The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s support for the campaign to cap annual council rates increases, and labelling him a 'ratepayer hero'.Taxpayers’ Union, Investigation Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Councils have been using ratepayers as a bottomless ATM. It’s refreshing to see a mayor finally admit that the current model is broken...
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has come out in opposition to rates capping, despite rates bills soaring 43.69 percent since 2022.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“As if trying to rob local control through Three Waters wasn’t bad enough, now Labour are taking another stab at ratepayers by trying...
Information revealed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand shows staff are cashing in on generous perks, with some out of the office for nearly 100 days a year while taxpayers foot the bill.New figures reveal 70 percent of staff work from home at least one day a week. Employees get five...
The Taxpayers’ Union has uncovered previously secret plans from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) to mount a full-scale public campaign against rates capping —paid for with ratepayers’ own money.“It’s shameless stuff from LGNZ, attacking ratepayers with their own money,” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union.“Documents provided to the...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for urgent reform after the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE), a government-backed gaming grant scheme, has received millions in public funding.Despite being started by MBIE and Dunedin City Council, CODE is structured as a limited liability company, meaning it doesn't have to comply with...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes reports that Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, has offered to support Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ efforts to establish an election policy costing unit. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said: “Barbara Edmonds is on the right track with her members’ bill. It’s rare for the...