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  1.  Taxpayers’ Union Calls Out Green Party’s OIA Hypocrisy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Green Party’s hypocrisy, after it demanded on-board fishing camera footage from private operators continue to be made public under the Official Information Act while not backing reforms to extend transparency to their own MPs’ expenses.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Rhys Hurley...

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  2. Taxpayer Update: 30,000 now Cap Rates Now 🎉 | Nicola Willis *grows* the public service 📈 | StatsNZ take ‘swag’ to the next level 🦹‍♂️

    HiGood morning! Some good news: our Cap Rates now petition has hit 30,000 signatures! Massive thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign. Also this week, DIA can't keep track of its results (what else is new?), StatsNZ accidentally built a reward scheme for being difficult, and some changes at...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 30,000 now Cap Rates Now 🎉 | Nicola Willis *grows* the public service 📈 | StatsNZ take ‘swag’ to the next level 🦹‍♂️

  3. REVEALED: Creative NZ's LGNZ Talkfest - Time To Scrap the Arts Bureaucracy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Creative New Zealand spent more than $21,958 sponsoring and attending Local Government New Zealand’s SuperLocal 2025 conference.As a “Silver Sponsor” of the event, CNZ spent $15,000 (excl GST) to a panel titled The Role of Local Government in Building Communities,...

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  4. REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki Spin Department Hid $765,000 in $2.74 Million Comms Team

     Only thanks to an anonymous tipper, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Oranga Tamariki failed to disclose six additional comms staff at a cost of nearly $765,000.We had previously revealed through the original OIA response, Oranga Tamariki’s supposed 14-man comms team at a...

    Read more about REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki Spin Department Hid $765,000 in $2.74 Million Comms Team

  5. Double Dipping Tourist Tax: National’s Mt Cook Diversion

    The Taxpayers’ Union is criticising the National Party’s newly-announced ‘foreign visitor charge’ for popular Department of Conservation sites, calling it a distraction from the real economic challenges facing the country.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We were expecting a real economic announcement at the conference, a plan to get...

    Read more about Double Dipping Tourist Tax: National’s Mt Cook Diversion

  8. 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬, 𝐀𝐍𝐙, 𝐀𝐒𝐁, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a major campaign targeting Scott Simpson's Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill, which includes retrospective provisions that would extinguish a live class action brought by tens of thousands of bank customers against ANZ and ASB banks.The campaign has been...

    Read more about 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬, 𝐀𝐍𝐙, 𝐀𝐒𝐁, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲

  9. REVEALED: The Report So Secret, You Can't Even Know Its Name

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal in response to an Official Information Act request that KiwiRail and the Minister of Rail have refused to so much as share the name of a Kiwirail briefing about underperforming rail lines.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Transparency is dying, with more and...

    Read more about REVEALED: The Report So Secret, You Can't Even Know Its Name

  11. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes release of council performance metrics

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today welcomed Minister Simon Watt’s release of local government performance metrics, enabling greater transparency for council performance.Taxpayers' Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren, said:“The release of these metrics has been widely anticipated. More transparency is essential in reining in council decision making.”“The difficulty for...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes release of council performance metrics

  12. DOC Parking Charges at Pancake Rocks Leaves Kiwis Paying Twice

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Department of Conservation for introducing paid parking at Punakaiki’s iconic Pancake Rocks, saying the trial is not 'user pays', but gouging domestic travellers to visit our national parks.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“We already have a tourism levy that’s...

    Read more about DOC Parking Charges at Pancake Rocks Leaves Kiwis Paying Twice

  14. Former Minister of Revenue and Medical Doctor Join the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Board of Directors

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Hon. Stuart Nash and Dr John Harman. Their combined expertise strengthens the organisation’s leadership as it continues to champion lower taxes, less waste, and more accountability.Stuart Nash, a...

    Read more about Former Minister of Revenue and Medical Doctor Join the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Board of Directors

  16. REVEALED: $4.3 Million Keep It Real Campaign Logs Off

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal reveal through an Official Information request that the Department of Internal Affairs' Keep It Real Online campaign has cost taxpayers more than $4.3 million (excl. GST) since 2020. Despite the spending, there's little evidence of any measurable real-world impact.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“This...

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  17. Nicola Willis Is Again Fiddling at the Edges While Kiwis Pay the Price

    The Taxpayers’ Union is accusing the Government of putting politics ahead of principle after they once again side with big banks, leaving ordinary New Zealanders and small businesses out in the cold.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This Government is dodging the hard decisions and instead opting for cosmetic fixes...

    Read more about Nicola Willis Is Again Fiddling at the Edges While Kiwis Pay the Price

  19. Willis Fails to Deliver: Taxpayers Still Paying for Bigger Public Service

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Finance Minister Nicola Willis for failing to deliver a leaner, more efficient public service, with new figures revealing that the public service is now larger than it was at the 2023 election, despite months of so-called ‘cuts’.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“With a structural...

    Read more about Willis Fails to Deliver: Taxpayers Still Paying for Bigger Public Service

  20. Tauranga’s weak excuses to keep cocktail list a secret 'non-transparent'

    The decision to withhold the list of invitees at a $40,000 private cocktail party, organised by Tauranga City Council to farewell its appointed commissioners, has been found unreasonable by the Chief Ombudsman.Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“At the end of the day, it’s...

    Read more about Tauranga’s weak excuses to keep cocktail list a secret 'non-transparent'

  21. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: NZ's favourite mayors revealed 📊 | Waikato Regional Council U-Turns on LGNZ 💔

    Hi,This week, we reveal the nation’s most popular metro mayor (hint: it’s not Wellington's Tory Whanau…), take a look at rising inflation (sexy subject, we know) and expose the apps costing you/taxpayers up to $18 per download.Waikato Ratepayers Stitched Up – Council Re-Joins LGNZ 😱💸Just weeks after Waikato...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: NZ's favourite mayors revealed 📊 | Waikato Regional Council U-Turns on LGNZ 💔

  22. DOC Reshuffle Fails to Deliver for Taxpayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Department of Conservation’s latest staffing changes as another weak attempt to dodge real savings, saying the bureaucracy remains overstaffed and under-accountable.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf, said:“After months of dragging their feet DOC has finally confirmed some actual job losses, but let’s not kid ourselves.”“We...

    Read more about DOC Reshuffle Fails to Deliver for Taxpayers

  23. Quigley has no option but to go: Reserve Bank Chair misled public and undermined trust

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the resignation of Reserve Bank Chair Neil Quigley, saying his position is now untenable following revelations in the last 24 hours that he misled the public over Adrian Orr’s departure as Governor.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"This has gone beyond questions...

    Read more about Quigley has no option but to go: Reserve Bank Chair misled public and undermined trust

  25. Taxpayers’ Union Endorses Green Party's Local Government Rates Policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union is endorsing the Wellington Green Party local candidates’ and independent Wellington Mayoral candidate Alex Baker’s policy to shift local government rates to be solely based on land and not tax capital improvement as part of rates.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“The Greens are right on...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Endorses Green Party's Local Government Rates Policy

  27. REVEALED: $218,000 Reo App Free-for-All Across Government

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information request that seven government departments and councils have spent $218,012 developing their own separate Māori language and cultural training apps despite the existence of a national Māori Language Commission and multiple taxpayer-funded training programmes already in place.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator,...

    Read more about REVEALED: $218,000 Reo App Free-for-All Across Government

  28. Councils Fuel the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Rates Caps Needed Now

     Responding to Statistics New Zealand’s announcement that annual inflation has climbed to 2.7 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Councils are driving a cost-of-living crisis. The latest figures show annual inflation hitting 2.7 percent, and more inflation pain is on the way next quarter as the latest round of rates...

    Read more about Councils Fuel the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Rates Caps Needed Now

  29. More Delays, More Waste: Time To Scrap National Ticketing

    The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to news the $1.4 billion National Ticketing Solution provider Cubic has had its credit rating dropped, in addition to falling behind targets due to technical complications with the project.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“How many more red flags does the Government need? Instead of choosing...

    Read more about More Delays, More Waste: Time To Scrap National Ticketing

  30. Taxpayer Update: RATEPAYER VICTORY 🎉 | Woke banking 2.0 🏦 | Froggy hide and seek 🐸

    Hi,You may have seen we took a little trip to the Local Government NZ conference this week…  RATEPAYER VICTORY on Rates Capping 🥳Our Big Beautiful Cap Rates Now truck certainly got heads turning at the LGNZ conference, and outside we had Local Government Minister Simon Watts confirm that yes,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: RATEPAYER VICTORY 🎉 | Woke banking 2.0 🏦 | Froggy hide and seek 🐸

  31. REVEALED: New Plymouth Attendance Records Expose Gaps on the Council Bench

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that some New Plymouth District councillors have missed dozens of official meetings. Released attendance records show multiple councillors regularly giving no apology at all for absences, despite being paid to represent ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about REVEALED: New Plymouth Attendance Records Expose Gaps on the Council Bench

  32. FamilyBoost or Fiscal Blowout? Taxpayer Handouts Shouldn’t Go to the Top Earners

    Responding to news that the Government is extending childcare subsidies to families earning up to $229,100 a year, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling the move completely out of touch.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“If you're pulling in nearly double the average household income, you do not need a handout...

    Read more about FamilyBoost or Fiscal Blowout? Taxpayer Handouts Shouldn’t Go to the Top Earners

  33. Unacceptable: Blunder to cost New Plymouth ratepayers $3 million

    A significant blunder in New Plymouth’s annual plan, described as a ‘typo’, could see ratepayers pay more than $100 this year than initially indicated.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“It’s hard to understate how much of a cock-up this is. Ratepayers deserve far better attention to...

    Read more about Unacceptable: Blunder to cost New Plymouth ratepayers $3 million

  35. The Pork Barrel Casino: More Than Half of Provincial Growth Fund Loans at Risk

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Crown Regional Holdings (formerly the Provincial Growth Fund) after a new report revealed more than 54 percent of its $257 million loan book is at risk of default or impairment and three more recipients have gone into liquidation since the report was finalised.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman...

    Read more about The Pork Barrel Casino: More Than Half of Provincial Growth Fund Loans at Risk

  37. Council reforms announcement a 'welcome course of travel' - devil is in the details

    The Minister for Local Government has today announced plans to refocus councils through the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to Parliament.Sam Warren, Campaigns Manager for Local Government at the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“The announcement is a welcome the course of travel to improve a desperately broken sector. But...

    Read more about Council reforms announcement a 'welcome course of travel' - devil is in the details

  38. 2025 Rates Dashboard Exposes Out of Control Rates Burden

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched the 2025 New Zealand Rates Dashboard at RatesDashboard.nzThe Rates Dashboard is for ratepayers to track and compare their council's annual and cumulative rates increases with councils across New Zealand. It shows the average cumulative rates increase over the current three-year council term is an astonishing...

    Read more about 2025 Rates Dashboard Exposes Out of Control Rates Burden

  39. REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki’s $2 Million PR Team – No One Paid Under $100K

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through a Official Information Act request, that Oranga Tamariki is burning through $1.97 million a year on salaries for a 14-person communications team.Every single one of these staff earn over $100,000.The team includes media advisors, senior comms managers, and a organisational communications manager.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations...

    Read more about REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki’s $2 Million PR Team – No One Paid Under $100K

  40. Taxpayer Update: Top 10 ways to fix local govt 🔨 | Shock political poll 😮 | Whangārei's $1.6 million patio

    Hi,Bumper newsletter today. It's poll time (and this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll is more dramatic than usual...).And the local government file is running red hot. Today's we're publishing our latest local government briefing paper: Building Better Councils.Let's get into it.💥 Building Better Councils: Ten ways to tackle unaccountable 'Big Council' 💥Despite everything...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Top 10 ways to fix local govt 🔨 | Shock political poll 😮 | Whangārei's $1.6 million patio

  42. Tauranga’s Mayor Needs To Collaborate, Not Amalgamate

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale for pushing amalgamation across the Bay of Plenty, as combining councils means less local control and higher costs, not more efficiency.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Amalgamation is always sold as a cost-saving silver bullet but the Auckland...

    Read more about Tauranga’s Mayor Needs To Collaborate, Not Amalgamate

  43. Far North double-digit rates increase calls for action on rates capping

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is criticising Far North District Council following a 10.95 percent rates increase, just a notch below the 11.3 percent initially proposed.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager for Local Government, Sam Warren, said:“These double-digit rates increases have become the norm across New Zealand, and its unacceptable.”“We...

    Read more about Far North double-digit rates increase calls for action on rates capping

  44. ‘Another gone, more to follow’ as Waikato Regional Council ditches LGNZ

    The Taxpayers’ Union has praised Waikato Regional Council for its decision to withdraw its membership to Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) citing costs, relevance, and left-leaning politicalisation.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Councils have woken up to how disconnected LGNZ are from reality. Their six-figure memberships provide...

    Read more about ‘Another gone, more to follow’ as Waikato Regional Council ditches LGNZ

  45. Reserve Bank Holds OCR, But Councils Keep Piling On the Pressure

    Commenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 3.25 percent, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Housing is the biggest driver of the cost-of-living crisis, and runaway rates bills are making it worse. Just weeks after councils pushed through hikes averaging 8.71 percent, households...

    Read more about Reserve Bank Holds OCR, But Councils Keep Piling On the Pressure

  46. Bureaucrats Paid around 30 Percent More Than Kiwis And Still Unhappy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the public service after the release of the 2025 Public Service Census, which reveals widespread dissatisfaction among government workers, despite enjoying average salaries of $101,700 - around 30 percent more than the average Kiwi.According to the census:Only 34 percent of public servants are...

    Read more about Bureaucrats Paid around 30 Percent More Than Kiwis And Still Unhappy

  47. Taxpayers’ Union Applauds Christchurch Mayor Backing Rates Cap

     The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s support for the campaign to cap annual council rates increases, and labelling him a 'ratepayer hero'.Taxpayers’ Union, Investigation Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Councils have been using ratepayers as a bottomless ATM. It’s refreshing to see a mayor finally admit that the current model is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Applauds Christchurch Mayor Backing Rates Cap

  50. REVEALED: LGNZ’s secret campaign to attack ratepayers with their own money

    The Taxpayers’ Union has uncovered previously secret plans from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) to mount a full-scale public campaign against rates capping —paid for with ratepayers’ own money.“It’s shameless stuff from LGNZ, attacking ratepayers with their own money,” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union.“Documents provided...

    Read more about REVEALED: LGNZ’s secret campaign to attack ratepayers with their own money

  51. CODE Gaming Taxpayers as Millions Vanish Without Accountability

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for urgent reform after the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE), a government-backed gaming grant scheme, has received millions in public funding.Despite being started by MBIE and Dunedin City Council, CODE is structured as a limited liability company, meaning it doesn't have to...

    Read more about CODE Gaming Taxpayers as Millions Vanish Without Accountability

  52. Barbara Edmonds Leads Where Government Fails on Policy Scrutiny

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes reports that Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, has offered to support Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ efforts to establish an election policy costing unit.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Barbara Edmonds is on the right track with her members’ bill. It’s rare for the...

    Read more about Barbara Edmonds Leads Where Government Fails on Policy Scrutiny

  53. Stop the Secrecy: Whānau Ora Probe Shows Why OIA Must Follow the Money

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for immediate legislative reform to bring all 75% taxpayer-funded organisations, including Whānau Ora commissioning agencies, under the Official Information Act (OIA), following a New Zealand Herald investigation into Pasifika Futures and potential conflicts of interest in the distribution of public funds.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Stop the Secrecy: Whānau Ora Probe Shows Why OIA Must Follow the Money

  54. Lost $29 million satellite proves space pet projects need to end

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on all New Zealanders to “check their local lost and found” after the Environmental Defense Fund's taxpayer funded, $29 million dollar satellite had been deemed lost.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“While it is true that the Government misplaces taxpayer money every minute, the...

    Read more about Lost $29 million satellite proves space pet projects need to end

  55. Pay Up, Performance Down: Why Are We Still Funding Dud SOEs?

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today calling on the Government to privatise State‑Owned Enterprises (SOEs) following Treasury analysis revealing alarming disconnects between executive pay and corporate performance.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Simeon Brown is right to call out underperforming SOEs, but strongly worded letters won’t fix a broken model. He...

    Read more about Pay Up, Performance Down: Why Are We Still Funding Dud SOEs?

  56. REVEALED: $290k Interisland Probe Reinforces Case to Sell the Ships 

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through an Official Information Act request, that the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has already spent $293,024 (exc. GST) investigating the grounding of the Aratere ferry.The interim report alone cost $34,958 to prepare, including payments to external engineers, psychologists, and advisors. TAIC...

    Read more about REVEALED: $290k Interisland Probe Reinforces Case to Sell the Ships 

  57. Paw-litical Madness: Puppy Penalties Bury Ratepayers in Red Tape

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tasman District Council for treating family pets like major infrastructure projects, after a local dog owner was slapped with a jaw-dropping $1,400 fee for a resource consent just to keep three dogs on his property.“In Tasman, puppies now need planning permission,” says Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Paw-litical Madness: Puppy Penalties Bury Ratepayers in Red Tape

  58. Part-Privatisation Isn’t Enough: Government Must Offload the Ferry Mess Entirely

    The Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the Government’s openness to part-privatising the Interislander ferry service, but says it doesn’t go far enough to reduce the burden on taxpayers or help address New Zealand’s growing public debt.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The Interislander project has become an expensive fiasco. Costs have ballooned,...

    Read more about Part-Privatisation Isn’t Enough: Government Must Offload the Ferry Mess Entirely

  59. REVEALED: Invercargill Consultant Bill Tops $7.3 Million

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal under Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Invercargill City Council spent $7,334,394 on consultants and legal services in just three years.The spending includes fees for everything from strategy consultants and cultural engagement advisers to legal firms and planning experts.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about REVEALED: Invercargill Consultant Bill Tops $7.3 Million

  60. Taxpayer Update: We meet with Watts in his Beehive office 💥 | Cap Rates Now hits 25,000 signatures📝 | The Greens fiscal 'strategy' 🦄

    📌 View Online | 🚀 Share on FacebookHi,First and foremost, in the last few hours we learnt the sad news of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp's death. The Taxpayers' Union has expressed our condolences to those close to Ms Kemp – you can read our media statement here.A...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: We meet with Watts in his Beehive office 💥 | Cap Rates Now hits 25,000 signatures📝 | The Greens fiscal 'strategy' 🦄

  61. Taxpayers’ Union calls for rates caps now following today’s 12 percent rates increase in Wellington

    Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Sam Warren said:“There’s no doubt at all we need rates cap, but clearly we can’t afford to wait for another year of double-digit rates hikes.”“Months and years of dysfunction have come to a crescendo. It’s a crushing decision while...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls for rates caps now following today’s 12 percent rates increase in Wellington

  62. REVEALED: $114,000 Welcome Signs Proposed Next to Existing NZTA Signs — Community Board Must Vote No

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Clifton Community Board today to reject a proposal to spend $113,850 ($99,000 plus GST) of ratepayer money on two “Welcome to Urenui” signs placed next to existing NZTA signage. This will be decided by the board during a vote at 4pm today.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator,...

    Read more about REVEALED: $114,000 Welcome Signs Proposed Next to Existing NZTA Signs — Community Board Must Vote No

  63. Act Now or Pay Later: Political Cowardice on Super Age Risks Public Services

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to urgently raise the age of superannuation eligibility in light of a newly released Treasury briefing warning of deep cuts to core services like health and education unless major spending reforms are undertaken.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Kicking the can down...

    Read more about Act Now or Pay Later: Political Cowardice on Super Age Risks Public Services

  65. REVEALED: Tauranga Ratepayers Billed Nearly $70,000 for Bus Stop Artwork

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Tauranga City Council has spent a total of $67,739 on decorative artwork for a single bus stop with $50,000 or 73.8 percent of the cost on design alone.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys...

    Read more about REVEALED: Tauranga Ratepayers Billed Nearly $70,000 for Bus Stop Artwork

  66. EXCLUSIVE: Māori immersion school taking all staff to Tahiti for school holiday junket

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that Te Wharekura o Tauranga Moana is set to take staff to Tahiti this Friday and refuses to answer basic questions to justify the spend.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"Earlier this week we received a tip off that Te Wharekura o Tauranga...

    Read more about EXCLUSIVE: Māori immersion school taking all staff to Tahiti for school holiday junket

  68. Archaeologists brought in for Wellington’s $2.3 million light-up toilets

    A Local Government Official Information Act request made by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows a new toilet block is budgeted to cost ratepayers $2.3 million, which includes costs for a light-up exterior and archaeological work.Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Sam Warren said:“How reckless can Wellington Council...

    Read more about Archaeologists brought in for Wellington’s $2.3 million light-up toilets

  69. Cook Islands Shouldn’t Get Automatic NZ Privileges if Foreign Policy Splits, say Kiwis

    A new nationwide poll commissioned by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows New Zealanders do not believe the Cook Islands should continue to enjoy automatic access to New Zealand citizenship, healthcare, and education if its government pursues a foreign policy contrary to New Zealand’s – or fails to...

    Read more about Cook Islands Shouldn’t Get Automatic NZ Privileges if Foreign Policy Splits, say Kiwis

  70. 25,000 Back a Rates Cap But Government Delay Lets Councils Keep Spending

    The Taxpayers’ Union is urging the Government to fast-track legislation to cap council rate hikes, following new figures from Stats NZ showing runaway local government spendingand the risk of even higher rates next year if action isn’t taken now.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:“Council spending is out...

    Read more about 25,000 Back a Rates Cap But Government Delay Lets Councils Keep Spending

  72. Taxpayers’ Union Slams National’s “Ute Tax 2.0” As Even Worse than Labour’s Original

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the National Party's leadership to rule out Simon Watts' proposed changes to the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) regime that amount to a new, harsher version of Labour’s infamous “Ute Tax”.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “National campaigned against Labour’s...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams National’s “Ute Tax 2.0” As Even Worse than Labour’s Original

  73. New Zealanders should not have to wait yet another year for Rates Capping

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Local Government Minister Simon Watts’ commitment to rates capping made last night in Wellington but is urging him to expedite the policy. The Union warns that continued delays will undermine public confidence and emboldening opponents of reform such as Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about New Zealanders should not have to wait yet another year for Rates Capping

  74. Minister Watts Silent Again as Taxpayer Data-Grab Replaces Census

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming IRD and Statistics NZ after the Government announced it’s scrapping the Census and replacing it with a mass data-harvest from across government departments without public consent.IRD will share sensitive personal data like income and benefit details that must be linkable back to individual taxpayers...

    Read more about Minister Watts Silent Again as Taxpayer Data-Grab Replaces Census

  76. “Alarm bells should be ringing”: Trust in Wellington Council plummets in new survey

    Damning results from Wellington's annual survey has been released show major declines in trust and confidence in how the City is being run.“Alarm bells should be ringing. What has long been suspected has now been confirmed: Wellington residents have lost faith in Council.” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for...

    Read more about “Alarm bells should be ringing”: Trust in Wellington Council plummets in new survey

  77. Still No Ticket to Ride: Time’s Up for Motu Move Money Pit

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the complete scrapping of the “Motu Move” National Ticketing Solution following confirmation that the project is ‘not on track’ and under external review.“This scheme has gone from late and over budget to totally unworkable,” says Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf. “It’s costing...

    Read more about Still No Ticket to Ride: Time’s Up for Motu Move Money Pit

  79. Green Party’s Fiscal Fantasy Would Bankrupt New Zealand

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Green Party’s so-called “Fiscal Strategy 2025” as reckless and would saddle New Zealanders with crippling debt, soaring taxes, and zero accountability.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross says:“This isn’t a fiscal strategy, it’s an economic suicide note. The Greens are proposing to throw out...

    Read more about Green Party’s Fiscal Fantasy Would Bankrupt New Zealand

  80. Taxpayer Victory: Heritage Handbrake Lifted by Minister Bishop

    The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating a major win for taxpayers following Minister Chris Bishop’s decision to allow councils to de-list heritage buildings faster, including for Wellington’s derelict Gordon Wilson Flats.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf, said:“We’ve long said that heritage rules are being abused by bureaucrats and activists to block...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Heritage Handbrake Lifted by Minister Bishop

  81. Taxpayers Slugged for $400k Boutique Snails

    The Taxpayers’ Union has revealed through an Official Information Act request that the Department of Conservation (DOC) has spent $411,875 on the endangered southern Powelliphanta augusta snails.Following the collapse of Solid Energy, DOC took over responsibility for the captive snails, with additional habitat restoration projects now costing more than $1 million.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Taxpayers Slugged for $400k Boutique Snails

  83. Luxon’s Common-Sense Sick Leave Reform Can’t Come Soon Enough

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments on reining in pandemic-era sick leave rules.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says: “The current system is fundamentally unfair, costly, and out of touch with economic reality - especially for the taxpayers footing the bill.”“Sick leave entitlements disproportionately favour part-time...

    Read more about Luxon’s Common-Sense Sick Leave Reform Can’t Come Soon Enough

  84. Taxpayers’ Union Backs ACT on Ditching Council Climate Theatratrics

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed ACT’s announcement that its local candidates will oppose council-level emissions policies, calling it a needed step to rein in wasteful spending and refocus councils on core services. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Under the Emissions Trading Scheme, emissions are already capped nationally. Local climate...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Backs ACT on Ditching Council Climate Theatratrics

  85. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Labour ahead of Nats 📉 | Selwyn District Council listening to kids 🖍️ | Waipā's $800k spin doctors 😵‍💫

    Hi,This week, your humble Taxpayers' Union are exposing Waipā District Council, asking why Selwyn let the kids make decisions, and it's bad news for the Government in our latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll.Selwyn's childish consultation debacle 🎨Last week, we uncovered that Selwyn District Council has been caught mixing feedback...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Labour ahead of Nats 📉 | Selwyn District Council listening to kids 🖍️ | Waipā's $800k spin doctors 😵‍💫

  89. Taxpayer Talk: Sir Bill English on the Future of Superannuation and the Public Service

    It’s seven years since Sir Bill English left politics but the former Prime Minister and long serving Finance Minister is still a keen follower of the political landscape and how the economic outlook for the country can be improved.In conversation with Peter Williams for the latest Taxpayer Talk...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Sir Bill English on the Future of Superannuation and the Public Service

  90. Orr Resigned Over Funding Disagreement Despite Massive Boost

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Adrian Orr’s resignation as nothing more than a sulk over funding disagreements, despite a significant increase in funding over and above the previous five-year agreement.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Orr resigned because he didn’t quite get all of the massive funding increase...

    Read more about Orr Resigned Over Funding Disagreement Despite Massive Boost

  92. Join the campaign to Cap Rates Now

    We are officially launching our "Cap Rates Now!" campaign, to rein in New Zealand's out-of-control councils.We're using this week's National Fieldays to call on Local Government Minister Simon Watts to introduce Australian and UK-style rates caps to limit annual rate increases to inflation.We're demanding a rates cap -...

    Read more about Join the campaign to Cap Rates Now

  96. Taxpayer Update: DoC funding eco-lobbyists 🪧 | Mayoral robes? 👙 | Upgrade to official NZ Govt. Debt Clock ⏰💣

    Hi,This week, your humble Taxpayers' Union exposed more taxpayer funded anti-government environmental lobbyists, the $94,000 vanity project for Rotorua's Mayor, and why we're updating the Debt Clock. EXPOSED: Department of Conservation funding eco-lobbyists to... fight the Government? 🌳✊A few months ago, our Investigations Coordinator, Rhys, emailed supporters to expose the funding received...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: DoC funding eco-lobbyists 🪧 | Mayoral robes? 👙 | Upgrade to official NZ Govt. Debt Clock ⏰💣

  97. Tick Tock: Taxpayers' Union Refreshes Debt Clock to Show Full Government Borrowing

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today updated its online Debt Clock to reflect Total Crown Borrowings, replacing the previously used measure of Net Core Crown Debt.The change comes after concerns that Net Core Crown Debt understates the true burden of government borrowing by excluding the ballooning liabilities...

    Read more about Tick Tock: Taxpayers' Union Refreshes Debt Clock to Show Full Government Borrowing

  98. Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’

    Since its launch, the New Zealand Debt Clock has highlighted the burden of government debt in real time. We’ve always aimed to present this figure in a way that's meaningful, honest, and easy for taxpayers to understand.In recent years, we’ve used Net Core Crown Debt – a figure often referenced in government...

    Read more about Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’

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