Why did New Zealand’s education system "turn to custard" in 1971? In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, host Peter Williams sits down with Professor Elizabeth Rata to explore how the nation moved from a world-class, knowledge-rich curriculum to one dominated by "social constructivism" and "learnification”. Elizabeth also lifts...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act requestthat $161,985.55 of taxpayer funding has been used to subsidise insulation upgrades in Summerset's privately-run Wanganui and Havelock North retirement villages.The funding was provided through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, with payments made to contractors installing insulation in...
Moody’s has placed New Zealand’s credit rating on a negative outlook, underscoring growing concern about the Government’s worsening fiscal position.Responding, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Minister Willis is right to say this is another warning that New Zealand can’t afford to simply spend more and borrow more. The problem...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today released a new briefing paper, The Wealth Tax Fantasy, exposing the economic risks and unrealistic assumptions behind the Green Party’s proposed wealth tax. The paper finds the policy would hit farmers, retirees, and small business owners while raising far less revenue than claimed.Taxpayers’...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Ministry of Education is spending $1.87 million per year on leased and reserved car parks across the country for their fleet and visitors.This comes as the Ministry’s workforce has grown significantly to 3,835 in 2025, an increase of around 46 percent...
The Taxpayers’ Union has today written to MBIE Chief Executive Nic Blakeley demanding answers after officials repeatedly failed to justify claims that key fuel security data must be withheld from the public.The letter follows last week’s meeting between MBIE's CEO, officials and the Taxpayers’ Union regarding its Fuel Clock (FuelClock.nz),...
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The Taxpayers’ Union is encouraging political and government insiders to ‘dob in’ examples of government waste and extravagance. Experience of taxpayer groups overseas suggests that many of the best tips come from within government, particularly bureaucrats frustrated with waste and inefficiency.
Cap rates. Cut waste. Respect ratepayers. Rates are out of control. The average rates bill has increased more than 43 percent since 2022 The UK and Australia have ALREADY INTRODUCED capped rates. It’s time for New Zealand to do the same
The Government have proposed to take billions of dollars' worth of drinking water, waste water, and storm water assets off the hands of local councils and put them under the control of four new unelected, co-governed entities. These reforms must be scrapped.
In 2025, we are releasing a series of briefing papers outlining what the Government needs to do so they can "Go for Growth". We'll be sharing a series of tax policy ideas and savings that will boost our economy. Economic growth isn't the silver bullet to all New Zealand's problems, but it comes close! Only with growth can we afford world class public services, to...
We are New Zealanders who have formed a union to stand up for hardworking New Zealand taxpayers. We represent the common interests of all taxpayers and aim to become New Zealand's largest union.
We are not a political party, and we don't represent big business or special interests. Joining the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union only takes a few minutes and costs $25. Membership entitles you to attend our annual conference, AGM and other events, and to get regular communications from the Taxpayers' Union.
We rely on people just like you to support and donate to our cause to fight government waste. Our annual operating budget is currently smaller than the smallest trade union.
The Taxpayers' Union stands for value for money for government spending. We want our politicians spending money as if they'd worked as hard the taxpayers who earned it and argue that new taxes should only be introduced when there are equal decreases in other taxes. We believe in a fair and efficient tax system. We are not a political party, nor are we aligned to any.
We promote sensible restraint of government expenditure by:
Joining the Taxpayers' Union costs only $25 and entitles you to attend our annual conference, AGM and other events.
With your support we can make the Taxpayers' Union a strong voice exposing waste and standing up for Kiwi taxpayers.
Often the best information comes from those inside the public service or local government. We guarantee your anonymity and your privacy.
