Responding to comments made today by Labour leader Chris Hipkins, the Taxpayers’ Union claims it is hypocritical of him to create new taxes on property ownership while using a taxpayer-funded superannuation scheme to finance his own holiday home.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, says:“Chris Hipkins – like all MP’s – has...
The Taxpayers’ Union says Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum’s admission in front of a packed ratepayer meeting that she was given a “heads up” about the impact of QV changes on rates — while the Council kept the information from the public until just two days before submissions closed — is...
A new report showing government agencies spend more than $180 million a year responding to Official Information Act (OIA) requests highlights the cost of failing to proactively release information.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tyler Groenewald, said:"The cheapest OIA request is the one that never needs to be made because the information is already available...
The Taxpayers’ Union has been contacted by Lucinda Perry, Hastings and Havelock North City Business Association's general manager, concerned about 'too much public interest' in tonight’s emergency business rates meeting, with the Association concerned that the room may fill well before the event start at 5:30pm.The Taxpayers' Union is urging commercial...
Councillors Duped Into Thinking $7.7 Million Website Was an App The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Christchurch City Council after The Press revealed the Council’s MyChristchurch “digital platform” has cost ratepayers $7.7 million, despite councillors initially being led to believe they were funding an app.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen said:“Christchurch ratepayers have forked out...
Rates showdown tonight: Hastings businesses face rates increases of up to 85 percent The Taxpayers' Union says small businesses and jobs are at immediate risk in Hastings following the District Council's new revelations that commercial rates are going up next month by an average of 27 percent in the Hastings...