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  1. Simon Watts just harpooned the Prime Minister’s ‘Going for Growth’ plan

    At 8pm last night – timed, presumably, to avoid pick up on the morning news shows – Climate Change Minister Simon Watts released New Zealand’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution to combatting climate change under the Paris Agreement.The target, which locks unavoidable agricultural emissions into New Zealand’s international targets,...

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  2. “Race to the bottom” - Dunedin Council’s $4.4 million funding boost for events

    Dunedin City Council has agreed to open consultation on a $4.4 million boost in funding towards local events and festivals – described by one promotor as a ‘a drop in the ocean’.“It’s an unfortunate lesson in corporate welfare” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’...

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  3. Taxpayers’ $32k Orr-deal as RBNZ Governor jets off in luxury

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through an Official Information Act request, that Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr and a staff member spent $32,048.39 on a six-day trip to Washington DC to meet with central bankers from around the world.Costs included business-class flights (for Orr), accommodation, meals and laundry.Commenting on...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ $32k Orr-deal as RBNZ Governor jets off in luxury

  4. “Too comfortable with secrecy” – Ombudsman intervention forces KiwiRail to release of resignation letters

    After initially declining Official Information requests made by the New Zealand Herald, KiwiRail has finally released its board members’ letters of resignation following interventions made by the Ombudsman.“State-owned enterprises are now too comfortable burying the lead when they should be held accountable to its shareholders – the New...

    Read more about “Too comfortable with secrecy” – Ombudsman intervention forces KiwiRail to release of resignation letters

  5. Luxon’s credibility on the line with tomorrow’s climate target announcement

    Tomorrow’s expected announcement on what the Luxon Government has signed New Zealand taxpayers up for in terms of Paris Agreement emission targets for 2030-2035 are a first real test of whether the Government’s claimed focus on economic growth is genuine, says the Taxpayers’ Union.“This is where the rubber hits...

    Read more about Luxon’s credibility on the line with tomorrow’s climate target announcement

  8. Dunedin City Council Cost Blowout – $40 million over initial budget

    Today it has been revealed the budget for Dunedin’s new landfill has almost doubled to $92 million following recommendations made by council staff.“How on earth did they get it so wrong with their initial $52 million proposal only four years ago?” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Dunedin City Council Cost Blowout – $40 million over initial budget

  9. TAXPAYER VICTORY! Callaghan Innovation finally for the scrapheap

    Responding to the Government’s plans to disband Callaghan Innovation, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said “corporate welfare has no place in New Zealand.”“Callaghan Innovation has shown itself to be a toxic organisation, with a culture that leads to waste on a wallet-shattering scale. The Taxpayers’ Union has worked for...

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  10. Luxon’s ‘going for growth’ just grows the government bureaucracy

    The Taxpayers’ Union says Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech on the economy strikes, but misses the mark, with no announcements that will increase New Zealand’s productivity or unshackle the private sector that drives growth.Taxpayers' Union Spokesman, Jordan Williams, said “the speech was more about feels and repeating...

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  11. Be Bold, Mr Luxon

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to 'be bold' in this afternoon's economic-focused 'State of the Nation' address to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"If the Government is serious about growing the economy it would immediately cut the company...

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  13. REVEALED: $4 million to subsidise whale-oil is outrageous

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Landcare Research gave $4,027,020 on the Oranga (Wellbeing) Project - including treating Kauri dieback with potions made from Whale-oil and music from whale song (yes, seriously) as part of the MBIE-administered National Science Challenges.Research methods in this project included...

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  14. 4.5 percent domestic inflation needs a Government serious about cost-cutting

    Statistics New Zealand has today released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, with inflation remaining at 2.2%. However, domestic inflation in particular is still stubbornly high at 4.5%. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “Punishingly high interest rates have driven us into the...

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  15. REVEALED: High-flying Governor-General rolling out the Royal treatment

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, has spent $23,082.11 on London Heathrow Airport VIP facilitation charges since 2022.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, James Ross, said:“The Governor-General is already taking home $447,900 a year, plus an allowance...

    Read more about REVEALED: High-flying Governor-General rolling out the Royal treatment

  16. Taxpayers’ Union welcome Govt reshuffle – looks forward to working with new Ministry to deliver growth & more efficient local govt

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government's new focus on economic growth and the re-energised Economic Development Portfolio as Economic Growth held by one of the most senior Ministers.Taxpayers’ Union Co-founder, Jordan Williams, said “Economic growth isn’t everything, but it is almost everything. Our ability to afford a world-class...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcome Govt reshuffle – looks forward to working with new Ministry to deliver growth & more efficient local govt

  17. NEW POLL: Labour leapfrogs National in Taxpayers' Union–Curia Poll for first time since April 2023

    The National Party will have little reason to celebrate following the results of the first Taxpayers-Union Curia Poll for 2025.

 The poll, conducted between 9-13 January, shows National down 4.6 points to 29.6%, while Labour have risen 4.0 points from last month, overtaking them with 30.9%.

 This is the first time the Labour...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Labour leapfrogs National in Taxpayers' Union–Curia Poll for first time since April 2023

  18. Taxpayer Update: 🚨 NEW POLL 🚨 Nats now trailing Labour 📉 | More mandarins than China? 🇨🇳 | Tax system about to get more expensive 🤦

    Hi,Next week the Labour and National Parties have their respective caucus 'retreats' before Parliament resumes the week of the 27th. And it's all bad news for Christopher Luxon, according to the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.NEW POLL: 📊 Nats fall behind Labour for the first time since April 2023 ⏰Summer BBQ season is...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 🚨 NEW POLL 🚨 Nats now trailing Labour 📉 | More mandarins than China? 🇨🇳 | Tax system about to get more expensive 🤦

  19. ‘Unreasonably secretive’ - Otago Regional Council refuses to release potentially damning correspondence

    Otago Regional Council has come under fire for refusing to release official information surrounding its correspondence over an increasingly troubled Queenstown Lakes wastewater plant."Far greater transparency is needed" said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union."It’s completely unacceptable for officials to withhold official information -...

    Read more about ‘Unreasonably secretive’ - Otago Regional Council refuses to release potentially damning correspondence

  20. 2024/25 Annual review

    I am delighted to be able to share with you the Taxpayers’ Union's 2024/25 Annual Review and Campaign Plan for 2025. If you have trouble viewing, click here to download the report.Flicking through it, I’m sure you will agree that we can be incredibly proud of what Jordan, James, Michelle, Amber...

    Read more about 2024/25 Annual review

  21. Taxpayer Update: $500k on how to sit on a chair 🧘 | Adult entertainment in the office ❌ | Police dogs bite crims and taxpayers 🐕

     Hi,The politicians might still be sitting under their Pohutukawa trees eating ice creams, but like rust, government waste never takes a day off.It's only week two of 2025, but here's what we've found so far...MBIE's New Year's Resolution: The Ministry of Silly Walks Sitting up Straight 🪑Some say...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: $500k on how to sit on a chair 🧘 | Adult entertainment in the office ❌ | Police dogs bite crims and taxpayers 🐕

  22. REVEALED: Ministry of Regulation senior managers’ $260k golden payslips

    REVEALED: Ministry of Regulation senior managers’ $260k golden payslipsThe New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request (see below) that the new Ministry of Regulation paid their Establishment Unit senior managers up to $257,941 each. This follows earlier reporting that the average salary at the organisation...

    Read more about REVEALED: Ministry of Regulation senior managers’ $260k golden payslips

  23. REVEALED: MBIE’s spine-chilling $500k bill for spine-straightening consultants

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request (see below) that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has sent $500,012 on consultants for posture training and workstation assessments in the last three years.Commenting on this, regular desk user (self-trained) and Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public...

    Read more about REVEALED: MBIE’s spine-chilling $500k bill for spine-straightening consultants

  26. REVEALED: Which Ministry is being naughty on taxpayers’ time?

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request (see below) that over the last six months, the Ministry of Māori Development has recorded 217 instances of staff accessing explicit material blocked by their web-filters.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross,...

    Read more about REVEALED: Which Ministry is being naughty on taxpayers’ time?

  27. Taxpayer Update: GDP figures no Christmas cheer | Yet another road tax | Waipareira Trust on the ropes

    Today's the last day at the office for the year, and this email is to sign-off for the year and recap on what has (unfortunately, for taxpayers!) been a busy 10 days.'Twas the week before Christmas: The economic bad news continues... 🚨🎄Last week's quarterly GDP stats were worse...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: GDP figures no Christmas cheer | Yet another road tax | Waipareira Trust on the ropes

  29. Apology to Toni Grace

    On 24 October the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union published a statement about Toni Grace, partner of Rt. Hon. Chris Hipkins. The statement said that Ms Grace travelled to the UK and Europe at the taxpayers’ expense. This statement was untrue. On 17 December 2024 the New Zealand Taxpayers’...

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  31. Now we know why Nicola Willis didn’t want experts in the room: changes complex OBEGAL calculation to make herself look less irresponsible

    Now we know why Nicola Willis’s office seem to have worked with Treasury to change the criteria of experts able to attend the HYEFU lock up: it seems she didn’t want the CTU,  the Taxpayers’ Union, or other experts who would normally attend these things holding her to...

    Read more about Now we know why Nicola Willis didn’t want experts in the room: changes complex OBEGAL calculation to make herself look less irresponsible

  32. Media should make point of speaking to the CTU this afternoon on HYEFU

    In an unusual move, the Taxpayers’ Union is standing with comrades at the Council of Trade Unions following Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ petty decision to have Treasury officials ensure CTU Economist Craig Rennie could not attend today’s Half Year Fiscal and Economic Update. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams...

    Read more about Media should make point of speaking to the CTU this afternoon on HYEFU

  33. “Sanity prevails” – major shakeup to local government, major win for ratepayers

    Minister for Local Government Simeon Brown has today announced in the final post-Cabinet Press conference for 2024 a raft of changes designed to refocus local government and keep rates down.“At long last sanity will be returned to councils” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’...

    Read more about “Sanity prevails” – major shakeup to local government, major win for ratepayers

  35. Willis falls down under scrutiny

    The Taxpayers’ Union is commenting on the Government’s “job cuts” released during scrutiny week. Only 865 redundancies were announced across the public sector, with spending going up 0.7 percent.Commenting on the relatively small cuts, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“If the Government is serious about cutting waste...

    Read more about Willis falls down under scrutiny

  36. From the couch to the Koru lounge: IRD paying for remote workers’ flights to office

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Inland Revenue Department has spent $54,990 on remote worker travel to the Wellington office, including flights, meals, taxis and accommodation.The revelations, which predate recent changes to public service working-from-home policies, highlight how lax oversight has allowed such...

    Read more about From the couch to the Koru lounge: IRD paying for remote workers’ flights to office

  37. Government needs to step in to stop Council screwing the democratic scrum and appointing unelected members to stack committees

    The Taxpayers' Union is slamming Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale and his Council's decision to appoint unelected, unaccountable, iwi representatives onto every one of the Council's powerful standing committees, with full voting rights.Responding to today's vote, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"This is a fundamentally undemocratic move. By...

    Read more about Government needs to step in to stop Council screwing the democratic scrum and appointing unelected members to stack committees

  38. Taxpayer Update: Labour's walk to higher taxes ➡️ | NEW POLL 🚨 | $786m on cones? 🚧 | Musseling $52m out of Shane Jones 🦪

    It's silly season in Wellington, with Christmas joy (i.e. taxpayer funded) knees up well underway.There's also the usual December "take out the trash" silliness where exceedingly well paid government spin doctors dump the bad news at the very time the media and public aren't looking... But here at the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Labour's walk to higher taxes ➡️ | NEW POLL 🚨 | $786m on cones? 🚧 | Musseling $52m out of Shane Jones 🦪

  40. Equal taxation for all businesses despite charitable status a move in the right direction

    Radio New Zealand reported yesterday that Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, stated that tax changes for charities, and closing of loopholes, will be announced at next year’s budget in May.Taxpayers’ Union Acting Head of Campaigns, James Ross, said “this looks like a move in the right direction.”“Businesses should be...

    Read more about Equal taxation for all businesses despite charitable status a move in the right direction

  42. ‘Should come with an R-rating’ - Council’s $400k logo refresh raises eyebrows

    Waitaki District Council is defending its new logo following complaints from the public it more closely resembles certain aspects of the human anatomy.“$100,000 of ratepayers' money has already been put towards this logo – which should probably come with an R-rating” said Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren.“The...

    Read more about ‘Should come with an R-rating’ - Council’s $400k logo refresh raises eyebrows

  43. ‘Should come with an R-rating’ - Council’s $400k logo refresh raises eyebrows

    Waitaki District Council is defending its new logo following complaints from the public it more closely resembles certain aspects of the human anatomy.“$100,000 of ratepayers' money has already been put towards this logo – which should probably come with an R-rating” said Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren.“The...

    Read more about ‘Should come with an R-rating’ - Council’s $400k logo refresh raises eyebrows

  44. “Same old Labour” clearly not ready to return to Treasury benches

    Labour faithful gathered this weekend in Christchurch for the party’s annual conference to consider their approach towards the 2026 election – with future tax policy high up on the agenda.“Labour has never met a tax it didn’t like” said Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren.“With ‘change’ and ‘challenge’ being...

    Read more about “Same old Labour” clearly not ready to return to Treasury benches

  45. Taxpayer gamble on SolarZero could cost country nearly $60 per household

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the disgraceful waste of $115 million in public funds sunk into the now-liquidated SolarZero by the Crown-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF).Commenting on this Taxpayer’s Union spokesperson James Ross said:“When the government tries to gamble with taxpayers’ money, private companies line their...

    Read more about Taxpayer gamble on SolarZero could cost country nearly $60 per household

  47. ‘$254k Blunder’ Dunedin Chief Executive Must Go for Costly Behaviour

    Allegations of poor behaviour from Dunedin City Council’s Chief Executive, Sandy Graham, have cost ratepayers more than $250,000 in both legal fees and an investigative report that will not be released to the public.“Two issues are concerning – Graham’s extremely costly behaviour, and the utter lack of transparency surrounding...

    Read more about ‘$254k Blunder’ Dunedin Chief Executive Must Go for Costly Behaviour

  54. NEW POLL: Kiwis overwhelmingly support MPs' expenses transparency law change

    The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll has revealed Kiwis overwhelmingly support extending the Official Information Act to cover the expenses of MPs and their offices.Voters were asked: ‘Ministers’ expenses are covered by the Official Information Act and disclosed, but expenses for MPs who are not Ministers are not covered and kept secret....

    Read more about NEW POLL: Kiwis overwhelmingly support MPs' expenses transparency law change

  55. Taxpayers Union supports Wairarapa residents’ battle for rates cap

    The Taxpayers’ Union is voicing support for the more than 1000 South Wairarapa residents who have signed a petition to cap next year’s rates rise at 3 percent.Commenting on this courageous act of common sense, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“The Taxpayers’ Union supports and applauds South...

    Read more about Taxpayers Union supports Wairarapa residents’ battle for rates cap

  57. Transport Agency's traffic management cone-spiracy blows out to $786 million

    The Taxpayers’ Union is reacting to reports that show the New Zealand Transport Agency has spent more than $786 million dollars on road cones and temporary traffic management in the last three years.Responding to the outrageous amount of money, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“You cone-not be...

    Read more about Transport Agency's traffic management cone-spiracy blows out to $786 million

  58. COP29 ends in promise to send more taxpayer money overseas

    The Taxpayers’ Union is defending taxpayers after New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement laid out $30 million dollars in additional commitments to send taxpayers’ dollars overseas.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“This statement puts shipping Kiwis’ hard-earned tax dollars overseas for foreign countries ahead of focusing...

    Read more about COP29 ends in promise to send more taxpayer money overseas

  59. Who Carries the Can for Bailing-out Flooded Napier Homes?

    Stuff today reported on a stoush between Napier City Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Hawke’s Bay disagrees with Napier’s decision to mark a potentially flood-prone parcel of land as suitable for developing 660 homes upon.Commenting on this, Taxpayers' Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“While Hawke’s Bay...

    Read more about Who Carries the Can for Bailing-out Flooded Napier Homes?

  60. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer-funded Hīkoi organiser shows Parliament’s budget a political slush fund

  62. 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...

    Read more about 25 million Wellington Begonia House upgrade must be scrapped

  65. 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...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Labour's highest result in 17 months, National also bounce back in Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll

  66. 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,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Parliament's panicking 🚨 | NEW POLL 😱 | A $800k team-building bill ?🧾

  69. 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...

    Read more about Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill needs to meet its long-awaited end

  71. 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...

    Read more about Christchurch and Wellington show Auckland how to buy a tree

  72. 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...

    Read more about Lindsay McKenzie has a tall ask ahead

  74. 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...

    Read more about More than 18,400 Kiwis call on Select Committee to front up on MPs’ expenses

  78. 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...

    Read more about REVEALED: Ministry for the Environment blows more than $2 million on internal ‘events’

  79. 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...

    Read more about Parliament blocks submissions calling for transparency on Parliament’s expenses

  80. 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...

    Read more about No more hiding for MPs’ expenses

  84. 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...

    Read more about REVEALED: New Plymouth's $1.2 million beach stairs and ramp, shows Auckland how to spend big

  85. 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...

    Read more about REVEALED: “Upgraded web-platform” burns Otago ratepayers $200k

  88. 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...

    Read more about Government needs to “proceed with caution” when considering performance pay

  89. 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....

    Read more about REVEALED: NZTA spends $710,000 on Mackenzie Basin art sculptures

  92. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Halloween spook! 👻 I $575 e-cards 💌 | Future of Local Government 2.0 🙏

  95. 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...

    Read more about America’s Cup returning to New Zealand? Only if the numbers stack up

  96. 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...

    Read more about Health NZ broke yet spends $9,000 on canapes for ‘senior management’

  97. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Boozin' on the Med 🥂 | $600k te reo keyboards ⌨️ | Fact-checking ACT + ASB-boss 🤨

  98. 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....

    Read more about Give our brightest a reason to stay: New Zealand’s brain-drain reaching boiling point

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