Local Government New Zealand Hits New Low

Responding outside the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)'s Annual General Meeting this morning, where 82 percent of members voted to mount a ratepayer-funded campaign against the Government and the Taxpayers Union's efforts for rates capping legislation, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:

"LGNZ are gaslighting ratepayers. So desperate to defend rates having gone up by more than 34 percent over the last three years – two and a half times the level of inflation – they now plan to spend ratepayer money to fight ratepayers."

"This is a middle finger from LGNZ, not just toward ratepayers, but towards Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for trying to get the cost of living under control."

"LGNZ is nothing but a left-wing Labour Party political campaign. Any pretence of political neutrality or moral authority has vanished with this vote."

"Tens of thousands of Kiwis have signed the petition to Cap Rates Now."

"At 11am this morning local ratepayers will be protesting LGNZ's decisions outside the Christchurch Convention Centre. Minister for Local Government Simon Watts will be invited to address the crowd."