Camera, film prices ‘ridiculous’ in N.Z.

Press, 21 April 1982, Page 12

Camera, film prices ‘ridiculous’ in N.Z.

The photographic industry in New Zealand is overtaxed and prices for cameras and film are ridiculous, according to the Photo Marketing Association.

Sales taxes of 40 per cent an film and 50 per cent on most photographic equipment means that New Zealand prices for those things ire higher than the corresponding prices in other countries.

The chairman of the association, Mr M. J. Gosney, said that a single-lens reflex camera, which sold in* Los Angeles for the equivalent of SNZ33O, cost $lO5O in New Zealand. The difference was made up partly ol sales tax of $225 and $45 in customs duty in New Zealand.

“The Government makes more out of it than either the wholesaler or retailer,” Mr Gosney said.

Kodak N.Z., Ltd, announced price increases last

Tuesday. A 24-exposure Kodacoloiir film now sells retail at $6.38.

Mr Gosney said that the same film could be bought overseas for the equivalent Jf about SNZ2.SO. The association was worried that levels of sales :ax might be increased in the future. The association had approached the Government a number of times about the matter and had been "asked to take a low profile because the whole question of tax was being looked into.”

Members of the association were prepared to accept their share of the sales-tax burden but believed that the share should be equitable with other leisure-orientated industries.

Mr Gosney said, “Photographs have become a part of life for New Zealanders and the association has a duty to press for a fair deal on sales tax, with a resultant reduction in prices.”