New Year’s Resolution: 2026 is the year to Open the Books

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for 2026 to be the year that MPs’ expenses become publicly available under the Official Information Act. At the moment, the public only access MP’s total spending, with the details of transactions and goods/services kept secret. 

 Taxpayers’ Union Head of Policy and Legislative Affairs, James Ross, said: 

“Ministers’ expenses are publicly available. Public servants’ expenses are publicly available. And in most democracies across the world, MPs’ expenses are publicly available. Why not in New Zealand?” 

“When any information does surface, it is through controversy rather than transparency. Te Pāti Māori’s junkets overseas and Labour’s hiring of a social media manager are just some of the examples that have been made public.” 

“That lack of transparency is why 18,397 Kiwis submitted to the Select Committee calling on Parliament to Open the Books. But MPs ignored those who pay their bills, passing the Parliament Billwithout any amendments to make Parliament’s spending transparent.” 

“New Zealand MPs like to claim that our Government is open and transparent. But this is the fly in the ointment.  We say 2026 should be the year to bring us into line with other jurisdictions. Taxpayers should be able to know what their representatives are spending our money on.” 

“What better New Year’s Resolution than bringing New Zealand into line with transparent Parliamentary democracies? Let’s get it done.” 

The petition to Open the Books can be found at www.OpenTheBooks.nz.