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  2. Scrapping Regional Councils: Reform must also deliver rates relief

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s plan to remove regional councils but warns that any reform must genuinely cut bureaucracy, and focus must remain on the  ultimate cost to ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Tory Relf, said:“With regional councils on the way out, there’s a real chance to cut...

    Read more about Scrapping Regional Councils: Reform must also deliver rates relief

  3. NEW POLL: Voters calling for growth, Government needs to answer

    New Zealanders were asked which policies they supported to boost New Zealand's economic prospects in this Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll, conducted between 01 and 05 October 2025,Voters are supportive for tax cuts, spending cuts, and boosting openness to foreign students and investment, while being more sceptical of selling commercial shares and evenly...

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  4. Wellington City Council showed up by Porirua City Council

    Responding to The Post article published today revealing that Porirua City Council spent less than a fifth on their inauguration compared to Wellington City Council, the Taxpayers’ Union says fiscal management like this should be compared and commemorated.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“Porirua City Council spent $8,000 compared to...

    Read more about Wellington City Council showed up by Porirua City Council

  5. No more hidden MP spending: Parliament must Open the Books

    In response to the latest story about Maruameno Kapa-Kingi’s expenses, the Taxpayers’ Union is repeating its call for proper transparency over MPs’ expenses by asking Parliament to Open the Books.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“When MPs expenses aren’t subject to Official Information Act requests, it leaves them effectively marking...

    Read more about No more hidden MP spending: Parliament must Open the Books

  6. Taxpayers' Union-Curia November poll: capital gains 'inflation tax'

    New Taxpayers’ Union-Curia polling shows significant public opposition to Labour’s decision to tax nominal capital gains, including from Labour voters themselves. 61 percent of New Zealanders think any Capital Gains Tax (CGT) should be based only on real, inflation-adjusted gains, not nominal increases. Only 39 percent support taxing nominal gains....

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union-Curia November poll: capital gains 'inflation tax'

  7. Nicola Willis tasks foxes to guard the hen house for Budget 2026

    Responding to the Newsroom piece published today revealing that Nicola Willis has, again, requested public service bosses to examine their spending to see where savings can be made, the Taxpayers’ Union says Ministers need to do their job and 'take back control' for the sake of taxpayers.The Union's Executive Director,...

    Read more about Nicola Willis tasks foxes to guard the hen house for Budget 2026

  8. Taxpayer Update: Coster on a pretty penny, while sacking takes forever ⏳ | Win for democracy in Palmy 🗳️ | Parliament attendance a state secret 🤫

    Hi,Andrew Coster pockets $15,000 while Public Service Commissioner slow walks inevitable sacking... 🤑Last week, we shared the then-breaking news that New Zealand’s former top cop Andrew Coster tried to bury allegations relating to his former Deputy, and sex offender, Jevon McSkimming. My initial response was to say: As an...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Coster on a pretty penny, while sacking takes forever ⏳ | Win for democracy in Palmy 🗳️ | Parliament attendance a state secret 🤫

  9. Coster's garden leave racks up $15k while the Public Service Commissioner slow-walks sacking

    The time taken to deliver Andrew Coster's dismissal letter, has cost taxpayers $15,000 (and counting) according to a new real-time cost calculator launched by the Taxpayers' Union at https://costlycoster.nz/.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams said:"We all know the public service takes its time, but given the context, Public Service Commissioner...

    Read more about Coster's garden leave racks up $15k while the Public Service Commissioner slow-walks sacking

  10. Media report reveals that Nicola Willis harpooned own pre-election commitments to cut spending

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Nicola Willis to publicly explain why she has continued Labour's trajectory of increased government spending despite the $3 billion of proposed savings from her Associate Minister of Finance, David Seymour, as revealed by Stuff today.Nicola Willis tasked David Seymour to find savings, to get what Willis...

    Read more about Media report reveals that Nicola Willis harpooned own pre-election commitments to cut spending

  11. Masterton puts transparency first, other councils must follow

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is praising the Masterton District Council for following the Ombudsman’s advice and opening council workshops to the public and live streaming these sessions online.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“The days of closed-door meetings excluding ratepayers from key debates and decisions should be...

    Read more about Masterton puts transparency first, other councils must follow

  12. RATEPAYER HERO: Mayor Right to Demand Transparency on $1.36m Consultancy Spend

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s push for more information on the Council’s $1.36 million spend on a Māori consultancy firm, saying it is a positive step toward transparency but warns the public still hasn’t been shown the documents that matter.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“It’s good...

    Read more about RATEPAYER HERO: Mayor Right to Demand Transparency on $1.36m Consultancy Spend

  13. Christchurch Dodges a Lemon as Te Pae Struggles to Pay Its Way

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Christchurch City Council for refusing to buy Te Pae, as new reporting shows the convention centre continues to run at a $3.4 million loss, leaving taxpayers exposed.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“Christchurch Council deserves real credit for not getting dragged into owning a convention...

    Read more about Christchurch Dodges a Lemon as Te Pae Struggles to Pay Its Way

  15. $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is calling out the 15.53 percent salary increase for councillors at Tauranga City Council at a time when rates bills continue to spiral. Councillors will now be paid an average of $163,000 a year, while Mayor Mahé Drysdale receives $193,402.Taxpayers Union spokesperson Rhys Hurley said:“From $200,000...

    Read more about $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

  16. REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that millions of dollars in business start-up grants handed out by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have resulted in large numbers of recipients returning to a benefit within two years.MSD spent $38,512,555.69 on Flexi-Wage Self-Employment support...

    Read more about REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

  18. Prime Minister: Now is the time to start the conversation on asset recycling

    Responding to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments in the Sunday Star Times that New Zealand needs a more mature conversation about asset sales, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Hanging on to underperforming assets makes no sense. Why put off conversations we need to start having now?”“Treasury’s latest Investment Statement makes the need...

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  19. REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Christchurch City Council has paid $1,359,152.83 (GST exc.) to Mahaanui Kurataiao over the past three financial years under an ongoing funding arrangement with the six Ngãi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga within the area.Council has...

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  22. Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

    Commenting on today’s release of the Review of Retirement Income Policies 2025 by the Retirement Commission, James Ross of the Taxpayers’ Union said: “This is another warning shot across the Government’s bow.”“Continued deficit spending means current policies are shifting more of the costs of supporting pensioners on to future generations....

    Read more about Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

  23. FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says the latest job cuts at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are the inevitable result of years of executive-level overspending affecting the frontline.The Taxpayers’ Union revelealed in September that FENZ employed:A Chief Executive being paid $503,0007 Deputy Chief Executives, for a total $2.37 million800 managers...

    Read more about FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

  25. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

     Hi,The breaking news re Andrew Coster / McSkimming's cover-up: another golden handshake must be ruled out.Last night, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) dropped its report on the Police cover up of the allegations related to disgraced former Commissioner, Jevon McSkimmings.As an organisation whose primary purpose is accountability...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

  26. NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

    NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boostGood news for the Coalition as they regain the lead in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, conducted between 02 and 06 November – the first major national poll since Labour's capital gains tax policy announcement.Despite the lead for the coalition, the poll...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

  27. Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to immediately sack the Social Investment Agency's CEO, Andrew Coster and rule out a golden handshake or exit payout. This follows revelations that the former Police Commissioner “lacks integrity” and “lacks leadership”, according to current Police Commissioner Richard Chambers....

    Read more about Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

  28. $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for more than quadrupling its Auckland lease costs under former Governor Adrian Orr’s 10-year Britomart lease.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Even after he’s gone, Taxpayers are once again forced to underwrite Orr’s empire-building at the...

    Read more about $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

  29. Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is praising Palmerston North City councillors who signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge for successfully removing unelected representatives from two council committees and is urging the full council to finish the job at Wednesday’s vote.Between the first draft and current proposed committee structure, unelected appointees have been...

    Read more about Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

  30. Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

    On Friday, Treasury’s latest Investment Statement delivered yet another warning that the Government’s current fiscal path isn’t sustainable. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Treasury saying the Government’s balance sheet is heading for deterioration is not-so-subtle code for living well beyond our means. Spending will keep growing far faster...

    Read more about Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

  34. Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

      Entrepreneur and Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton joins Taxpayer Talk to discuss his extensive academic career, including his 11 degrees, and to offer a strong policy critique advocating for replacing the NCEA high school qualification with a more rigorous, globally standardized system. 

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

  35. Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

    Responding to David Seymour’s comments on selling down the Government’s stake in major electricity companies, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Seymour is asking the right questions. Why should the Crown own billions in shares in major electricity companies? We accept the Government doesn’t need to own fuel or telco...

    Read more about Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

  36. Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Minister Willis to deliver full capital expensing to boost the economy following today’s figures showing unemployment at an eight-year high, with youth unemployment at 15%.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“More New Zealanders out of work is not a sign of a healthy...

    Read more about Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

  37. Second golden handshake in two months: Minister Collins must act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming news of another taxpayer-funded payout, this time to Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby, calling it the second golden handshake revealed in as many months.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is déjà vu for taxpayers. Just weeks after Adrian Orr’s golden goodbye was...

    Read more about Second golden handshake in two months: Minister Collins must act

  38. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACC’s evidence-based funding reset

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming ACC’s decision to halt funding to Water Safety New Zealand, saying taxpayers deserve spending based on results, not emotion, lobbying, or good intentions alone.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“ACC isn’t a charity. It’s funded by taxes and every dollar spent has to be shown...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACC’s evidence-based funding reset

  39. Unfair 59 percent capital gains hit under Labour’s 'inflation tax'

    Commenting on Labour’s proposal to tax inflation by not adjusting their capital gains tax plans for rising prices, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“If Hipkins’ plan had been in place over the last decade, people would have faced an effective tax rate of 58.57 percent on real gains. Pretending that...

    Read more about Unfair 59 percent capital gains hit under Labour’s 'inflation tax'

  41. Spot Audit Exposes GP Appointment Crisis: 1 in 7 Practices Leave Kiwis Waiting a Month to See a Doctor

    The Taxpayers’ Union says Labour’s promise of three “free” (taxpayer-funded) GP visits won’t be worth much if New Zealanders can’t see a GP in the first place, with 1 in 7 GP practices unable to provide an appointment for more than a month. Instead, Labour's policy looks more like...

    Read more about Spot Audit Exposes GP Appointment Crisis: 1 in 7 Practices Leave Kiwis Waiting a Month to See a Doctor

  42. The question Nicola Willis needed to ask: Why keep the power companies?

    Levi Gibbs is a senior researcher at the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. OPINION: Spend five minutes with a four-year-old and the endless “why?” begins. The relentless probing into why something is or isn’t. Sometimes we have answers. Other times, it exposes what we’ve long ignored: pointless rules, outdated...

    Read more about The question Nicola Willis needed to ask: Why keep the power companies?

  43. Labour’s Capital Gains Tax Punishes Kiwis for Inflation

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling Labour’s proposed capital gains tax (CGT) an unfair and poorly thought-out policy that punishes ordinary New Zealanders for inflation, not real gains.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Labour’s capital gains tax is effectively a tax on inflation. Around 40 percent of house...

    Read more about Labour’s Capital Gains Tax Punishes Kiwis for Inflation

  44. New report exposes tobacco tax well past the Laffer Curve: Hiking taxes on durries now means less revenue, more smokers

    A new report on New Zealand’s illicit tobacco market shows the Government’s tobacco excise policy is blowing smoke up gangs and criminals — while driving the first increase in smoking rates in decades.The report by FTI Consulting reveals that illicit tobacco now makes up 27 percent of all cigarettes...

    Read more about New report exposes tobacco tax well past the Laffer Curve: Hiking taxes on durries now means less revenue, more smokers

  45. Labour's 'Bach Tax' a stalking horse for full-blown Capital Gains - and it will make New Zealand poorer

    The Taxpayers' Union is slamming Labour's newly announced Capital Gains Tax on investment and commercial property, dubbing it a "Bach Tax" that punishes savers, kills productivity, and opens the door to a full-blown wealth tax."This is a tax on inflation disguised as fairness," said Jordan Williams, Executive Director...

    Read more about Labour's 'Bach Tax' a stalking horse for full-blown Capital Gains - and it will make New Zealand poorer

  47. Labour’s Gaming Subsidies Level Up Wasteful Spending

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Labour’s plan to expand taxpayer subsidies for the video-game industry, warning the current Game Development Sector Rebate is already unnecessary corporate welfare.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley, said:“This is déjà vu. We’ve already seen millions funnelled into the gaming sector through the Centre of Digital...

    Read more about Labour’s Gaming Subsidies Level Up Wasteful Spending

  49. Back to the Future Fund: Labour’s latest plan to pick winners with your money

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Labour’s newfound interest in economic growth, while warning that its proposed “New Zealand Future Fund” looks more like a trip back to the 1970s than a plan for the future.Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Economic growth isn’t everything, but it’s almost everything when it comes to...

    Read more about Back to the Future Fund: Labour’s latest plan to pick winners with your money

  50. Inflation driven by massive council rates hikes

    Responding to Statistics New Zealand’s announcement today that annual CPI inflation has hit three percent, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Inflation is hitting the ceiling of the Reserve Bank’s target range, and council rates hikes are doing the heavy lifting. Local authority rates and payments contributed 27.9 percent of quarterly inflation."“With...

    Read more about Inflation driven by massive council rates hikes

  51. Taxpayer Update: Local Elections 2025 🗳️ | The Government is finally getting some good economic news 📈 | MSD's $2.3 million survey 👧

    Hi,Despite the sad news about the passing of Jim Bolger this week, it's still been very busy. As more of the final council election results come through, one message is clear: this was the Revenge of the Ratepayer.Local election results: Revenge of the Ratepayer 🗳️A clear pattern has...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Local Elections 2025 🗳️ | The Government is finally getting some good economic news 📈 | MSD's $2.3 million survey 👧

  52. REVEALED: Te Puni Kōkiri’s $91,000 Bill for Backpacks, Beanies, and Branding

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Te Puni Kōkiri spent $91,086.50 in 2023/24 on branded merchandise, clothing, and lanyards.Documents show:$52,355.21 on branded merchandise including umbrellas, sunglasses, drink bottles, beach blankets, and tote bags$38,219.77 was spent on branded clothing such as wool jackets,...

    Read more about REVEALED: Te Puni Kōkiri’s $91,000 Bill for Backpacks, Beanies, and Branding

  53. REVEALED: Government Steals $7.5 Million in Tourism Levies from Rejected Tourists

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act request that Immigration New Zealand has collected $7,546,236 in International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levies (IVL) from people whose visa or NZeTA applications were rejected since 2022.Between January 2022 and June 2025, 156,773 visa applications and 2,160 NZeTA requests...

    Read more about REVEALED: Government Steals $7.5 Million in Tourism Levies from Rejected Tourists

  54. REVEALED: MSD's $350 Per Response Survey Comes Sweetened With $7,500 of Brownies

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act request that the Ministry of Social Development is spending $2.8 million on a youth wellbeing survey that included sending brownie boxes worth $7,544 to schools to encourage participation.The Ministry confirmed that research firm Ipsos, which is contracted to deliver...

    Read more about REVEALED: MSD's $350 Per Response Survey Comes Sweetened With $7,500 of Brownies

  57. Behind Closed Doors, New Plymouth Ex-Mayor Lands Top Water Job

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the outgoing New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom being appointed chief executive of the council’s new Water Services Council Controlled Organisation, the day before local election voting closed.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“This fails every test of transparency and fairness. Ratepayers will rightly be asking...

    Read more about Behind Closed Doors, New Plymouth Ex-Mayor Lands Top Water Job

  58. Taxpayers' Union congratulate Atlas Network Partner, Maria Corina Machado, for winning 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

    The Taxpayers' Union congratulates fellow Atlas Network participant Maria Corina Machado for winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize over the weekend.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"Pro-freedom think tanks in Venezuela were among the very first Atlas Network partners in the early 1980s, promoting the ideas behind the movement...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union congratulate Atlas Network Partner, Maria Corina Machado, for winning 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

  59. Revenge of the Ratepayers: Mayors Who Hiked Rates Punished at the Ballot Box

    Analysis of the 2025 preliminary local election results shows a clear pattern that mayors who treated ratepayers like an ATM have been thrown out of office, while those who showed fiscal restraint have been rewarded.Across the country, voters have sent a simple message: stop hiking rates.Of the ten councils with...

    Read more about Revenge of the Ratepayers: Mayors Who Hiked Rates Punished at the Ballot Box

  62. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Nats and Labour slide 📊 | Chris Penk, shatters costs 🦸 | CEOs back fiscal watchdog ✅

    BREAKING: Former Reserve Bank Governor under gag clause as part of $416,000 golden handshakeBefore we get into the newsletter proper, we've just had land on our desk a copy of the agreement signed between former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr and the Reserve Bank.On Monday we learned Orr...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Nats and Labour slide 📊 | Chris Penk, shatters costs 🦸 | CEOs back fiscal watchdog ✅

  64. NEW POLL: National and Labour Take Big Hits; NZ First and Greens Gain

    Bad news for National and Labour as they both take a beating in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.The poll, conducted between 01 October and 05 October, shows Labour retain its position as the largest party, dropping 2.6 points to 31.2 percent. National dropped 3.5 points to 29.6 percent. The Greens...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National and Labour Take Big Hits; NZ First and Greens Gain

  65. OCR Cuts Not a Plan for Growth

    Responding to the Reserve Bank’s decision today to reduce the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“When the only plan for growth seems to be praying for OCR cuts, the Minister of Finance must be thanking her lucky stars for another...

    Read more about OCR Cuts Not a Plan for Growth

  68. RBNZ Board should be sacked for approving $416k golden goodbye for Adrian Orr and claiming he 'quit'

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Finance Minister Nicola Willis to justify why a $416k golden parachute was approved to disgraced governor Adrian Orr, and whether she knew about the proposal before it was agreed to by the RBNZ Board. If she didn't, she should sack the Board...

    Read more about RBNZ Board should be sacked for approving $416k golden goodbye for Adrian Orr and claiming he 'quit'

  69. Parents Should Support School Leavers; Can’t Be Punished for Working Harder

    Responding to the Government’s announcement that parents earning more than $65,000 will be responsible for supporting school leavers, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Breaking the benefit trap is good for young people and good for taxpayers. School leavers who go straight onto a benefit often end up spending...

    Read more about Parents Should Support School Leavers; Can’t Be Punished for Working Harder

  70. Sensible Heads Must Prevail on Gas Exploration

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Christopher Luxon’s call for a bipartisan approach to natural gas exploration. Commenting on Luxon’s letter to Labour, Union spokesman James Ross said:“Energy prices used to be New Zealand's edge, and within a decade they've become one of our biggest liabilities. We’re consciously crippling ourselves, and it’s not...

    Read more about Sensible Heads Must Prevail on Gas Exploration

  71. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

    The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding today’s decision from Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk to overhaul the earthquake-prone building system, cutting red tape and saving New Zealanders more than $8.2 billion.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is a win for common sense. The old rules lumped massive costs...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

  72. REVEALED: Bureaucrats Burn $226,000 on 400,000 Mile COP29 Junket

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act requests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment sent 13 staff to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.Collectively, these departments spent $226,159 to...

    Read more about REVEALED: Bureaucrats Burn $226,000 on 400,000 Mile COP29 Junket

  73. Taxpayer Update: NDPC are Ratepayer Heroes 🦸‍♀️ | $5m Roadside Art 🎨 | Confidence in Willis Collapses 📉

    Hi,From $5 million roadside statues to a new Taxpayer Hero council, it’s been a week of contrasts. We’ve also had our say on the draft Code of Conduct, checked the mood on Nicola Willis, and seen more candidates sign up to the Pledge. Pledge Update: Who’s really standing with...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NDPC are Ratepayer Heroes 🦸‍♀️ | $5m Roadside Art 🎨 | Confidence in Willis Collapses 📉

  74. 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

  76. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new Reserve Bank Governor, calls for end to Orr-era excess

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the appointment of Dr Anna Breman as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and is urging her to rein in the waste and empire-building that flourished under Adrian Orr.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:"New Zealanders deserve a Reserve Bank that is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new Reserve Bank Governor, calls for end to Orr-era excess

  78. Confidence in Willis Collapses: Boardrooms Confirm What Taxpayers Know

    Reacting to today’s Mood of the Boardroom survey, the Taxpayers’ Union is saying that the report tells us what taxpayers already know: Nicola Willis has tanked the books and business leaders have lost confidence.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“There are no surprises here. Willis and Luxon have flopped,...

    Read more about Confidence in Willis Collapses: Boardrooms Confirm What Taxpayers Know

  79. REVEALED: Manawatū's $5M Roadside Art Sees Motorists Pay the Price

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Waka Kotahi spent $5.05 million on mahi toi (cultural artworks) along the Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway.The spending went ahead without an open tender process.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Blowing $5 million on...

    Read more about REVEALED: Manawatū's $5M Roadside Art Sees Motorists Pay the Price

  80. Taxpayers' Union Chair, Former MoF Calls for Spring Statement to Reset Government's 'Go for Growth' Plan

    In light of yesterday's alarming GDP figures and the failure of the Government's current fiscal and economic approach, the Taxpayers' Union is calling on Nicola Willis to present a 'Spring Statement' to decidedly reset the economy on a growth path before this year's Half Year Economic and Fiscal...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Chair, Former MoF Calls for Spring Statement to Reset Government's 'Go for Growth' Plan

  82. Where’s the Money Going? Call for Transparency on Government’s Use of Visitor Levy

    The Taxpayers’ Union is criticising the Government for skimming up to $139 million a year from the International Visitor Levy while telling the public it’s for tourism and conservation, raising serious questions about whether the levy is being used as promised.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“No wonder the Department of...

    Read more about Where’s the Money Going? Call for Transparency on Government’s Use of Visitor Levy

  83. 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

  84. Taxpayer Update: Ruapehu’s Ratepayer Heroes 💘 | Catch up on our mayoral debates 📺

    Hi,We had an amazing week on the road with our mayoral debates. I loved getting to meet so many supporters, from Hamilton to Dunedin, and visiting new parts of the country that I've not seen before.Voting is Open: Who’s standing with ratepayers? 🗳️Local body voting is officially underway...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ruapehu’s Ratepayer Heroes 💘 | Catch up on our mayoral debates 📺

  85. Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today released the Ratepayer Voting Guide, giving voters a clear picture of where local body election candidates stand on rates, transparency, and unelected appointments. The Guide is based on candidates’ responses to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which asked every mayoral and council candidate to commit...

    Read more about Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

  86. NEW POLL: Queenstown Lakes Mayoral Race Wide Open as Voter Uncertainty Remains High

    A new Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll of Queenstown Lakes voters shows that the mayoral race is wide open, ahead of the Taxpayers’ Union-hosted Mayoral Debate taking place in Queenstown tonight.The independent poll of 500 residents found that while incumbent Glyn Lewers has the biggest support among voters, at just 11 percent,...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Queenstown Lakes Mayoral Race Wide Open as Voter Uncertainty Remains High

  87. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Local’s Strong Stance on Unelected Appointees in Local Government

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed commitment from ACT to oppose voting powers for unelected appointees in local government, included in today’s Democracy policy release.“Democracy has been treated as a plaything in local councils for too long. Making a clear stand on this issue is essential for restoring fair...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Local’s Strong Stance on Unelected Appointees in Local Government

  88. $1.4 Billion National Ticketing Delay – Another Setback for Taxpayers

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for an end to the 16 year old National Ticketing System (NTS) after the announcement the scheme's full implementation will now be delayed until 2027.An Official Information Act request has revealed the scheme was reviewed in October 2024 and was deemed well governed and...

    Read more about $1.4 Billion National Ticketing Delay – Another Setback for Taxpayers

  89. REVEALED: Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Trucks Rust While Executives Cash In

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) collected $712 million from the fire levy last year, yet are failing to maintain frontline equipment while executives and back-office staff take home millions.New figures obtained under the Official Information...

    Read more about REVEALED: Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Trucks Rust While Executives Cash In

  90. Ratepayer Heroes? Ruapehu District Council Fixes $700,000 Overspend Without Hitting Ratepayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding the decisive action taken by Ruapehu District Council to rein in a projected $700,000 overspend in its Community and Recreational Services, managing to offset it without saddling ratepayers with additional debt.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren, said:“The council spotted a budget hole the size of a...

    Read more about Ratepayer Heroes? Ruapehu District Council Fixes $700,000 Overspend Without Hitting Ratepayers

  91. NEW POLL: Marcus Buddo leading Hastings mayoral race ahead of tonight's Taxpayers' Union debate

    A new Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll of Hastings voters shows Marcus Buddo in the lead in the race for mayor, ahead of the Taxpayers’ Union-hosted Hastings Mayoral Debate taking place in Havelock North tonight.The independent poll of 500 residents found Buddo has the support of 25 percent of decided voters, with...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Marcus Buddo leading Hastings mayoral race ahead of tonight's Taxpayers' Union debate

  92. Taxpayer Update: New poll puts Centre-Left ahead 📊 | 2025 Mayoral Debates 🗳️ | Labour wants to spend your money… on themselves 🚨

    Hi,NEW POLL: National up, ACT down, centre-left could form Govt 📊Our latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia Poll is out, and it’s mixed news for the centre-right. While Christopher Luxon's personal numbers are up, overall, it's bad news for the Government.Labour hold on to its spot as the largest party, up...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: New poll puts Centre-Left ahead 📊 | 2025 Mayoral Debates 🗳️ | Labour wants to spend your money… on themselves 🚨

  93. NEW POLL: National Gain and ACT Fall; Coalition Can't Form Government

    Mixed news for National in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, with National gaining but the Coalition unable to form a Government.The poll, conducted between 31 August and 02 September, shows Labour hold on to its spot as the largest party, gaining 0.2 points to 33.8 percent. National gained 1.3 points to...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National Gain and ACT Fall; Coalition Can't Form Government

  94. 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

  95. Treasury’s $8.4b Budget Hole Isn’t Going Anywhere And Growth Alone Won’t Save Us

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Government over its release of internal documents revealing an $8.4b “unfunded” hole in funding future public services over the years to 2028/29.Taxpayers’ Union Economist Ray Deacon said:"The Minister of Finance’s current strategy is to tinker around the edges and shuffle spending,...

    Read more about Treasury’s $8.4b Budget Hole Isn’t Going Anywhere And Growth Alone Won’t Save Us

  99. Taxpayer Update: MAJOR Taxpayer Victory ✌️ | NEW POLL: Majority of all groups back rates cap 🧢 | Grey District Council caught on camera 🎥

    Hi,Next week we head into Spring – and the meaty part of the local elections. Read more on our Ratepayer Protection Pledge below.This week we’re also celebrating a major Taxpayer Victory, an unexpected Taxpayer Hero, and a kid who gives us all hope for the future. It’s a...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: MAJOR Taxpayer Victory ✌️ | NEW POLL: Majority of all groups back rates cap 🧢 | Grey District Council caught on camera 🎥

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