News
All news
-
LGNZ Need to Release Their Bogus Rates Cap Maths, media release
A rates cap could save your household $390.79 a year on average over the next seven years. Local Government New Zealand says the Government’s rates cap would save households just $34 a year. That figure is wrong.We asked LGNZ to show us how they arrived at it. They wouldn’t, or...
Read more about LGNZ Need to Release Their Bogus Rates Cap Maths, media release -
New Poll: Kiwis reject Opportunity push to raise Youth Court age
New Taxpayers’ Union–Curia polling shows New Zealanders firmly reject extending the Youth Court beyond its current upper age of 17, with 64 percent opposed and just 22 percent in support.Opportunity is campaigning to raise the Youth Court age, but even its own voters are against it. Three-quarters of...
Read more about New Poll: Kiwis reject Opportunity push to raise Youth Court age -
MBIE's lying chief executive, Nic Blakeley, must go
If integrity, honesty, and accountability are to mean a thing in the public service, MBIE chief executive Nic Blakeley needs to go after he was found to have deliberately misled Parliament, says the Taxpayers’ Union.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Nic Blakeley deliberately misled Parliament. In other words,...
Read more about MBIE's lying chief executive, Nic Blakeley, must go -
Don’t hike fuel tax while infrastructure fund is wasted
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to scrap January’s planned 12-cent fuel tax hike before Cabinet’s decision deadline on Monday.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Before asking motorists for more, the Government should look at where its existing infrastructure money is going. If it can find $68.5...
Read more about Don’t hike fuel tax while infrastructure fund is wasted -
Southland Referendum Gets It Right: Now Let Every Ratepayer Decide on Amalgamation
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming confirmation that Southlanders will get the final say on any council reorganisation plan and is calling for every council involved in the Government’s Head Start programme to make the same commitment.Taxpayers’ Union Investigative Lead Rhys Hurley said:“Whether amalgamation is a good...
Read more about Southland Referendum Gets It Right: Now Let Every Ratepayer Decide on Amalgamation -
After a year without policy, Te Pāti Māori delivers a tax grab
Responding to Te Pāti Māori’s newly released tax policy, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Te Pāti Māori has spent most of the year seemingly allergic to policy, and after all that time this is what they have come up with: five new taxes.“Apparently one or two new taxes...
Read more about After a year without policy, Te Pāti Māori delivers a tax grab -
Scrapping Climate Change Commission would be a win for taxpayers
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming ACT’s renewed commitment to scrap the Climate Change Commission, three years after first backing its abolition.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“This would be a huge win for taxpayers. We backed scrapping the Commission in 2023 and are pleased ACT has stuck with it.“Taxpayers...
Read more about Scrapping Climate Change Commission would be a win for taxpayers -
LGNZ caught using dodgy maths to downplay rates cap savings
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Local Government New Zealand for misleading ratepayers about how much they stand to save under a rates cap.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams said:“LGNZ claims the average household would save just $34 a year under a four-percent rates cap. That is flat-out wrong....
Read more about LGNZ caught using dodgy maths to downplay rates cap savings -
REVEALED: WINZ’s $236 Million Bond Grant Black Hole
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that through Work and Income NZ, the Ministry of Social Development approved 155,103 rental bond grants worth $236,121,897 since 2023, but cannot report the total debt repaid.MSD refused to provide repayment and write-off data, saying it would require substantial manual collation from individual...
Read more about REVEALED: WINZ’s $236 Million Bond Grant Black Hole -
Aussie tobacco tax cuts would cut crime and save lives
Responding to Australian political parties competing to slash tobacco excise to undercut the black market, with One Nation proposing a 75 percent cut and the Liberal-National Coalition reportedly considering an 80 percent cut, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Across the ditch, political parties are racing each other to...
Read more about Aussie tobacco tax cuts would cut crime and save lives -
Next step is getting councils back to basics
Responding to today’s announcement of rates cap legislation, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said the next step is stopping council waste at the source.“Capping rates is a major victory for ratepayers nationwide, who cannot afford another term of 34 percent rates hikes. But limiting how much councils can...
Read more about Next step is getting councils back to basics -
Government’s rates cap a campaign win for ratepayers
The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating a major policy victory after the Government announced council rates increases will be capped from 1 July 2029.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is a huge win for ratepayers. More than 31,000 New Zealanders backed our Cap Rates Now campaign, and the Government has listened.”“We...
Read more about Government’s rates cap a campaign win for ratepayers -
Hipkins’ ‘only one new tax’ promise 'gone by lunchtime’
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Chris Hipkins for suggesting that bed taxes could be introduced under a potential Labour-led coalition, just hours after insisting Labour would introduce only one new tax.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Chris Hipkins’ ‘only one new tax’ promise didn’t even make it to dinner.“This morning,...
Read more about Hipkins’ ‘only one new tax’ promise 'gone by lunchtime’ -
Taxpayer Update: NZ on Air’s $500k encore 🎸 | TWO Taxpayer Heroes this week 🦸♂️
Happy Saturday,It's been another busy week. Let's get into it.Common sense prevails: TWO Taxpayer Heroes in one week! 🦸♂️💥Firstly, in a move designed to make us fall out of our chairs, someone in the Wellington bubble made a good decision this week.Taxpayer Hero Brooke van Velden has stopped Internal Affairs...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZ on Air’s $500k encore 🎸 | TWO Taxpayer Heroes this week 🦸♂️ -
Welcome home, National: No new taxes pledge a win for taxpayers
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming National’s U-turn and unequivocal commitment to “no new taxes”, calling it a victory for taxpayers and common sense. Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Welcome home, National. This is exactly where the party of lower taxes should be.“Just a few weeks ago, Nicola Willis...
Read more about Welcome home, National: No new taxes pledge a win for taxpayers -
ACT right to rein in judges and protect taxpayers’ property
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming ACT’s plan to put property rights into the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, saying taxpayers need stronger protection from governments that treat private property as theirs to tax, regulate, or confiscate at will.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Property rights are the...
Read more about ACT right to rein in judges and protect taxpayers’ property -
Labour fiscal 'strategy' shows they learned nothing from COVID
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Labour’s fiscal strategy of locking-in Covid-era levels of government spending as 'fiscal and economic sabotage'.Responding to Barbara Edmond's "fiscal strategy" Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Labour's pledge to keep core Crown expenses around 33 percent of GDP is a recipe for New...
Read more about Labour fiscal 'strategy' shows they learned nothing from COVID -
Taxpayers' Update: 🎶 Singing on your dime | 🙃 $36k for "accountability" | 💸 Te Pāti Māori's broken promise
Hi Supporter,This week, the team have uncovered millions being spent on public servants singing on the clock, found out Dunedin ratepayers have paid $36,000 to discover that “accountability” is a good thing (no ... Sherlock!), and Labour has misplaced yet another tax policy.Meanwhile, the Greens are flirting with price...
Read more about Taxpayers' Update: 🎶 Singing on your dime | 🙃 $36k for "accountability" | 💸 Te Pāti Māori's broken promise -
Taxpayer Talk: Simon Court on the RMA shakedown holding NZ hostage
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by ACT’s infrastructure and resource management spokesman Simon Court to take aim at the planning rules he says are stopping New Zealand from building the homes, roads, ports, quarries, power lines, and infrastructure we desperately need.From eye-watering consent...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Simon Court on the RMA shakedown holding NZ hostage -
Government Must Ban Public Sector Golden Handshakes
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to ban settlement payouts across councils and government agencies following the Chatham Islands Council’s $100,000 payment to disgraced former Chief Executive Paul Eagle.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Rhys Hurley, said:“How on Earth can someone whose conduct prompted their employer to...
Read more about Government Must Ban Public Sector Golden Handshakes -
Unwinding 9 months of bloat is not “generational harm”
Public Service Association National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons’ claims that the Opportunity’s plans to remove 2,000 bureaucrats would ‘harm public services for generations’.Responding, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Between June 2025 and March 2026, the public service grew by 1,881 bureaucrats. There are still 17,284 more bureaucrats today than before...
Read more about Unwinding 9 months of bloat is not “generational harm” -
Fletcher’s $228m profit exposes $60m taxpayer stitch-up
Fletcher Building has posted a $228 million net profit, just one month after the Government handed its Golden Bay Cement subsidiary a $60 million taxpayer bailout.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Levi Gibbs said:“Taxpayers were told this handout was needed to keep Golden Bay Cement afloat. A month later, its corporate...
Read more about Fletcher’s $228m profit exposes $60m taxpayer stitch-up -
Will New Plymouth's $25m art collection finally deliver value to ratepayers?
The Taxpayers’ Union is backing New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough’s push to unlock value from the council’s $25 million art collection, after he took aim at its mounting costs.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“While New Plymouth ratepayers are struggling, their council is sitting on $25 million worth of...
Read more about Will New Plymouth's $25m art collection finally deliver value to ratepayers? -
REVEALED: ACT's Banning Of Public Service Waiata To Save An Estimated $3.5 Million Per Year
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that at least 9 public service agencies are running hours of waiata and karakia practice each week.Using a conservative estimate that just ten percent of staff at each agency participate, and applying the average public service hourly salary of $49.66 over 8,680 hours per...
Read more about REVEALED: ACT's Banning Of Public Service Waiata To Save An Estimated $3.5 Million Per Year -
Labour Must Rule Out The Inflation Tax
The Taxpayers’ Union says that if Labour is ruling out the Ute Tax and a streaming tax, it should also rule out the inflation tax.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:“Labour says it is campaigning on only one new tax - its capital gains tax. But without indexing tax...
Read more about Labour Must Rule Out The Inflation Tax -
Lyttelton Port Company needs full disclosure
Responding to claims that Lyttelton Port Company has kept workers “out of the loop” on its $800 million upgrade plans, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“If LGOIMA applied to Lyttelton Port Company, workers, unions and Christchurch ratepayers could all have used it to demand information about the $800...
Read more about Lyttelton Port Company needs full disclosure -
Breadlines are back on the menu
Responding to the Green Party's proposed open-ended supermarket price controls, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“There are two ways to ration scarce goods like food: prices or queues. The Greens seem determined to give Kiwis a refresher course in what a breadline looks like.”“New Zealand’s grocery rort is...
Read more about Breadlines are back on the menu -
Taxpayer Update: $303k climate junket ✈️ | Labour’s ChatGPT subsidy 🤖 | Ferry gravy train ⛴️
Dear Supporter,The week that was: National Party psychodrama, while Opportunity stalking horse continues 👀What a week.While Wellington has been consumed by the National Party's attempt to blow the arms off its own leader – only for the whole thing to blow up in Chris Penk's face – we've...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: $303k climate junket ✈️ | Labour’s ChatGPT subsidy 🤖 | Ferry gravy train ⛴️ -
ACT show you don’t need to mash the ‘new tax’ button
Responding to ACT’s Local Tourism Dividend policy, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“ACT have done what National wouldn’t: ruled out new taxes while finding a way to give councils more of the upside from tourism, not just the costs."“Using existing tourism funding to reward councils for attracting visitors...
Read more about ACT show you don’t need to mash the ‘new tax’ button -
REVEALED: Climate bureaucrats burn $303,000 jet-setting to Brazil’s COP30 junket
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act requeststhat the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment spent $303,026.78 sending 17 staff to the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.Key facts:-The Ministry...
Read more about REVEALED: Climate bureaucrats burn $303,000 jet-setting to Brazil’s COP30 junket -
Labour kneecaps investment, then subsidises ChatGPT
Responding to Labour’s announcement of millions more in taxpayer funding for AI adoption and start-ups, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Austin Ellingham-Banks said:“Labour has slapped ‘AI’ on an old-fashioned corporate welfare scheme for American Big Tech and called it innovation."“Businesses already have every incentive to invest in AI if it...
Read more about Labour kneecaps investment, then subsidises ChatGPT -
What does Opportunity know that Treasury doesn’t?
Responding to Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong saying she would allow net core Crown debt to exceed Treasury’s prudent debt limit of 50 percent of GDP, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“By Opportunity’s own claims, its tax package would cost New Zealanders more than $1,800 per household a year....
Read more about What does Opportunity know that Treasury doesn’t? -
National needs to stick to 2023 ‘No New Taxes’ pledge
Responding to comments from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Newstalk ZB this morning, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Austin Ellingham-Banks said:“If the Prime Minister cannot clearly articulate his party’s tax position less than three months out from the election, he should go back to the promise National made to voters...
Read more about National needs to stick to 2023 ‘No New Taxes’ pledge -
ACT’s ‘no new taxes’ pledge puts pressure on National to make the same promise
The Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACT’s unequivocal commitment to no new taxes and is calling on National to do the same.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“National’s ‘no new taxes on working people’ fudge is already falling flat, with the Prime Minister unable to tell Kiwis what their tax bill...
Read more about ACT’s ‘no new taxes’ pledge puts pressure on National to make the same promise -
EXCLUSIVE POLLING: National voters demand a no-tax-hikes promise
The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Issue Poll shows National voters overwhelmingly want the party to draw a clear line in the sand on tax: 58 percent of voters want National to promise no new taxes or tax increases, compared to just 25 percent who oppose.76 percent of National voters...
Read more about EXCLUSIVE POLLING: National voters demand a no-tax-hikes promise -
Nothing new in National’s fiscal rules – but ‘no new taxes’ promise conspicuously absent
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the direction of National’s newly announced “Budget Responsibility Rules”, but says there is nothing new in the fiscal targets and is calling on National to come clean about what taxes it plans to hike.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“There is nothing new...
Read more about Nothing new in National’s fiscal rules – but ‘no new taxes’ promise conspicuously absent -
Taxpayer Update: New poll 📊 | Winston's baby bonus 💸 | Bureaucrat sickies 🤒 | $300k for kapa haka "research" 🤦
Hi,Today marks three months until the election, and the silly season has well begun. It even snowed in Wellington!This week, we look at whether NZ First’s $400 million proposed 'baby bonus' is likely to work, expose who in the government is pulling sickies, and why the Nats need...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: New poll 📊 | Winston's baby bonus 💸 | Bureaucrat sickies 🤒 | $300k for kapa haka "research" 🤦 -
Jordan Williams to stand down from Taxpayers' Union
The Taxpayers' Union has confirmed that co-founder and Executive Director Jordan Williams will be standing down as a result of the Prime Minister's announcement of a referendum on MMP.On the passage of the referenda legislation - expected next year, if National is returned to Government - Mr Williams...
Read more about Jordan Williams to stand down from Taxpayers' Union -
Labour fudges fiscal drag fix
Labour has today announced plans to raise the GST registration threshold from $60,000 to $80,000. Commenting, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“The GST registration threshold was last adjusted in 2009. If it kept pace with inflation, it would now sit at $92,477. Partial relief is better than none.”“It...
Read more about Labour fudges fiscal drag fix -
Labour doubles down on New Zealand’s productivity crisis
Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Labour’s plan to axe Investment Boost, warning it would discourage business investment and make New Zealand’s productivity crisis even worse.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“New Zealand’s stagnant productivity is the rot behind our squeezed wages, weak growth, and increasingly unaffordable superannuation, healthcare, and other...
Read more about Labour doubles down on New Zealand’s productivity crisis -
Taxpayer Victory, with a Twist: Four More on Gardening Leave
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s rapid review of the Ministry of Justice, after new information revealed the Russell Harrison scandal is not the only case of its kind within the Ministry.An Official Information Act request by the Taxpayers’ Union reveals the Ministry currently has four employees...
Read more about Taxpayer Victory, with a Twist: Four More on Gardening Leave -
National Party Must Repay Cost of Fundraiser Flight
Responding to New Zealand Herald reporting that the Prime Minister took a taxpayer-funded flight after attending a National Party fundraiser, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“We hope the National Party’s fundraiser was a success, because it should now use the proceeds to repay taxpayers for the cost of...
Read more about National Party Must Repay Cost of Fundraiser Flight -
11-year unemployment high demands fiscal reset
Responding to unemployment reaching its highest level in 11 years, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Unemployment at an 11-year high is a clear warning that stronger business confidence has yet to translate into jobs, particularly for young New Zealanders.”“Monetary policy cannot do all the heavy lifting. The Government...
Read more about 11-year unemployment high demands fiscal reset -
REVEALED: Health NZ spent nearly half a million dollars on single ad campaign
Health New Zealand spent $490,043.75 on a single advert featuring former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison, documents obtained by the Taxpayers’ Union reveal for the first time.Harrison, who remained suspended from the Ministry of Justice on full pay for years, was paid $3,000 to appear in the 30-second advertisement.Taxpayers’...
Read more about REVEALED: Health NZ spent nearly half a million dollars on single ad campaign -
Labour can’t have their cake and eat it with CGT
Responding to comments from Labour MP Helen White that she wants house prices to fall, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Labour to explain how that squares with its capital gains tax and spending promises.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Labour need to make their minds up. Do they...
Read more about Labour can’t have their cake and eat it with CGT -
Public service diversity bureaucracy is a taxpayer-funded vanity project
The Taxpayers’ Union says the public service should immediately freeze its expanded diversity plan until it can prove existing initiatives have delivered a single measurable benefit to taxpayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“MBIE has recently presided over catastrophic project failures, blown budgets and appalling financial controls. Its priority...
Read more about Public service diversity bureaucracy is a taxpayer-funded vanity project -
Mike Hosking is right: Human Rights Commission has lost its way
The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Mike Hosking’s criticism of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) after it opposed the Government’s proposed changes to Treaty clauses across 19 pieces of legislation.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Mike Hosking is right. The Human Rights Commission has lost its way. Instead of defending...
Read more about Mike Hosking is right: Human Rights Commission has lost its way -
PSA must release legal advice behind political campaign
The Taxpayers’ Union is demanding the Public Service Association immediately publish the legal advice it claims gave the green light for its “Change the Government” campaignto be distributed through ministry offices and public service workplaces.Taxpayers' Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“The PSA told public servants to ‘change the government’...
Read more about PSA must release legal advice behind political campaign -
PSA crosses the line with anti-government workplace campaign
Responding to Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche directing the Public Service Association to remove its “Change the Government” campaign material from public service workplaces, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The PSA’s politics are no secret, but using supposedly neutral public service workplaces to campaign for the Government’s...
Read more about PSA crosses the line with anti-government workplace campaign -
Let Wellington ratepayers decide amalgamation
Any proposal to amalgamate Wellington’s councils must be put to a binding referendum, says the Taxpayers’ Union, following comments from Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee that her council is likely to oppose amalgamation.Taxpayers' Union spokesman Josh Van Veen said:“It is encouraging to see councils openly debating amalgamation rather...
Read more about Let Wellington ratepayers decide amalgamation -
Heads must roll after MBIE finds another $6 million
Responding to MBIE uncovering a further $6 million in costs associated with its failed Biometric Capability Upgrade, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Finding another $6 million down the back of the couch is not a rounding error. It exposes a shocking lack of financial control and system...
Read more about Heads must roll after MBIE finds another $6 million -
COVID Inquiry must be the blueprint for permanent reform
The Taxpayers' Union says the Government's response to the COVID-19 Inquiry is a good start, but New Zealand needs structural reforms to ensure taxpayers are never again left paying for a "spend now, check later" approach to government.Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said the Inquiry should mark a...
Read more about COVID Inquiry must be the blueprint for permanent reform -
MBIE boss’s slimy excuse for misleading Parliament fails the sniff test
Responding to MBIE chief executive Nic Blakeley denying any attempt to mislead Parliament over the failed $35 million Biometric Capability Update project, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Claiming the project was 'commercially sensitive' is a slimy bureaucratic excuse for misleading MPs. If Mr Blakeley thought could not give...
Read more about MBIE boss’s slimy excuse for misleading Parliament fails the sniff test -
Taxpayer Update: Luxon embraces higher taxes 💔 | MBIE's $35m cover-up 😳 | Councils' $1.1b art stash 🎨
Hi,The big political story in the last 24 hours has been Christopher Luxon ruling out TOP.But there's a more important story this morning that's been largely missed – Luxon appears to be no longer ruling out increasing your taxes!Our new report out today also exposes local councils for...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Luxon embraces higher taxes 💔 | MBIE's $35m cover-up 😳 | Councils' $1.1b art stash 🎨 -
Luxon embraces the inflation tax
The Taxpayers' Union is slamming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s dismissal of inflation-indexing income tax thresholds as “not on our radar”, saying it shows the Government is happy to keep profiting from bracket creep.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:“Luxon is choosing an inflation tax over simple cost-of-living relief. Bracket...
Read more about Luxon embraces the inflation tax -
Nicola Willis already breaking Nicola Willis' fuel subsidy rules
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is calling on Finance Minister Nicola Willis to honour the Government's own commitment to end temporary fuel support once the agreed trigger is met, after signalling the payments could continue even if petrol remains below $3 a litrefor four consecutive weeks despite repeating...
Read more about Nicola Willis already breaking Nicola Willis' fuel subsidy rules -
Taxpayer Update: RMA victory 🗳️ | Billion-dollar energy promises 💸 | DIA’s pokie maths 🎰
Hi Friend,Another big policy victory, another boondoggle out of Shane Jones' slush fund "Regional Infrastructure Fund", and a new myth-busting paper targeting Chlöe Swarbrick's fake news oft-repeated claims that the wealthy in New Zealand do not pay their “fair share” of tax.Let's dive in, .A win for democratic...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: RMA victory 🗳️ | Billion-dollar energy promises 💸 | DIA’s pokie maths 🎰 -
Treasury’s advice proves the Greens' Wealth Tax a fantasy
Responding to Treasury advice casting doubt on the Green Party's wealth tax modelling, the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is calling on the Greens to withdraw the policy until credible costings are produced.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:"The Greens’ revenue claims depend on unrealistic assumptions that wilfully ignore capital...
Read more about Treasury’s advice proves the Greens' Wealth Tax a fantasy -
Porky joins MBIE picket over $35 million waste
The Taxpayers’ Union will join striking MBIE workers by picketing outside the Ministry’s head office today, highlighting how its botched $35 million immigration project cost the equivalent of a $6,000 pay rise for every MBIE employee.Porky the Waste Hater, the Taxpayers’ Union’s mascot, will join the picket line...
Read more about Porky joins MBIE picket over $35 million waste -
Release the agreement on $60m cement deal
The Taxpayers' Union is calling for the full terms of Golden Bay Cement's $60 million bailout to be released to the public.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Taxpayers should not be kept in the dark about what they are paying for or how this deal was struck. Commercial sensitivity...
Read more about Release the agreement on $60m cement deal -
CPI rise shows Government must cap rates now
Responding to annual inflation reaching 4.1 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Volatile oil prices and rising household energy costs are already feeding through into the wider economy. Worse is likely to come in the September quarter as large council rates and water increases hit households."“With inflation already...
Read more about CPI rise shows Government must cap rates now -
ETS settings leave taxpayers with $60m cement bill
The Government’s decision to spend $60 million propping up Golden Bay Cement exposes how the Emissions Trading Scheme’s current settings are punishing local industry.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“An ETS is the best tool to reduce emissions, but it should not sacrifice industry at the altar of net...
Read more about ETS settings leave taxpayers with $60m cement bill -
Smoking a billion dollars of Green on a fourth energy company is madness
The Taxpayers' Union is slamming the Green Party's idea to blow what it estimates to be $980 million on a fourth energy company when the Government already owns majority shares of three. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:"Taxpayers already own majority shares of Meridian, Mercury, and Genesis. Nationalisation...
Read more about Smoking a billion dollars of Green on a fourth energy company is madness -
NZ First's $1 billion energy plan dim on costing
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union says NZ First’s $1 billion proposal to survey offshore oil and gas reserves leaves one glaring question: where is the money coming from?Taxpayers' Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Winston Peters has already committed taxpayers to $1.7 billion for ferries the Government does not need...
Read more about NZ First's $1 billion energy plan dim on costing -
Sir William Birch leaves a formidable legacy of public service
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union joins New Zealanders in mourning the death of former Finance Minister Sir William Birch.Taxpayers’ Union Chair and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson said:"Hold a mirror to Bill Birch and you hold a mirror to the transformation of the NZ economy.”"He came to prominence...
Read more about Sir William Birch leaves a formidable legacy of public service -
Heads should roll over Civil Defence website fiasco
The Taxpayers' Union says there must be accountability after New Zealand's Civil Defence website crashed during last night's Fiordland earthquake and tsunami warning, leaving New Zealanders unable to access critical emergency information when they potentially needed it most.Taxpayers' Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:"Heads should roll. If Civil Defence...
Read more about Heads should roll over Civil Defence website fiasco -
$1.7 billion ferry bill leaves every household $820 out of pocket
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union says the Government's announcement taxpayers will be charged up to $1.7 billion on the ferry fleet raises a fundamental question: why are taxpayers borrowing billions to own and operate a commercial ferry service in the first place?Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Every...
Read more about $1.7 billion ferry bill leaves every household $820 out of pocket -
Callaghan losses show Government must stop picking winners
In response to reports of mounting losses from Callaghan Innovation’s business loan book, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The Government must simply stop trying to pick winners. These are either loans too risky for private investors or opportunities good enough to attract private money without taxpayer backing.”“Callaghan should...
Read more about Callaghan losses show Government must stop picking winners -
If ‘local voice’ matters on amalgamation, let ratepayers vote
Responding to emerging proposals for a Wellington “Super City”, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling for any council amalgamation to be put to ratepayers through a binding referendum.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“These plans are being designed by the very officials who stand to gain bigger bureaucracies and build...
Read more about If ‘local voice’ matters on amalgamation, let ratepayers vote -
Road delays show political parties cannot keep marking their own homework
Responding to reports that the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme has been put in the “slow lane” after costing taxpayers $323 million, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says voters need independent scrutiny of election promises.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Spending $323 million before shovels have touched the...
Read more about Road delays show political parties cannot keep marking their own homework -
Ratepayers missing an invite to the amalgamation party
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Local Government Minister Simon Watts to ensure ratepayers have a seat at the table as the Government considers council mergers.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Telling councils to redesign themselves without ratepayer representation is like asking foxes to redesign the henhouse...
Read more about Ratepayers missing an invite to the amalgamation party -
Hipkins’ anti-corruption excuse for gold-plated perks doesn’t stack up
Responding to Chris Hipkins defending MPs’ retirement perks as anti-corruption measures, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Chris Hipkins seems to think taxpayers need to pay $2.50 for every dollar an MP puts into their retirement fund just to stop politicians becoming corrupt. That is an extraordinary admission."“If Hipkins...
Read more about Hipkins’ anti-corruption excuse for gold-plated perks doesn’t stack up -
Taxpayer Talk: Ruth Richardson and Eric Crampton on the KiwiSaver Trap
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Eric Crampton from the New Zealand Initiative and former Finance Minister (and Taxpayers’ Union Chair) Ruth Richardson to tackle the renewed debate over compulsory KiwiSaver and New Zealand’s looming superannuation crunch.Is forcing New Zealanders to save more...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Ruth Richardson and Eric Crampton on the KiwiSaver Trap -
Auditor-General must investigate $29m satellite lost in space
The organisation behind the failed $29 million MethaneSAT mission should not be allowed to review its own performance, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Ella Dickson, says:“When $29 million of taxpayer funding is literally lost in space, taxpayers deserve a genuinely independent investigation. The Environmental Defense...
Read more about Auditor-General must investigate $29m satellite lost in space -
MPs super scheme reform fix the perks
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on every political party leader to commit to ending Parliament’s gold-plated superannuation scheme and cleaning up MPs’ taxpayer-funded entitlements, following revelations in the New Zealand Herald that MPs’ generous superannuation arrangements escaped earlier efforts to rein them in.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“MPs have managed...
Read more about MPs super scheme reform fix the perks -
The lights are on, but nobody's home: $200,000 Christchurch light project shows why we need to Cap Rates Now
The Taxpayers' Union says Christchurch Council's $200,000 spend on decorative lighting and a mural is a textbook example of why the Government must implement a rates cap now.Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:"Even when the Council had the option of a cheaper project or making savings, it still chose to dip...
Read more about The lights are on, but nobody's home: $200,000 Christchurch light project shows why we need to Cap Rates Now -
REVEALED: Health NZ paid Russell Harrison for taxpayer-funded ad while he was on taxpayer-funded gardening leave
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Health New Zealand paid Russell Harrison to appear in a taxpayer-funded childhood immunisation campaign in 2023 while he remained on taxpayer-funded gardening leave from the Ministry of Justice.The advertisement has now been removed by Health NZ following questions from the...
Read more about REVEALED: Health NZ paid Russell Harrison for taxpayer-funded ad while he was on taxpayer-funded gardening leave -
Taxpayer Update: Russ wins Lotto 💸 | Hipkins opens the door 🚪 | Ruth takes on KiwiSaver 💥
Hi,We have bad news if you fell for claims the Government is shrinking Wellington's bureaucracy; good news on our Cap Rates Now campaign, plus this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll and Peter Williams sits down with the Deputy PM David Seymour for Taxpayer Talk.But first – hitting the Jackpot...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Russ wins Lotto 💸 | Hipkins opens the door 🚪 | Ruth takes on KiwiSaver 💥 -
Taxpayer Talk: Deputy PM David Seymour on woke regulators, KiwiSaver, and ACT’s election fight
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by ACT Leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour for a wide-ranging pre-election interview on coalition tensions, regulatory overreach, free speech, KiwiSaver, Treaty politics, and ACT’s record in Government.From “political neutrality” rules for regulators and the Ministry of...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Deputy PM David Seymour on woke regulators, KiwiSaver, and ACT’s election fight -
Hipkins on cusp of becoming ratepayer hero
The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to comments made by Labour Leader Chris Hipkins on Newstalk ZB this evening, where he confirmed the Labour Party is open to supporting the Government’s proposed rates capping legislation.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“For the first time, Labour has backed away from its previous...
Read more about Hipkins on cusp of becoming ratepayer hero -
Higher OCR is the bill for Wellington’s spending habit
Responding to the Reserve Bank’s decision to raise the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 2.50 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Higher interest rates are what happens when Wellington refuses to stop spending.”“The Reserve Bank is being forced to lean on mortgage holders and businesses...
Read more about Higher OCR is the bill for Wellington’s spending habit -
Labour’s solar subsidies are costly corporate welfare
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is criticising Labour's $160 million SolarSaver policy, saying taxpayers should not be covering private home improvements.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, James Ross, said:“Rather than just removing red tape and making sure cheap finance is available for solar, Labour has reverted to the failed politics of...
Read more about Labour’s solar subsidies are costly corporate welfare -
Costello right to review Tobacco Tax failure after years of failed hikes
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s comments that the Government is considering a review of tobacco excise.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Tobacco tax has become a textbook Laffer Curve problem. The Government has pushed excise so high that it is now losing revenue, while...
Read more about Costello right to review Tobacco Tax failure after years of failed hikes -
Tauranga Tolling Undermined by Bureaucratic Bloat
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the NZTA bureaucracy to be slashed, before tolling and congestion charging are rolled out nationwide, after Tauranga Councillor Steve Morris claimed that 80 cents of each $1.10 toll charge on the Pāpāmoa East Interchange would cover administration costs.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Ella...
Read more about Tauranga Tolling Undermined by Bureaucratic Bloat -
Calls for ‘relief’ are an insult to Waitaki ratepayers
Responding to reports that Waitaki District Council is investigating options such as reduced penalties and charity for ratepayers struggling with the council’s 16.9 percent rates rise, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen, said:“Waitaki ratepayers will be feeling insulted by this token gesture.”“Despite overwhelming opposition from the community, the Council pushed...
Read more about Calls for ‘relief’ are an insult to Waitaki ratepayers -
Justice Ministry boss must front over five-year taxpayer-funded “garden leave”
Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says the latest revelations about the Ministry of Justice are a damning indictment of public sector accountability.“The question isn’t where Russell Harrison is. The question is: where is Secretary for Justice Andrew Kibblewhite?”“This happened on his watch. Yet instead of fronting, Kibblewhite...
Read more about Justice Ministry boss must front over five-year taxpayer-funded “garden leave” -
REVEALED: School Lunch Bureaucracy Racks Up $129k In Travel And Little In Outcomes
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Ministry of Education run Healthy School Lunches programme has 37 full-time Ministry staff, despite lunch delivery being largely outsourced to external providers.Documents released under the Official Information Act show an assortment of bureaucrats spent more than $129,754.90 on staff travel in one year,...
Read more about REVEALED: School Lunch Bureaucracy Racks Up $129k In Travel And Little In Outcomes -
Taxpayer Update: Rates Dashboard out now 📊 | Water bill stitch-up 💧 | Hands off our holidays🏕️
Dear Supporter,If you're a ratepayer, brace yourself: the 2026 edition of our popular 'rates dashboard' is out now, and it makes for sorry reading.TL:DR: colour me surprised, but for those now facing new water bills from today, the councils haven't cut their rates to reflect the new water...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Rates Dashboard out now 📊 | Water bill stitch-up 💧 | Hands off our holidays🏕️ -
Government spends $6.3 million on 16 Michelin stars
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is slamming the Government's decision to spend $6.3 million of taxpayers' money bringing the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, resulting in the award of 16 Michelin stars.Taxpayers' Union Spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:"Subsidising wining and dining in restaurants that most Kiwis could never afford in the...
Read more about Government spends $6.3 million on 16 Michelin stars -
If the King can commit to transparency, so can Government House
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the Governor-General and Government House to be brought under the Official Information Act, following King Charles’ decision to disclose his personal tax bill.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Austin Ellingham-Banks said:“Buckingham Palace says the King’s unprecedented tax disclosure reflects its ‘commitment to transparency’...
Read more about If the King can commit to transparency, so can Government House -
EXPOSED: 2026 Rates Dashboard reveals water reform 9.0% rates sting
EXPOSED: 2026 Rates Dashboard reveals water reform 9.0% rates stingThe Taxpayers’ Union has launched the 2026 edition of its national Rates Dashboard at RatesDashboard.nzThe Dashboard shows the while average proposed rates increase for 2026/27 is 6.9 percent — more than twice the current inflation rate of 3.1 percent...
Read more about EXPOSED: 2026 Rates Dashboard reveals water reform 9.0% rates sting -
Taxpayers’ Union welcome proposal to cut number of government ministers
The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposal announced today by ACT’s David Seymour to cull the number of Ministers along with the number of government departments, would almost certainly increase political accountability to taxpayers.Responding to David Seymour’s speech in Auckland, Taxpayers' Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“Fewer Ministers mean more...
Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcome proposal to cut number of government ministers -
Solar announcement beats dumb solar subsides - gets government out of the way
The Taxpayers' Union is welcoming today's announcement - in particular - getting regulatory taxes out of the way of both solar and micro hydro.Taxpayers' Union Spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:"We've long argued against green energy subsidies and in favour of clearing the path of regulatory impediments to solar.""On a...
Read more about Solar announcement beats dumb solar subsides - gets government out of the way -
Government Must Rule Out Taxing Your Holiday
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is once again calling on the Government to rule out any bed tax that would apply to domestic travellers.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Ella Dickson, said:“Until rates are capped, councils are already taxing and spending more and more each year. The last thing they...
Read more about Government Must Rule Out Taxing Your Holiday -
Greens’ $800 million ‘typo’ another reason for independent policy costings
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says the Green Party’s admission that its tax package contained an $800 million “typo” raises serious questions about the credibility of a plan that would cost taxpayers $10,000 per household.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“The Greens expect New Zealanders to trust them with billions...
Read more about Greens’ $800 million ‘typo’ another reason for independent policy costings -
Are the Greens failing to uphold the Treaty?
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Green Party to front up on whether its tech tax proposals are a breach of New Zealand’s treaty on double-taxation with the US.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Earlier this month, Chlöe Swarbrick said New Zealand needs to be responsible and uphold...
Read more about Are the Greens failing to uphold the Treaty? -
Labour Rules Out Green Taxes, But Still Has No Plan to Pay for Promises
The Taxpayers’ Union is challenging Chris Hipkins to explain how Labour would pay for its spending promises after ruling out the Green Party’s wealth and inheritance taxes.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Chris Hipkins is right to supposedly rule out the Green Party’s wealth and death taxes, but taxpayers...
Read more about Labour Rules Out Green Taxes, But Still Has No Plan to Pay for Promises -
Taxpayer Update: Nats go compulsory 💰 | Greens go full tax grab 💸 | Matua Jones' limo bill 🥂 | Bureaucrats caught in cover up 🤫
Dear Supporer,It might be a Sunday, but your humble Taxpayers' Union has been in the office today and hard at work... 💁♂️A lot to pack in this week: some promising signs on the local government information front, yet more interesting maths from Labour (just how many times can...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Nats go compulsory 💰 | Greens go full tax grab 💸 | Matua Jones' limo bill 🥂 | Bureaucrats caught in cover up 🤫 -
Forget the ‘cost of greed budget’, this is the $10,000-per-household cost of Green
Forget the ‘cost of greed budget’, this is the $10,000-per-household cost of GreenThe Green Party accidentally leaked its $22.6 billion tax grab plan. This is a prescription for a poorer New Zealand, with the proposed new taxes amounting to $10,141 per household in the first four years alone.Taxpayers’...
Read more about Forget the ‘cost of greed budget’, this is the $10,000-per-household cost of Green -
GDP figures mask tougher times ahead
Responding to today’s release of the March quarter 2026 GDP figures, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Austin Ellingham-Banks said:“0.8 percent growth is welcome, but it is no cause for complacency. Most of it was banked before the Iran shock arrived, so the June quarter will be the real test.”“We go into...
Read more about GDP figures mask tougher times ahead
-
Hipkins right on Cost of Local Government Crisis, but will Labour back a cap?
Chris Hipkins has rightly highlighted the pressure spiralling council rates are placing on families, with Labour putting the cost at $1,001 a year.Responding, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Rates bills climbed 34 percent over the last council term alone. Hipkins is right that families are being hammered in the...
Read more about Hipkins right on Cost of Local Government Crisis, but will Labour back a cap? -
Greens’ “growth” plan is a $2,850-per-household own goal
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Green Party’s latest $5.9 billion business spending promise, equivalent to $2,850 per household, funded by redirecting the Government’s Investment Boost tax deduction.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson James Ross said:“The Greens’ idea of growing the economy is to tax businesses more for investing, then hand $5.9 billion to...
Read more about Greens’ “growth” plan is a $2,850-per-household own goal -
REVEALED: The Cannes Film Commission Trilogy - another $209,000 box-office spend up
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the New Zealand Film Commission's latest trip to the Cannes Film Market in France cost taxpayers $208,747.92, with four staff and a contractor attending.The taxpayer funding to send staffers to Cannes over the last three years is: $145,354.81 in 2024Up to $255,904...
Read more about REVEALED: The Cannes Film Commission Trilogy - another $209,000 box-office spend up -
No new vision in National’s fiscal plan
The Taxpayers’ Union says National’s fiscal plan is more credible than another spending splurge, but offers little new to accelerate the return to surplus or tackle the biggest pressures on the Government’s books.Taxpayers’ Union Head of Policy James Ross said:“Some restraint and no new taxes are welcome, but...
Read more about No new vision in National’s fiscal plan -
ACT right to make this a debt election
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming ACT’s fiscal plan, which brings the cash surplus forward a year and forecasts less borrowing, saying it sets the right challenge for other parties.Taxpayers’ Union Head of Policy James Ross said:“Finally, a fiscal plan that treats taxpayers’ money as a limited resource. ACT...
Read more about ACT right to make this a debt election -
NZ First promises higher wages, higher spending, but who's paying?
The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning how NZ First plans to fund another $600 million a year in Working for Families spending while promising tax relief for small businesses and higher minimum wages.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Winston Peters wants to cut taxes for small businesses while piling on more...
Read more about NZ First promises higher wages, higher spending, but who's paying? -
Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll: October 2026
Here are the headline results for October's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll:PartySupportChange compared to September 2026National28.5%↓0.5Labour28.2%↑2.3Green13.3%↓0.6NZ First12.0%↑3.6ACT9.2%↓1.3Opportunity4.8%↑0.3Te Pāti Māori1.4%↓0.6Other2.7%↓3.2National is down 0.5 points to 28.5%, while Labour is up 2.3 points to 28.2%. The Greens are down 0.6 points to 13.3%, while New Zealand First is up 3.6...
Read more about Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll: October 2026 -
Labour’s fiscal plan problems show why New Zealand needs independent policy costings
Further questions over Labour’s fiscal plan prove the case for an Independent Fiscal Institution, says Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf:“Labour’s $90 million error was bad enough. Now further questions over what is and isn’t funded in its fiscal plan show exactly why election promises need independent scrutiny.”“School lunch...
Read more about Labour’s fiscal plan problems show why New Zealand needs independent policy costings -
$90m maths blunder in Labour’s fiscal plan
Labour has made a nearly $90 million error in its fiscal plan by incorrectly recording a $44.8 million cost to reverse the Government’s Income Related Rent Subsidy and Accommodation Supplement changes as a saving.The figures in Labour’s fiscal plan appear to use the Government’s published fiscal impacts without...
Read more about $90m maths blunder in Labour’s fiscal plan -
Nationals Foreign Aid Savings Put More Money Into Medicines
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming National’s plan to redirect foreign aid spending into Pharmac, with a 10 percent reduction in the International Development Cooperation budget, moving $604 million to help Pharmac fund more new medicines.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Rhys Hurley, said:“Redirecting hundreds of millions from foreign aid into medicines...
Read more about Nationals Foreign Aid Savings Put More Money Into Medicines
-
Taxpayer Update: Russ wins Lotto 💸 | Hipkins opens the door 🚪 | Ruth takes on KiwiSaver 💥
Hi,We have bad news if you fell for claims the Government is shrinking Wellington's bureaucracy; good news on our Cap Rates Now campaign, plus this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll and Peter Williams sits down with the Deputy PM David Seymour for Taxpayer Talk.But first – hitting the Jackpot...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Russ wins Lotto 💸 | Hipkins opens the door 🚪 | Ruth takes on KiwiSaver 💥 -
Taxpayer Update: Rates Dashboard out now 📊 | Water bill stitch-up 💧 | Hands off our holidays🏕️
Dear Supporter,If you're a ratepayer, brace yourself: the 2026 edition of our popular 'rates dashboard' is out now, and it makes for sorry reading.TL:DR: colour me surprised, but for those now facing new water bills from today, the councils haven't cut their rates to reflect the new water...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Rates Dashboard out now 📊 | Water bill stitch-up 💧 | Hands off our holidays🏕️ -
Taxpayer Update: Nats go compulsory 💰 | Greens go full tax grab 💸 | Matua Jones' limo bill 🥂 | Bureaucrats caught in cover up 🤫
Dear Supporer,It might be a Sunday, but your humble Taxpayers' Union has been in the office today and hard at work... 💁♂️A lot to pack in this week: some promising signs on the local government information front, yet more interesting maths from Labour (just how many times can...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Nats go compulsory 💰 | Greens go full tax grab 💸 | Matua Jones' limo bill 🥂 | Bureaucrats caught in cover up 🤫 -
Taxpayer Update: Labour’s $180m bus bill 🚌 | Save the Family Farm 🚜 | New poll 📊
Hi,Hello from Fieldays, where we've launched our Save the Family Farm campaign (more on this below).We've also got this month's Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll, a defence of the cost of the Official Information Act, and our Ratepayer Guide to Amalgamation, which breaks down the do’s-and-don’ts of local government reform.But...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Labour’s $180m bus bill 🚌 | Save the Family Farm 🚜 | New poll 📊 -
Taxpayer Update: Nicola swings the axe ✂️ | Winston wants a taxpayer bank 💸 | Hipkins’ car crash interview 🚗
Hi,What. A. Week.The Good: Nicola Willis borrows a leaf from your humble Taxpayers' Union. ☺️The Bad: Winston Peters wants to buy [checks notes] the bank that nearly saw the Crown go bust in the 1990s. 💸And the Ugly: Hipkins has a car crash interview (not to be missed! 😂) and the wheels...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Nicola swings the axe ✂️ | Winston wants a taxpayer bank 💸 | Hipkins’ car crash interview 🚗 -
Taxpayer Update: Luxon grows a backbone 💪 | NEW Poll 🚨 | Palmy Mayor forced to close booze lounge 🥂
Hi,Look, I'll be first to admit the Taxpayers' Union can be a little critical of the current Government, but in today's Taxpayer Update, it's nothing but kudos for Nicola Willis, Winston Peters, and Christopher Bishop. 🥰This month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll is out, an update on the ratbagu-turning regional...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Luxon grows a backbone 💪 | NEW Poll 🚨 | Palmy Mayor forced to close booze lounge 🥂 -
Taxpayer Update: Disinformation from former COVID Minister 🤥 | Leaked audio from MBIE 📣 | Goldsmith's secret plan to water down OIA? 🤫
Hi,This week, we call out a former Labour COVID-response Minister for (ironically) disinformation, reveal a LEAKED audio recording of the now infamous "MBIE workplace waiata", and fisk the Green Party's proposed wealth tax. Plus we'll brief you on new work by the New Zealand Initiative think tank, asking...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Disinformation from former COVID Minister 🤥 | Leaked audio from MBIE 📣 | Goldsmith's secret plan to water down OIA? 🤫 -
Taxpayer Update: Pay Gap exposed: Bureaucrats cash in 🤑 | $116k council logo rip-off 🎨 | 'Everything is awesome' podcast 🎙️
Hi,We’re straight into it this week with the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll.NEW POLL: NZ First support surges with best-ever Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll result ⬆︎⬆︎⬆︎The Government has seen a significant increase in support according to the first public poll taken since the announcement of the Government’s Fuel Security Plan....
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Pay Gap exposed: Bureaucrats cash in 🤑 | $116k council logo rip-off 🎨 | 'Everything is awesome' podcast 🎙️ -
Taxpayer Update: Hipkins found guilty 👨⚖️ | Bond markets jitter 🥶 | Fuel rationing alert system announced ⛽️
Hi,What a week.Not since March 2020 have we seen the carnage in the New Zealand Government bond market as we saw in the last five days. Not good.Emergency "Alert Levels" are back! It's now official, with the Beehive signalling what everyone in Wellington has known for ten days:...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Hipkins found guilty 👨⚖️ | Bond markets jitter 🥶 | Fuel rationing alert system announced ⛽️ -
Taxpayer Update: Govt funding activism 🇵🇸 | Fuel data fiasco ⛽️ | Looming fiscal reckoning 💣
Hi,It’s been another busy week in the Wellington bubble: the fuel crisis has dominated, but, unfortunately, we've yet again uncovered more creative ways they're wasting your tax dollar.And just to add to the drama, a new Fiscal Reality Check for New Zealand. Buckle in.The $30k taxpayer-funded pro-Palestinian campaign in...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt funding activism 🇵🇸 | Fuel data fiasco ⛽️ | Looming fiscal reckoning 💣
-
Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on selling public assets to build better infrastructure
The New Zealand Initiative Chair Roger Partridge joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to discuss a new report arguing New Zealand could unlock more than $24 billion for essential infrastructure by recycling mature Crown-owned commercial assets.Roger explains how redirecting capital tied up in government-owned companies such as Air New Zealand,...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on selling public assets to build better infrastructure -
Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Roger Partridge from the New Zealand Initiative to unpack his new report: Unscrambling Government: Less Confusion, More Efficiency.Right now, New Zealand has 81 ministerial portfolios, 28 ministers, and 43 departments. That’s three times as many portfolios and nearly...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze -
Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on rates driving inflation
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with financial advisor and Stewart Group founder Nick Stewart to tackle a question too many councils would rather avoid: are skyrocketing rates making inflation worse?Nick explains how council spending flows through to households and businesses, pushing up the cost...
Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on rates driving inflation -
Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal
This week on Taxpayer Talk, James sits down with John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the UK TaxPayers' Alliance. John and James dig into some big issues, to see what New Zealand can learn from the UK's (many) mistakes.Rates caps, death tax, and John's role in exposing the infamous...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal -
Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Leggett on Infrastructure and Local Government
https://www.buzzsprout.com/944017/episodes/17672947Building anything in New Zealand has no shortage of challenges. Whether it be soaring costs, reels of red tape, or problems with supplying labour, our choked infrastructure pipeline deeply affects this country's economy and quality of life. CEO for Infrastructure New Zealand, Nick Leggett, joins Peter Williams for a...
Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Leggett on Infrastructure and Local Government -
Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Mayor Andrew Tripe on the Lowest Average Rates Increases in the Country
Rates across the country have soared, many into the double-digits. But while most councils point fingers and find excuses, Mayor for Whanganui Andrew Tripe has kept his average rates increase as little as 2.2 percent – the lowest in the country this year.Mayor Tripe joins Peter Williams for...
Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Mayor Andrew Tripe on the Lowest Average Rates Increases in the Country -
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 -
Taxpayer Talk: Peter Williams with Levi Gibbs on the Path to Surplus
“The rainy day has come. We believe it is crucial that the Government cut debt now.” Those words from Taxpayer’s Union researcher Levi Gibbs talking about his new paper “A Path to Surplus” released just a few days before Budget 2025.Levi Gibbs joined host Peter Williams on a special...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Peter Williams with Levi Gibbs on the Path to Surplus -
Taxpayer Talk: David Baker
This week Peter Williams is joined by social media sensation, David Baker, from Rapid QS. David is a quantity surveyor by trade, specialising in pricing residential buildings—and has spent the last year blowing the whistle on why so many public housing and infrastructure projects cost so much.But price...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: David Baker -
Taxpayer Update: RIP Sir Bob 🕯️ | A sad milestone ⏰ | Warning signs for Govt in new poll 📊
Hi,It's been a busy week here at the Taxpayers' Union, with Rhys and our interns out on the road continuing the "Hīkoi" for Balanced Budgets, and the research team prepping for the Budget in just a few weeks time. We have the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll (spoiler alert:...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: RIP Sir Bob 🕯️ | A sad milestone ⏰ | Warning signs for Govt in new poll 📊