robyn Walker and Kelly Eckhold
- Audience Q&A
- Summary from Aaron Quintal
- Networking drinks
Free event – seats are limited
Speakers
Mick Keen
Keynote Speaker: Former Deputy Director, IMF Fiscal Affairs Department
Mick was formerly Deputy Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the IMF, where for over twenty years he played a central role in shaping and delivering policies and advice on tax matters. He has advised finance ministries across all parts of the world, including missions to over forty countries, and led the preparation of influential papers for the G20 and the Executive Board of the IMF.
Before joining the Fund, he was professor of economics at the universities of Essex (UK), Queens (Canada) and Kyoto, and is now Ushioda Fellow at the University of Tokyo. Mick is no stranger to New Zealand – during his first visit as a Tax Policy Charitable Trust visiting expert, he keynoted the 2014 Future of Tax Administration conference, and more recently provided an external review for Inland Revenue’s 2022 LTIB on Tax, Foreign Investment and Productivity. He has co-authored Rebellion, Rascals and Revenue – an entertaining account of how history illuminates the perennial challenges and timeless principles of taxation.
Aaron Quintal
Host: Tax Partner, EY – NZ Private Client Team Leader
With over 30 years of tax experience spanning both public and private sectors, Aaron heads EY’s NZ Private Client team. His career began as a tax policy analyst with the New Zealand Treasury, bringing unique government perspectives to his current advisory role. An active contributor to the CAANZ Tax Advisory Group and NZ IFA Committee, Aaron provides expert insights on how tax reforms impact businesses and private wealth in New Zealand.
Robyn Walker
Tax Partner, Deloitte – National Tax Team Leader
Robyn leads Deloitte’s National Tax team and is responsible for their external tax publications. Her areas of expertise include corporate tax and tax policy. Known for her accessible communications style, Robyn regularly provides expert commentary for media and keeps the tax community informed through her prolific LinkedIn posts on developments in New Zealand’s tax environment.
Kelly Eckhold
Chief Economist, Westpac New Zealand
Kelly joined Westpac as New Zealand Chief Economist in March 2023. He began his career at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, where he held senior roles across Financial Markets, Economics and Financial Stability departments. He spent 12 years at the International Monetary Fund, working on monetary policy, foreign exchange and financial stability issues.