I recently purchased a phone and had the displeasure of having to pay GST on not only the goods value but also the shipping. I do wonder why NZ Government feel they have claim over the total shipping cost, when in fact in all fairness it should be the amount it would have cost to ship within NZ.

ie if an engine costs $1500 to ship from overseas and $200 within NZ, then the tax should be based off $200 not $1500.

I know this is bound by legislation, therefore in my mind it is legalised theft by the NZ Government.

Most of the time its on amounts like $30 for small electronic goods and car parts, so most likely no one will challenge in court.

Be interesting to see how much money government would have to pay out if challenged and lost.