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Taxpayer-funded Hīkoi organiser shows Parliament’s budget a political slush fund
With one of the lead organisers of Hīkoi - Eru Kapa-Kingi - being a paid Parliamentary staffer working for Te Pāti Māori, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said “if taxpayer money is being spent, we need to see the receipts.”“Parliamentary budgets are for helping...
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If you want to use it, you should pay it
The Taxpayers' Union is supporting the Department of Conservation’s discussion document that includes a proposal to charge for access to sites in the conservation estate, as long as that means taxpayers end up footing less of the bill.Commenting on the Government-led directive, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Taxpayers are...
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25 million Wellington Begonia House upgrade must be scrapped
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that planned upgrades to the Wellington Botanic Garden, Begonia House have reached $25 million, with $7.8 million budgeted until 2027.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, James Ross, said:“Rates are so high that people can’t afford to stay...
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MFAT decision to ship $4 million to Vanuatu out-of-touch
The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to comments made by the head of New Zealand’s delegation to COP 29, Todd Croad, who is suggesting additional pathways of climate reparations for the Vanuatu government to be paid by New Zealand taxpayers.Commenting on NZ’s decision to sign a $4million taxpayer funded...
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Dunedin Council needs to stop the railway gravy train
Following reports in the Otago Daily Times this morning that Dunedin Railway is being subsidised by ratepayers to the tune of nearly $550 per passenger, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes said “Andrew Simms is bang on the money. This gravy train needs to end.”“If Dunedin Railways’ finances...
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NEW POLL: Labour's highest result in 17 months, National also bounce back in Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll
The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll for November shows National up 3.9 points on October’s poll to 38.8%, while Labour gained 1.2 points to 31.5%. This represents a rebound for National from last month and the highest result for Labour in 17 months.The Greens are down 1.1 points to...
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Taxpayer Update: Parliament's panicking 🚨 | NEW POLL 😱 | A $800k team-building bill ?🧾
Hi A lot to cover this week: we expose yet another Government department's wasteful spending, #FactCheck Radio NZ on its [dis]reporting of a poll, plus a campaign win.And, we reveal November's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.But first, what happens when you threaten to expose MPs' spending rorts?Parliament hits the panic stations,...
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Gross Incompetence exposed again over Thorndon Quay
Stuff reported yesterday that Wellington City Council has already begun tearing up recently completed roadworks on Thorndon Quay, to remove raised safety platforms.“We could see this planning failure coming, half of Wellington saw this coming, so how didn’t the Council? Do Council staff not talk to each other?”...
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Minister Upston can’t hide from the facts
The Taxpayers’ Union agrees with the Labour Party’s assertion that the Ministry of Social Development’s recent decision to stop publishing weekly updates on benefit numbers "stinks of a cover-up”.Commenting on the attempt to sweep critical details under the rug less than a month after a record 392,211 people...
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Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill needs to meet its long-awaited end
As the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill’s second reading has been postponed this week, “the Government might finally be seeing sense”, said James Ross, the Taxpayers’ Union’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager.“Carbon-copies of this bill have been tried overseas, and the results have been disastrous. Ask Canadians who can...
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Time to end taxpayer funding of political parties
Responding to Todd Stephenson MP’s calls for an end to taxpayer funding of political parties, James Ross of the Taxpayers’ Union said:“As we said to the Justice Committee back in August, not a single Kiwi should be forced to fund a political party they disagree with against their...
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Christchurch and Wellington show Auckland how to buy a tree
Following news yesterday in the NZ Herald on Wellington, the Taxpayers' Union can reveal through official correspondence that Christchurch City Council has also undercut Auckland's $1.3 million Christmas tree, $800k of which was funded by Auckland Council's targeted rates.“For only four percent of the total cost, Christchurch has managed to undercut Auckland's spending, while ratepayers...
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Lindsay McKenzie has a tall ask ahead
Commenting on former Tasman and Gisborne Council Chief Executive Lindsay McKenzie’s appointment as Crown Observer at Wellington City Council, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Some experienced hands to knock heads together at Wellington City Council won’t go amiss, but real cultural change is needed.“Officers...
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Mt Ruapehu future unknown after licensing debacle
The Taxpayers’ Union is commenting on the recent news that Pure Tūroa will have to restart its consultation process to operate the Mt Ruapehu ski field. This comes after receiving $27.35 million from taxpayers over two years.“Our comments eight months ago that the Government was throwing good money...
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More than 18,400 Kiwis call on Select Committee to front up on MPs’ expenses
The Taxpayers’ Union’s Open the Books campaign has been calling for backbench and opposition MPs’ expenses - as well as Party Leaders’ budgets - to be covered by the Official Information Act.“Why should MPs not be held to the same standards as Ministers? If you’re spending taxpayers’ money, the public...
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Has Simon Watts forgotten who the Minister is?
The Taxpayers’ Union is asking “where does the buck stop” following Revenue Minister Simon Watts’ comments that IRD took “appropriate action” over its leaking of more than a quarter of a million taxpayers’ data. Despite leading the Department, Watts’ has simply “expressed [his] disappointment” over the leaks.Commenting on...
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IRD have lied to New Zealanders. Heads must roll
IRD’s data leak was far worse then feared with IRD’s admission that despite earlier public assurances that all taxpayer data provided to social media companies was “hashed”, officials had emailed an unencrypted spreadsheet of taxpayer data to Meta (owners of Facebook) containing sensitive taxpayer information of more than...
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IRD data leaking killed by 9,000-strong Taxpayers’ Union campaign
The IRD had been leaking taxpayers’ data to overseas tech firms in what Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, described as “shameful, and frankly it beggars belief that it is legal.”“Even now, IRD Commissioner Peter Mersi is still refusing to front up to the millions of...
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REVEALED: Ministry for the Environment blows more than $2 million on internal ‘events’
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Ministry for the Environment has spent $822,362 dollars during just fiscal year 2023 on “internal events”. Since 2018/19, the ministry has spent more than $2 million. Yearly costs for internal events have gone up more than 8x since 2018/19 when annual costs were...
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Parliament blocks submissions calling for transparency on Parliament’s expenses
For the first time, a Parliamentary Select Committee is blocking members of the public from emailing submissions on a Bill before Parliament to MPs.Nearly 10,000 individual New Zealanders have used the submission tool at OpenTheBooks.nz to ask the Parliament Bill Committee to remove the secrecy provisions that protect MPs from...
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No more hiding for MPs’ expenses
The Taxpayers’ Union is launching a major campaign for Kiwis to demand MPs’ expenses no longer enjoy a special carve out from the Official Information Act."Submissions on the Parliament Bill close this Wednesday and we are encouraging taxpayers to make their voice heard at OpenTheBooks.nz," says James Ross, Policy and Public Affairs...
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DIA 17 senior staff fat trim a drop in the ocean
The Taxpayers’ Union is weighing in on DIA’s ‘fat trim’ of 17 senior staff that were bringing home an average salary of $152,000. This comes after the bloated department has added 477 more bureaucrats in just 5 years.Commenting on the relatively small cuts, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex...
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Is a Waikato Medical School Sensible?
Today’s Otago Daily Times reports that the government was advised of serious concerns about Waikato University’s ability to fund its contribution to the new medical school and with the assumptions used in the cost-benefit analysis that had been prepared. This advice, from the Tertiary Education Commission and the...
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Health NZ double dips on another $100k catering bill
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Health NZ to “control their catering cravings”. This is the second spending scandal involving conference catering in just over a week for Health NZ.Commenting on the colossal $95,584 catering costs, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes said:“Once might be considered a mistake....
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REVEALED: New Plymouth's $1.2 million beach stairs and ramp, shows Auckland how to spend big
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act New Plymouth District Council has allocated $1,280,841 towards ramps and stairs for Fitzroy beach. This follows September’s news that Auckland Council spent $263,000 on four sets of stairs at Milford Beach."Accessibility, especially for the disabled, was obviously...
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REVEALED: “Upgraded web-platform” burns Otago ratepayers $200k
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Otago Regional Council has spent more than $200,000 redeveloping its website, which has virtually been unchanged since 2017. While Council branding remains mostly unaffected, the redevelopment apparently has more features, and enhanced relationships with Mana Whenua.“Otago seems...
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Wellington set to blow $30 million on fence along harbour
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Wellington City Council for the recent reports that they plan to blow $30 million on a new waterfront fence.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“If the council can't build a fence at a reasonable cost, how does that fare for...
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REVEALED: Red Card to Sports NZ for $170k e-card blunder
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an official information act request that Sports NZ's "Say Thanks to Your Coach" campaign cost $171,598, with Sports NZ contributing $131,598 and Coach for Life contributing a further $40,000. The campaign featured a website for a month, which was used to...
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Government needs to “proceed with caution” when considering performance pay
The Taxpayers’ Union is warning the government to “proceed with caution” after Nicola Willis’ comments about performance pay for public service executives.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“While it would be a nice change to see bureaucrats paid just like the rest of us by pegging their pay...
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REVEALED: NZTA spends $710,000 on Mackenzie Basin art sculptures
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the New Zealand Transport Agency to “work on their negotiation skills” after documents were obtained from an Official Information Act request showing they spent $270,000 on design costs and $390,000 on installation for a 14 metre tall art sculpture outside a rest stop near Tekapo....
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Government puts Wellington on the naughty step
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown is set to appoint a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council."With the city’s governance being at rock bottom, no one is surprised the Government felt the need to hold the Mayor’s hand” says James Ross, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Taxpayers’...
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Palmerston North, time to sell the airport
The Taxpayers’ Union can confirm through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Palmerston North City Council has a 100 percent equity share in Palmerston North airport, valued at $84 million. Meanwhile, under the long term plan, net debt is planned to increase to $553 million...
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Taxpayer Update: Halloween spook! 👻 I $575 e-cards 💌 | Future of Local Government 2.0 🙏
👻 BOO! $90,388 trick or treat for your household 🎃💀Like many Dads, later today I'll be taking my kids around the neighbourhood for the American pagan tradition of "trick or treating".According to my five year old, the tradition is to "ward off the ghosts" – but I suspect she has...
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Napier City Council, get back to work!
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal Napier City Council staff are required to work in the office just 60 percent of the time, and Chief Executive Louise Miller, only three days per week.“In September, the Public Service Minister sent a loud message to civil servants that she expected...
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Kiwis know our infrastructure investment isn’t working
The IPSOS Global Infrastructure Index for 2024 reports that only 27% of New Zealanders are fairly or very satisfied with the nation’s infrastructure. However, only 17% consider we have a strong record of delivering infrastructure, putting us dead last with Hungary.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James...
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America’s Cup returning to New Zealand? Only if the numbers stack up
Following this weekend’s victory in Barcelona, Team New Zealand has expressed interest in the possibility of defending the America’s Cup in Auckland once more, saying ‘it’s not off the table’.“Dalton and his team’s win has been nothing less than historic” said Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren."But before any...
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Health NZ broke yet spends $9,000 on canapes for ‘senior management’
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Health NZ to “focus on the figures, not the food” after an OIA was published by RNZ disclosing more than $60,000 on catering for 300 senior management.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Senior Management at Health NZ need to focus less on...
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Taxpayer Update: Boozin' on the Med 🥂 | $600k te reo keyboards ⌨️ | Fact-checking ACT + ASB-boss 🤨
Like rust, government waste never sleeps, and your humble Taxpayers' Union has been in the media this week exposing it.We also fact-check an ACT Party brag, and have bad news if you're an ASB Bank customer.EXCLUSIVE: Film Commission's $145,000 French soirée 🎥🇫🇷🍾💸The Taxpayers' Union is not very popular...
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Give our brightest a reason to stay: New Zealand’s brain-drain reaching boiling point
Record numbers of young Kiwis leaving the country for better economic opportunities overseas remains a serious problem not easily solved, economists warn.“These kids need a reason to stay” said Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren.“Countries overseas are offering incentives to attract bright minds to settle, work and thrive in their economies....
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Bureaucrat costs balloon to more than $6.5 billion dollars
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling the Public Service Commission’s recent figures posted in an RNZ article “a failure of the coalition to get spending back on track”. The figures show bureaucrat salary costs have increased to more than $6.5 billion, an increase of 5.3 percent.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer,...
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IRD pulls wool over the eyes of Minister Watts
Minister Simon Watts was quoted today in an article by RNZ saying that the tools used for anonymising sensitive client data are “completely irreversible.”“IRD seems to be trying to pull the Minister’s strings by having him do their PR”, said Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes.“The Hashing process used to protect...
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Inflation hasn’t gone away, Government cannot lose its focus
Statistics NZ today released their latest figures for New Zealand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This dropped to 2.2%, which is within the target range of 1-3%.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said “that’s only half the story, and the inflation beast isn’t slain yet.”“Domestic inflation...
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Council’s 1500% ‘table tax’ hike completely out of touch
Queenstown cafes and restaurants have been rocked by a near 1500% increase to al fresco dining charges following a decision made by Queenstown Lakes District Council.“After years of near impossible trading conditions, only now is the sector starting to get off its knees” said Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren.“One...
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Nicola Willis should withdraw slanderous accusation levied at New Zealand butcheries
Nicola Willis' comparison of Wellington City Council to a butcher's slaughterhouse is demeaning to both the ratepayers of Wellington, and hard working, decent, blue collar butchers around New Zealand, says the Taxpayers' Union."Nicola Willis' comments on Newstalk ZB this morning were totally over the top. While Wellington City Council might...
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Tauranga’s Table Tax another nail in the coffin for businesses
Tauranga City Council has today faced backlash from local cafes and restaurants following changes to outdoor dining fees that would see further costs piled onto hospitality businesses offering alfresco dining options.“It’s a table-tax, plain and simple.” said Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren.“Mayor Drysdale needs to...
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REVEALED: Language Commission gives away more than $600k on keyboards
The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through an Official Information Request that $605,499 of corporate welfare was given by the Māori Language Commission to PB Tech for the development of Te Reo Keyboards.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Instead of using taxpayer dollars to improve the lives of...
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Wellington’s broke, but be careful what you wish for
As Central Government intervention in Wellington City Council seems to be getting more and more likely, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, warned commentators to “be careful what you wish for.”“We’ve all seen this movie before. When commissioners stepped into Tauranga, the city carried on...
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Film Commission living it up in the French Riviera
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the New Zealand Film Commission has spent $145,354.81 for just four staff members to spend two weeks in France attending the Cannes Film Market.Receipts showed $24,329.08 in accommodation, $24,525.36 in food and drink, and $21,704.54 on travel.Commenting on...
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If ASB bank boss wants to pay more tax, she can go right ahead
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on ASB Bank CEO Vittoria Shortt to put her money where her mouth is and make a donation to the Government given her call for New Zealanders to be taxed even more.Stuff reports that Ms Shortt says “New Zealand has to collect more tax...
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Christchurch Mayor need to stop with the gaslighting
The Taxpayers' Union is calling out Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger who admitted on TVNZ's Q&A that “I didn’t do what I promised” when asked about Christchurch’s recent rates hikes, but claimed, bizarrely, that it isn't a "broken promise".Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:"Does Mayor...
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Kāinga Ora’s Scandalous $1.2m Apartments Warrant Select Committee Review
Kāinga Ora was slammed yesterday following revelations it spent $1.2 million per apartment build, as part of its new Meadowbank complex.“This appalling cost warrants urgent review across the organisation.” said a Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Sam Warren.“A Select Committee is needed to determine what went so wrong, with powers to...
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Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll
Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll for October shows National down 4.1 points on September’s poll to 34.9%, and Labour up 3.6 points to 30.3%. This is the lowest result for National...
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Taxpayer Update: Govt. books in worse shape than Navy ⚓️ | NEW POLL 😱 | Business-class bureaucrats Bonn (fire) 🔥
Huge Taxpayer Update today.NEW POLL (not good news for Luxon); boat sinking (not good news for taxpayers); Government books even worse than feared (not good news for those who wanted Nicola Willis to tackle the last Government's wasteful spending).We do have some good news for your Friday though: Jordan's...
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Government fails to cut down on debt despite higher tax revenue
The Government has released its financial statements for fiscal year 2024 yesterday. Its financial statement saw a 1.8% increase in net core crown debt and interest charges (total charges more than $10 million dollars) despite higher tax revenue. They assert the higher levels of revenue were caused from...
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Wellington’s debt crisis to worsen as airport share sale canned
Councillors today voted not to sell the airport shares, in what Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, says “could be shaping up to be an incredible act of economic sabotage.”“Wellington City Council has already breached its debt limit, and as the airport shares have not...
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Unelected Mana Whenua Representatives Threaten Democratic Process
Andrea Vance reports in The Post today on the horribly, messily complicated sale (or not) of Wellington City Council’s airport shares.“Whilst the Council’s complete dysfunction is widely understood, these new developments, as reported by Vance, are deeply disturbing” said Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross.“Vance reports that the two unelected...
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Slashing interest rates won’t fix economy on its own
The Reserve Bank has today slashed the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, to 4.75%.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“High interest rates have caused a bigger per-capita recession than the one experienced in the wake of the Global Financial...
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Taxpayer Update: Bouncy councils 🦄 | Digital cash blowout 🤯 | Office-shy bureaucrats 😴
We've been taking some big issues head-on this past week, and we wouldn't be the Taxpayers' Union if we didn't have a laugh while doing it...Bouncy Council? Well someone had to be the adults in the room 🦄🎉Kids on Council. Enough said, right?We've been banging the drum for years...
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Health NZ’s finances are on their death bed
Health NZ’s predicted deficit by June 2025 has grown to $1.76 billion, ballooning from $1.4 billion only a few months ago.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Overspending by $147 million a month is staggering. It’s clear the centralise-at-all-costs model has blown up in our faces,...
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Revealed: $10 million EECA EV charging contracts need to go!
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has spent $9,957,895 co-funding EV chargers across the public service.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“EECA funding half the public service’s EV charger...
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Public Demands Transparency on the Sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui
The New Zealand Defence Force-led inquiry to determine the cause of the HMNZS Manawanui’s sinking may be kept secret from the public.“The reasons for the demise of the HMNZS Manawanui must be made known” said a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren.“The vessel itself was a $100 million...
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The time is now to sell TVNZ
Following yesterday’s strategy meeting, TVNZ has proposed outsourcing its daily operations and shutting down the 1News website and app in an attempt to find $30 million dollars in savings.Commenting on this, Taxpayer’s Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“It’s nice that TVNZ is finally looking to cut costs and start...
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Revealed: Tasman Council's $42k Speed Bump Blunder
Following news that Tasman District Council would remove a number of newly installed speed bumps after receiving backlash from locals, the Taxpayers Union can reveal through the LGOIMA that the total cost of construction and deconstruction was $42,664."Councillors need to take a hard look at themselves when it come to...
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High-flying bureaucrats blow $150k on Bonn Climate Conference
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) and Ministry for the Environment (MFE) collectively spent more than $150,000 to send ten staffers to the Bonn Climate Conference. This cost covered travel, accommodation and...
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Simple ACC Survey costs more than $250,000
The New Zealand Taxpayer’s Union can reveal through information obtained from an Official Information Request that ACC has spent more than $251,000 contracting The Research Agency (TRA) to administer a monthly survey tracking public engagement and trust.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“ACC wasting over a quarter...
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Health New Zealand reports near $1 billion dollar deficit
The NZ Herald has released a story regarding Health New Zealand’s recent $934 million deficit for fiscal year 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said: “These recent figures highlight the financial mismanagement that occurs at Health New Zealand. With news like this, taxpayers are absolutely in...
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Wellington can’t afford even more debt
Wellington City Council officials have provided figures suggesting that the council’s debt limit could triple if it does not sell its stake in Wellington International Airport.“Doubling down on the city’s financial crisis is not the answer, and residents can’t take more punishment”, said James Ross, spokesman for the...
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Stick to his knitting” – Adrian Orr’s digital cash project proves distracting for the Reserve Bank, costly for taxpayers
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the Reserve Bank has spent more than $2 million on its digital cash programme so far. The ongoing project explores the introduction of an electronic currency, and has an approved total budget of $4.7 million.“Someone needs to tell the Governor...
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Kiwis hit by ACC’s double-tax rort
From 2023, ACC started charging levies on Kiwis’ income who live overseas, sending 4,300 of these levy invoices in the 2023 tax year alone.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“If you’re living overseas and working overseas, you pay taxes on your income...
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Who Really Controls Wellington City Council?
Andrea Vance’s reports in The Post on the latest ructions concerning the potential sale Wellington City Council’s shareholding in Wellington International Airport Limited, where council staff had been posting information supporting the sale on the council’s social media channels and website.Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow finally ordered the posts to...
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Taxpayers’ Union’s “Bouncy Council” puts the spotlight on Hastings Mayor
The Taxpayers’ Union – along with a hundred or so local members and supporters – presented the Hastings District Council new council chambers today in the form of a “Bouncy Council” (bouncy castle) to reflect the Mayor and councillors who are acting like children in appointing teenagers as...
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Stratford's new $350k crossings: Hated by locals, costly to taxpayers
The Taxpayers Union can reveal through the LGOIMA that Stratford District Council has received $344,558 for two new crossings from NZTA – with $96,230 spent on traffic management alone, and further work is required, the overall cost is set to rise.“When ratepayers say they are unhappy, elected members must start listening or face a very difficult election result"...
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Hastings Mayor and Councillors have lost the plot: using kids as political play things
The Taxpayers' Union is telling Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst to 'grow up' after she used her casting vote to give committee voting rights, and a salary, to members of the Hastings District Youth Council: school-aged kids."We vote for a mayor and councillors to be adult decision makers and here they...
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Bureaucrats ‘burdened’ from the need to show up to work
Stuff this morning reported that bureaucrats who may now need to show up to work due to Nicola Willis’ new working guidelines are feeling the pinch and complaining that the directive now puts them in a position of being financially worse off.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex...
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ANZ Bank CEO’s shameless self interest: This is why people hate bankers
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out ANZ NZ CEO Antonia Watson for what appears to be calculated comments to promote a capital gains tax to benefit home lenders and fuel New Zealand’s residential property money wheel.“New Zealand’s low wage economy is a direct result of under-capitalisation of the...
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Andrew Coster has lost the plot
Political pundits across the country spat out their coffee this morning upon turning to the NZ Herald's front page splash that Andrew Coster "speaks out on being dragged into political debate"."Andrew Coster is either trolling the nation or has the self awareness of a paperclip," said Jordan Williams...
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No time like the present to shine light on MPs’ expenses
The Parliament Bill – an omnibus bill making a series of reforms aiming to modernise Parliament’s operations – has passed it’s first reading.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“If the Government’s talking about dragging New Zealand’s Parliament into the modern age, then...
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Getting Public Sector staff back into the office a step towards fixing bureaucratic inertia
The Public Service Minister yesterday made clear her expectations for government agencies to call their staff back to their offices in an effort to improve sector productivity and support businesses struggling with reduced patronage.Minister Nicola Willis told media that working from home “is not an entitlement” and wants to...
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Tararua District Council Blames Mythical “Systems Failure” for Rates Snafu
One News reported last evening that a council mistake in calculating direct debits has landed more than 300 Tararua ratepayers with unexpected bills. One pensioner was reduced to tears when informed she was $4,000 in arrears. The council reported that the error was caused by a systems failure,...
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Revealed: Gisborne’s ‘Better Off’ funding is three waters continued waste
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Gisborne District Council has allocated $7,210,000 to seven projects from the previous government’s three waters reform – better off package.Although Gisborne District Council remains one of the few councils to keep rates increases below 10% –...
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TVNZ trying to find savings a bit too late
The NZ Herald has today reported that, according to internal emails, TVNZ's CEO is attempting to find $30 million in savings through cost cuts and website changes.Just last month TVNZ reported a $85 million loss for the year, leaving the public asking why these changes haven’t been made...
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Govt spends more than $27 million on low emission subsidies for heavy vehicles
The Ministers for Climate Change and Energy have announced the launch of the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund. This fund allocates $27.7 million dollars towards a 25% subsidy towards the purchase price of low emission heavy vehicles.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“This announcement is another example of...
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Taxpayer Talk: Ewen McQueen on Treaty Issues
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Wellington City Council reversing decision on Airport sale
The Post has reported that nine of sixteen councillors have signed a notice of motion seeking to cancel the sale of a 34% stake in Wellington Airport. This issue was so integral to the council’s long-term plan that this could mean all the council’s planned spending, borrowing and...
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The Reserve Bank Engineered Recession
“Statistics New Zealand’s release today of gross domestic product for the second quarter of 2024 shows another quarterly contraction” says Taxpayers’ Union economist Ray Deacon. “Although not yet another technical recession, this will almost certainly be true with the third quarter’s result expected to also signal a further...
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Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station
Wellington Regional Council has today released documents showing that, in partnership with Metlink, more than $2.8 million in “cosmetic upgrades” has been spent on Naenae subway station. The upgrades include a $127,000 LED handrail, $29,000 on a public consultation questionnaire, and more than $159,000 on entrance signage.Taxpayers’ Union...
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More than 6,500 Kiwis demand answers from IRD
More than 6,500 taxpayers have filed requests under the Privacy Act to find out if their personal information was leaked to Facebook, Google, and other social media and tech companies, as part of IRD's enormous data breach that saw taxpayer information handed over for 'marketing' purposes.Taxpayers' Union Spokesman,...
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Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries
Earlier this week, The Post reported that Nicola Willis’ newly established social investment agency is able to draw from double the budget of its predecessor.Staff salaries at the agency are reported to be an average of $148,215, compared to the overall average salary of $97,200 across all other agencies....
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Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak
The Taxpayers’ Union has launched an online Privacy Act Request tool at www.IRDLeak.nz for taxpayers to find out whether their private information has been handed over to social media platforms by the Inland Revenue Department.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Last week IRD were caught red-handed misusing private taxpayer information. Instead of...
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MPs in Depth: Suze Redmayne
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, Suze Redmayne.Suze was elected as the MP for Rangitikei at the 2023 General Election. Suze and her...
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Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬
RIP John BishopThe update below was scheduled to go out on Saturday morning, but just prior to sending we learned the very sad news that our founding Chair, former TVNZ political editor, and father to Cabinet Minister Christopher Bishop, had passed away unexpectedly.So it is a very sombre note...
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Taxpayer Talk: David Buckingham on uncovering the IRD data leak
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Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander
Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New ZealanderThe co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in...
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Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander
The co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in 2013 until 2017.“John should be saluted for having the guts to front the Taxpayers’...
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MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that MFAT has once again spent almost $5 million dollars on private school fees for MFAT employees between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“With Kiwis crushed under their tax burden, all...
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MPs in Depth: David MacLeod
This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, David MacLeod.David is the MP for New Plymouth and was elected at the 2023 general election. He...
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IRD betrays taxpayers by leaking personal information
RNZ reported this morning on concerns that IRD has been sharing details of thousands of taxpayers with internet giants such as Facebook. The data includes taxpayers’ date of birth, phone numbers and contacts.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“These reports that the IRD is leaking...
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Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆
🚨🚨 APOLOGY 🚨🚨Green Councillor demands we set the record straightIn the last edition of Taxpayer Update James told you about Greater Wellington Regional Green Councillor Thomas Nash who led the local government bemoaning criticism of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's speech to local councils where the PM told them...
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Metlink spends more than $1.3 million on seven toilets
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can report through an Official Information Act that Metlink has paid $1,300,245 dollars (inc. GST) for a project to install seven toilets in Wellington, exclusively for the use of bus drivers. The locations of the toilets include Houghton Bay, Darlington Road, Wilton, Mairangi, Lyall Bay, Highbury and...
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South Taranaki proves Luxon right
The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act that South Taranaki District Council’s new cultural centre (Te Ramanui O Ruaputahanga) has blown out from a starting point of $8 million to $20.1 million.As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told mayors and councillors who attended the...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Taxpayer Update: Book your Airbnb before Monday 🗓️ | Robertson's Regrets 🤦♂️ | Handout #5 for ski field ⛷️💸
Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterReminder to book your 2025 holiday before Monday! App Tax delivered in 36 hours 📲🏠This April Fool's Day, don't let the joke be on you! The App Tax (Labour's idea that National promised to scrap) will see the cost of...
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Taxpayer Update: $800,000 taxpayer-funded Jacinda Blockbuster💰🎥 | Longer wait for interest deductibility ↩️ | Australia cut border taxes! 💥
COMING SOON: Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Kind 🎬 Not content with paying for feature-length documentaries about Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, the creative minds at the NZ Film Commission have decided in their infinite wisdom to funnel $800,000 of taxpayer money to prop up the production of a new documentary about...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: $800,000 taxpayer-funded Jacinda Blockbuster💰🎥 | Longer wait for interest deductibility ↩️ | Australia cut border taxes! 💥 -
Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL bad news for major parties 🔵🔴 | Government proposes more fuel tax hikes!?!⛽ ⬆️ | Nicola Willis’ inbox gets flooded 📱📩
NEW POLL: Labour hits record low but warning signs for Luxon and new Government 📊Not good news for the two big parties in this month's hot-off-the-press Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll.For National, it was bad luck that our pollsters were in the field during the brouhaha over Christopher Luxon's decision to...
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Taxpayer Update: Hipkins' 3 Waters confession 💦 | Min of Ed staff bonanza 💥 | Climate disinformation 🚨
📺 WATCH: Chris Hipkins let's slip Three Waters truth bomb 💣💦After two-and-a-half-years of Labour politicians lying about Three Waters stripping local water assets from local communities and councils, poor old Chris Hipkins let slip a truth bomb this week...The statement came as Hipkins was being grilled about where...
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Taxpayer Update: NZTA latest money grab 📸🚙 | Wasteful rebrand #9842 🔥📺 | Bye, Grant; hi, Barbara 👋
Remembering Efeso Collins 🕊️Like those across the political spectrum, we were very saddened to learn of the untimely passing of former Auckland Labour Councillor and Green Party MP, Efeso Collins. One of Efeso's strengths was that he tended to reject the polarised politics of the modern age. Our thoughts...
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Taxpayer Update: Govt locking-in Labour's spending legacy? 😳 | RIP 3Waters 🪦 | $1,400 secret dinner deal 🤤
New Government locking-in Labour's mega-spending? 😳🔒💸In the lead up to the election, all three Coalition partners campaigned strongly against the astronomical increase in public spending under the previous Government, and promised they would rein in the public service departments to cut out waste.On the campaign trail, Christopher Luxon...
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Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Big boost for ACT 🟡📈 | Taxpayer funding of suspected militants paused ⏸️💰 | Wellington in chaos ✂️
In this week's Taxpayer Update, we celebrate another Taxpayer Victory that ensures your money isn't being spent on creating conflict and reveal, yet again, more issues at Wellington City Council. But first, after a post-election Summer break, our exclusive Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll is back!NEW POLL: Big boost for...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Big boost for ACT 🟡📈 | Taxpayer funding of suspected militants paused ⏸️💰 | Wellington in chaos ✂️ -
Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer funding of suspected militants paused | Wellington in chaos | Media must pay back taxpayer funding
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Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑
If you're in Auckland for their long weekend – come along and meet the team on Monday at Mission Bay (see details at the end of this email). Thanks to Connor for holding the fort. Sadly while I have been away, the examples of waste and excess have just...
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Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑
If you're in Auckland for their long weekend – come along and meet the team on Monday at Mission Bay (see details at the end of this email). Thanks to Connor for holding the fort. Sadly while I have been away, the examples of waste and excess have just...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑
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Taxpayer Talk: Tim Hazledine on economic recovery and the case for a GST cut
Tim Hazledine, Professor of Economics at the University of Auckland, sits down with Islay to discuss his ideas for a viable path to economic recovery – including a temporary reduction in GST.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
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Taxpayer Talk: David Seymour on ACT's Alternative Budget
In this episode, Islay Aitchison talks to ACT leader David Seymour about his party's proposed tax cuts, public debt and cutting red tape.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
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Taxpayer Talk: Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews Tauranga City Councillor Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections. They discuss the COVID-19 Government assistance Tauranga Council is hoping to receive for future infrastructure projects.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...
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Taxpayer Talk: Tourism NZ and its new $10m international ad campaign
Despite our closed borders, Tourism NZ is spending $10 million on a new campaign meant to bring overseas travellers to New Zealand. The campaign is supposed to bolster New Zealand’s international brand of “kaitiaki, manaakitanga, and integrity”. In the latest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Louis questions Tourism NZ...
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Taxpayer Talk: Auckland’s water crisis – interview with Water Care CEO Raveen Jaduram
Auckland’s water crisis has been in the media over recent weeks, and the 2020 drought reminds us a lot of the water restrictions in 1994. Auckland’s population is now 50% larger than 1994, has water infrastructure kept up? Just how vulnerable are we to dry years? Is the...
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Taxpayer Talk: Runners and Riders – Who will take over from Todd Muller?
The Taxpayers’ Union’s Jordan Williams and Neil Miller, sit down with political commentator and Stuff columnist Damian Grant discuss the runners and riders of the sudden National Party leadership race.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.
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Taxpayer Talk: Chris Penk - Flattening the Country
In our newest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan sits down (in-person!) with Helensville MP Chris Penk who has written a book investigating the claim that the Government had "gone early and hard" in its fight against COVID-19. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)Flattening the Country is available at https://chrispenk.national.org.nz/flattening_the_country.You can subscribe...
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MPs in Depth: A Generation of Losers, Racism and Hard Work — Melissa Lee MP
We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Melissa Lee MP. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.
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Taxpayer Talk: Socialism – The Failed Idea that Never Dies
By many measures, socialist ideas are more popular than ever, with academics and increasingly hip activists unashamedly promoting the collective ownership of wealth and centralised government-led decision making. Louis has a discussion with Dr Kristian Niemietz from the Institute of Economic Affairs, who has written a book named...
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MPs in Depth: Reform priorities, time in the private sector and long-held political aspirations — Todd Muller MP
This morning it was reported that Todd Muller is making a challenge for the National Party Leadership. Prior to these reports, Islay Aitchison sat down with him to hear more about his political philosophy, his goals and his background.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio...
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