Community Contributed
Levin Caravan Industry hit by Sales Tax 1979
Kete Horowhenua2020-03-23T17:00:52+00:00In June 1979, Robert Muldoon introduced at surcharge on boats, caravans and pottery - a Sales Tax of 20% on new boats and caravans.
Hugh Templeton wrote in his book, 'All honourable men: inside the Muldoon cabinet, 1975-1984' (on page 119):
'The caravan manufacturers joined the chorus of bitter complaint.'
In Levin, all 60 of the workers in the three caravan manufacturing factories lost their jobs and the caravan manufacting industry looked doomed. Workers from Classic, Pioneer and Gipsy Caravans took to the street in a protest march.