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This isn’t an office—it’s a corporate penthouse for local bureaucrats

Responding to news that Tauranga City Council has signed a $91.9 million lease for new offices and budgeted a further $33.5 million for an interior fit-out—complete with $470,000 worth of coffee machines — Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“This isn’t an office—it’s a corporate penthouse for local bureaucrats. Ratepayers are coughing up for a...

The Rates Freeze Reset Wellington Desperately Needs

On the news of Ray Chung’s commitment to freeze rates for the next three years following this year’s painful 18.5 percent rates hike, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“Ray Chung is putting a stake in the ground and saying the Council should live within its means. Ratepayers aren’t an ATM, and Wellington’s...

$5.2 million consultant spend unacceptable as cost blowouts grow

The Taxpayers’ Union has today slammed the $5.2 million spend on consultants by Invercargill City Council for the Te Unua Museum of Southland, as part of the wider $87 million dollar ‘Project 1225’ development.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, commented:“Councillor Pottinger is right to raise concern—it’s a complete...

Big council doesn’t always mean better council: Amalgamation on the cards

Potential amalgamation is today in the news as the Government pursues resource management restructuring that would scale back council responsibilities.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Better collaboration between councils to find efficiencies for both service and infrastructure delivery is certainly encouraged, so long as they reduce the...

End of term for Kāhui Ako – time to expel this failed scheme.

On the news the Government is considering scrapping the $118 million-a-year Kāhui Ako (Communities of Learning) scheme.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Kāhui Ako was supposed to be a revolution in school collaboration. Instead, it has shown to be a taxpayer-funded teachers’ lounge—complete with bonuses, busywork, and not a single meaningful improvement in...

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Share secrets. Expose extravagance.

If you know of an example of government extravagance, waste or misspending, we want to know about it! 

Often the best information comes from those inside the public service or local government. We guarantee your anonymity and your privacy. We ask for your contact details only so we can verify the information. We will usually use the information you provide to seek details under the Official Information Act from the relevant government department or council. To report government waste, you can use the form on this page or email [email protected].

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About Us

Who we are

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.

Click here for more information about who we are

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:

  • Scrutinising government spending;
  • publicising government waste;
  • Arguing for an end to corporate and union welfare; and
  • promoting and efficient tax system.

Click here for more information about what we stand for

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Join Us

Joining the Taxpayers' Union costs only $25 and entitles you to attend our annual conference, AGM and other events.

Donate

With your support we can make the Taxpayers' Union a strong voice exposing waste and standing up for Kiwi taxpayers.

Tip Line

Often the best information comes from those inside the public service or local government. We guarantee your anonymity and your privacy.