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),...
Responding to this morning’s CPI figures showing inflation at 3.1 percent, above the Reserve Bank’s target band, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“While today’s number was broadly expected, it’s the next wave that should worry Kiwis. Fuel price hikes are only just starting to work their way through the economy...
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on MBIE to be transparent about which fuel-carrying ships are expected to arrive in New Zealand, so the public can have a clear picture of fuel stock flows into the country - rather than relying on five-day-old data, as released by MBIE earlier today.The Taxpayers’...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Children’s Commissioner’s “Dear Children” campaign cost $139,880.25 (GST inclusive).While advocacy is part of the Commissioner’s role, the campaign places Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad front and centre, raising questions about whether this is public service messaging...
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, to discuss why he believes the country’s public service is "fundamentally broken" and incompatible with implementing good policy. Oliver explains how the 1988 reforms inadvertently created a state where department...
Responding to news that Wellington City Council’s former CEO withheld a damning report into the Council's dysfunctional relationship with Wellington Water, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said the decision was “reprehensible, especially given it was kept from elected councillors responsible for water infrastructure.”“But even more concerning is former councillor Sean...
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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.
