Bureaucracy is still booming — taxpayers need a smaller, sharper government

Bureaucracy is still booming — taxpayers need a smaller, sharper government

Responding to ACT Leader David Seymour’s comments calling out New Zealand’s bloated executive, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:

“Taxpayers are sick of funding a government that looks more like a political participation programme than a lean, effective executive. With 82 portfolios, 28 ministers, and 41 departments, it’s no wonder no one’s accountable.”

“Since 2017, the number of core public servants has jumped from 47,252 to 63,537 — a 34% increase,  more than triple population growth over the same period. Titles and departments keep multiplying, but results don’t.”

“New Zealand has fewer people, yet more ministers than South Korea or the UK. The system is bloated, duplicative, and wasteful — and taxpayers are footing the bill.”

“The test for Nicola Willis in Budget 2025 is simple: to help get the books back in black, abolish pointless portfolios, fold duplicative departments, and deliver fewer ministries that actually work.”