The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union joins New Zealanders in mourning the death of former Finance Minister Sir William Birch.Taxpayers’ Union Chair and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson said:"Hold a mirror to Bill Birch and you hold a mirror to the transformation of the NZ economy.”"He came to prominence as an...
The Taxpayers' Union says there must be accountability after New Zealand's Civil Defence website crashed during last night's Fiordland earthquake and tsunami warning, leaving New Zealanders unable to access critical emergency information when they potentially needed it most.Taxpayers' Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:"Heads should roll. If Civil Defence can't keep...
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union says the Government's announcement taxpayers will be charged up to $1.7 billion on the ferry fleet raises a fundamental question: why are taxpayers borrowing billions to own and operate a commercial ferry service in the first place?Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Every New Zealand...
In response to reports of mounting losses from Callaghan Innovation’s business loan book, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The Government must simply stop trying to pick winners. These are either loans too risky for private investors or opportunities good enough to attract private money without taxpayer backing.”“Callaghan should stand as...
Responding to emerging proposals for a Wellington “Super City”, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling for any council amalgamation to be put to ratepayers through a binding referendum.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“These plans are being designed by the very officials who stand to gain bigger bureaucracies and build bigger empires.”“If...
Responding to reports that the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme has been put in the “slow lane” after costing taxpayers $323 million, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says voters need independent scrutiny of election promises.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Spending $323 million before shovels have touched the ground and...