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  1. Rates Increase Shocker – Gore residents face rates hike of 21.4%

    Responding to reports that Gore District Council is proposing to hike rates by 21.4%, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Sam Warren, said:“Clearly something is very broken for councils across New Zealand.“A culture of historic wasteful spending throughout local government, combined with soaring costs, has resulted in an proposed average increase...

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  2. MPs in Depth: Mike Butterick

    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, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Mike Butterick. Mike, a farmer and farming advocate, was elected as the MP for Wairarapa in the 2023...

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  3. MPs in Depth: Andrew Hoggard

    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, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Andrew Hoggard. Andrew is a Manawatu farmer, has an Agricultural Economics degree and, prior to entering Parliament, was...

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  5. Christchurch City Council's stadium obsession needs to stop

    Christchurch City Council's stadium obsession needs to stopResponding to Christchurch City Council’s dilemma on what to do about their $34.2m stadium streets project, given that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) have not confirmed whether they will provide $13m in funding for the project, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Alexander...

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  7. Government spending still driving cost of living skyward

    Responding to today’s release of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Domestic inflation is still punishing Kiwis, with non-tradeable inflation – the aspect most affected by reckless and inflationary government overspending – still sitting stubbornly high at 5.8%.“Public...

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  8. NEW POLL: Strong support for inflation adjustment of tax brackets to end the stealth tax

    NEW POLL: Strong support for inflation adjustment of tax brackets to end the stealth taxA new Taxpayers’ Union — Curia poll has revealed that New Zealanders – at a ratio of five to one – support inflation adjustment of income tax brackets. 67% of respondents supported inflation adjustments...

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  9. Taxpayer Update: MPs set to get monster pay hike🍾👯‍♂️ | New Report: Up in Smoke 😱 | Luxon gets into spat with trade unions ✊

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterIt's been another busy week. More complaints from the media of "public service cuts" without giving the context that growth in recent years has been many times more, the team has exposed yet another expensive government rebrand, and we expose the tax...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: MPs set to get monster pay hike🍾👯‍♂️ | New Report: Up in Smoke 😱 | Luxon gets into spat with trade unions ✊

  10. More competition, not less, the solution to failing councils

    Responding to comments from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham on the prospect of Supercity-like deals in New Zealand, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Where there are savings to be found, councils should of course work together on service delivery to find efficiencies. But councils sitting in...

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  12. NEW POll: New Zealanders oppose taxpayer-funded bailouts for private media companies

    A Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll has revealed that 55% of New Zealanders are opposed to taxpayer money being used to fund struggling private media companies, with just 29% in support.Labour voters were the only demographic in support of media bailouts (+7% net support), while those aged under...

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  13. Sky-high interest rates show Kiwi families need Government to show some fiscal responsibility

    Responding to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“High interest rates stifle growth and punish Kiwi families. They’re being punished for runaway inflation driven by reckless overspending by a...

    Read more about Sky-high interest rates show Kiwi families need Government to show some fiscal responsibility

  14. Government must clamp down harder on managerial class with Public Service cuts

    Responding to concerns from public servants that managers seem to be ‘immune’ from staffing cuts, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Alex Murphy, said:"The whole point of the Government's spending cuts was to axe the back-office bureaucracy and prioritise frontline delivery, but by letting department heads put forward their own proposals on how...

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  15. MPs in Depth: Carl Bates

    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, Jordan sat down with National Party MP for Whanganui, Carl Bates. Carl joined the Young Nats aged just 12 and less than 30 years later...

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  17. Taxpayer Update: Centre right down in new poll 📊 | Tax relief under threat? 😱 | Luxon's new action plan ✅

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterNEW POLL: Bad news for centre-right parties in in latest poll 📊Christopher Luxon's coalition partners won't be overjoyed with their results in this month's hot-off-the-press Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll. Meanwhile, a boost for the centre-left comes mainly from increased support for the Greens...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Centre right down in new poll 📊 | Tax relief under threat? 😱 | Luxon's new action plan ✅

  20. Revealed: Callaghan Innovation wastes over $170,000 on rebrand as staff call out job cuts

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Callaghan Innovation has blown $170,000 on a rebranding exercise at a time when taxpayer-funded agencies were being told to curb spending. Information obtained under the Official Information Act reveals that Callaghan Innovation - the body largely responsible for providing corporate welfare by picking winners - has...

    Read more about Revealed: Callaghan Innovation wastes over $170,000 on rebrand as staff call out job cuts

  21. Government puts an end to Labour’s hijack on local democracy

    Responding to the Government’s decision to restore binding referenda for local councils in determining whether or not to establish Māori wards, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager Connor Molloy, said:“It is a fundamental right of voters to have the final say on the design of their electoral systems. Changing this without gaining...

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  24. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Government’s new action plan

    Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Government’s new action planResponding to the Government’s 36-point action plan for the second quarter, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Alex Murphy, said:“It's refreshing to see the Coalition sticking to their guns on the issues Kiwis voted them in on, like delivering tax relief, cutting wasteful spending, and...

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  25. Ratepayers, not unaccountable bureaucrats, should be responsible for heritage listings

    Responding to calls from Wellington City Council to be able to delist heritage buildings by a simple majority vote, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Ratepayers are on the hook for paying to preserve heritage buildings, and so it should be ratepayers deciding what is...

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  26. MP expense information leaked to the Taxpayers’ Union – will be made public tomorrow

    The Taxpayers’ Union has been leaked five years of MPs expense information up to early 2021 following a public request for data on how taxpayers’ money is being spent, reportedly available to alleged Chinese-backed hackers, but not to New Zealanders. “We don’t know who used a secure channel to anonymously provide...

    Read more about MP expense information leaked to the Taxpayers’ Union – will be made public tomorrow

  27. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Book your Airbnb before Monday 🗓️ | Robertson's Regrets 🤦‍♂️ | Handout #5 for ski field ⛷️💸

  28. Taxpayers’ Union make formal request to Chinese Government for MP spending information

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today made a formal request under the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Open Government Information (中华人民共和国政府信息公开条例) for information held about how New Zealand Members of Parliament are spending taxpayer money.Union Spokesman, Jordan Williams said, “We don’t know whether hackers – allegedly connected to the...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union make formal request to Chinese Government for MP spending information

  29. Government must not continue Labour legacy of special treatment for DJs

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the investigation into the Department of Internal Affairs after it was revealed that the Department’s Chief Executive personally reached out to expedite a DJs passport application.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“No one can forget the irrational and unfair treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw DJs...

    Read more about Government must not continue Labour legacy of special treatment for DJs

  31. Government must cut spending and provide permanent tax relief

    Responding to the release of the 2024 Budget Policy Statement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“We welcome today’s commitments to fiscal responsibility and reduced spending, but it must be backed up by real action.“At the very least the Government must deliver its promised tax relief, funded by cutting back...

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  32. If the CCP can see politicians' expenses, so should taxpayers

    Responding to reports of a cyberattack on the Parliamentary Counsel Office and Parliamentary Service by an organisation with links to the Chinese Government, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“It’s a sad day when overseas hackers know more about how taxpayers’ money is being spent than taxpayers themselves.“Currently, there is...

    Read more about If the CCP can see politicians' expenses, so should taxpayers

  33. Lack of warning signs at speed camera locations is dishonest and dangerous

    Commenting on reports that out of 10 permanent speed cameras installed by the Government late last year, only one will have warning signage, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Alex Murphy, said:"The Transport Minister has time and again assured us that his Government's proposed speed camera empire will be built strictly in...

    Read more about Lack of warning signs at speed camera locations is dishonest and dangerous

  34. Small Wellington businesses punished by swipe at drivers for no gain

    Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has proposed scrapping car parking spots on Cuba Street with misguided claims it will reduce emissions. This will reduce parking revenue by $200,000, plus damage already struggling local businesses. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “Whanau wants to scrap car...

    Read more about Small Wellington businesses punished by swipe at drivers for no gain

  35. Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

    Reacting to reports that Worksafe is rehiring for back-office roles it disestablished in November, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“What we are seeing here is the bureaucracy making non-existent ‘pseudo-savings’. By disestablishing roles, they get to claim the credit and good favour with the responsible Minister, only to reinstate...

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  36. Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

    Reacting to reports that Worksafe is rehiring for back-office roles it disestablished in November, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“What we are seeing here is the bureaucracy making non-existent ‘pseudo-savings’. By disestablishing roles, they get to claim the credit and good favour with the responsible Minister, only to reinstate...

    Read more about Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

  38. MPs in Depth: Cameron Luxton

    This week's Taxpayer Talk presents another installment of our "MPs in Depth" podcast series, delving into the backgrounds of Parliament's newest members. In this episode, Jordan sits down with Cameron Luxton, the recently elected ACT Party MP.Cameron Luxton is unique in that he is New Zealand's only Licensed...

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  40. Government needs to stop tinkering and pop the ballooning bureaucracy

    Reacting to the recent announcement that the Government plans to reduce staffing levels at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “This fat-trimming goes nowhere near far enough. Since 2017, MPI’s bureaucracy has grown by 52%, forcing taxpayers...

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  43. Disposable vape ban will drive people back to smoking

    Reacting to the Government’s announcement that they plan to ban disposable vapes, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman for Lifestyle Economics, Connor Molloy, said:“Current issues with youth vaping, although they are on the decline according to the latest ASH survey, are a failure of enforcement not of policy. We welcome the proposed changes in...

    Read more about Disposable vape ban will drive people back to smoking

  45. 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! 💥

  47. Luxon must rule out new taxes, not adopt Labour’s approach

    Reacting to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s refusal to rule out introducing new taxes at the budget, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Today’s refusal to rule out new taxes suggests the Government is nothing more than Labour lite. After hounding the previous Government for increasing spending by 67%...

    Read more about Luxon must rule out new taxes, not adopt Labour’s approach

  48. Grant Robertson interview demonstrates why he should never have been finance minister

    Responding to Grant Robertson’s recent admission on a Q+A with Jack Tame that his only regret from his time in office was that he didn’t take on more debt, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Alex Murphy, said:“Grant Robertson has now admitted that he would rather have spent more, borrowed more, and cranked...

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  49. MPs in Depth: Catherine Wedd

    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, Ollie sat down with National Party MP for Tukituki, Catherine Wedd. Catherine speaks about how, as a kid, she wanted to be a lawyer, journalist...

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  50. Kāpiti Council Living Wage will do more harm than good

    Commenting on the introduction of the living wage for all employees and contractors at Kāpiti Coast District Council, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The problem with blanket living-wage policies is that they put ideology before evidence and actually lead to increased poverty. This is because when wage rates increase,...

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  51. Expedia’s exit from market shows App Tax will reduce competition and raise prices

    The Taxpayers’ Union is urging the National Party to reconsider its decision to implement the App Tax it campaigned to repeal following reports that Expedia will remove thousands of accomodation providers from its platform when the new tax comes into force.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“New Zealanders are already...

    Read more about Expedia’s exit from market shows App Tax will reduce competition and raise prices

  52. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new bill to remove unfair union privileges

    The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating the lodging of ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar’s Member’s Bill to remove the obligation on employers to automatically deduct fees from union members’ pay.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This bill will level the playing field between trade unions and other advocacy groups that do not...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new bill to remove unfair union privileges

  54. Taxpayers’ Union celebrates slashing of housing red tape in Wellington

    Reacting to today’s vote on the District Plan and the recommendations of the Independent Housing Panel, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Housing, like any market, is a simply a matter of demand and supply but unfortunately red tape and regulation has effectively made it illegal to build an affordable...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union celebrates slashing of housing red tape in Wellington

  55. Ruapehu bailout throwing good money after bad, after bad, after bad, after bad

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s announcement to give Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) another $7 million in corporate welfare bringing the total value of taxpayer-funded handouts they have received to $27.35 million in just the past two years.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This is the fifth time the...

    Read more about Ruapehu bailout throwing good money after bad, after bad, after bad, after bad

  56. Climate Change Commission insistent on making emissions reduction expensive

    Reacting to today’s release of the Climate Change Commission’s advice on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Taxpayers’ Union climate policy spokesperson, Connor Molloy, said:“The advice, if accepted, would continue to keep carbon prices arbitrarily high, pushing up prices for consumers and making it more expensive to reduce net...

    Read more about Climate Change Commission insistent on making emissions reduction expensive

  57. New Zealand should follow Australia’s lead and abolish tariffs

    The Taxpayers’ Union is renewing its calls to abolish all tariffs following reports that Australia plans to unilaterally abolish nearly 500 of its tariffs.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“With the stroke of a pen, the Government could help households struggling with the cost of living by eliminating tariffs that...

    Read more about New Zealand should follow Australia’s lead and abolish tariffs

  58. Taxpayers’ Union slams unbelievable rates hike from Greater Wellington Regional Council

    Responding to Greater Wellington Regional Council's proposal to hike its rates by 19.8% for the 2024/25 financial year, Taxpayers Union spokesman, Alex Murphy, said:"Time and again we see councils come up with these ludicrous rates hikes to scare ratepayers into thinking that this is just the way it...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union slams unbelievable rates hike from Greater Wellington Regional Council

  59. National’s changes to Labour Trust Tax Bill pathetic and kicks farmers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s recommended changes to the proposed trust tax hike saying they barely touch the sides. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“The recommended $10,000 income de minimis amount is pathetic. Many of those people who legitimately use trusts for asset...

    Read more about National’s changes to Labour Trust Tax Bill pathetic and kicks farmers

  60. Department of Conservation must conserve taxpayer money

    Responding to claims from the Department of Conservation (DoC) that they are ‘spread too thin’ and are unable to perform their functions, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The only reason DoC is spread too thin is because they are spreading their resources across an ever-growing backroom bureaucracy rather than on delivering...

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  62. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL bad news for major parties 🔵🔴 | Government proposes more fuel tax hikes!?!⛽ ⬆️ | Nicola Willis’ inbox gets flooded 📱📩

  64. MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

    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, Ollie sat down with ACT Party MP Laura Trask. Laura is one of eleven ACT MPs elected at the 2023 General Election. Prior to entering...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

  67. 15.8% rates hike shows Tauranga Long Term Plan must be delayed until after democracy returns

    Responding to news that Tauranga City Council is proposing a 15.8% rates hike, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“With the Taxpayers’ Union’s latest Ratepayers’ Report revealing Tauranga City Council had 190.5 FTE Managers on a median salary of $263,700 and an annual spend on consultants and...

    Read more about 15.8% rates hike shows Tauranga Long Term Plan must be delayed until after democracy returns

  68. Greens’ threat straight out of Trump’s playbook

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Green Party co-leader James Shaw’s extraordinary threat to investors in regional and national projects of significance under the proposed new fast-tracking consent process announced by the Government earlier today.1News are reporting: Any companies taking advantage of the fast-track process would be exposed to scrutiny...

    Read more about Greens’ threat straight out of Trump’s playbook

  69. Coalition Sticking Plasters Over New Zealand’s Infrastructure Crisis

    Responding to the Coalition Government’s announcement of a fast-track consenting process for major infrastructure projects, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Clearly red tape is holding New Zealand back, and the Government should be commended for recognising that out-of-date consenting regulations are choking the economy....

    Read more about Coalition Sticking Plasters Over New Zealand’s Infrastructure Crisis

  70. Peter Williams: The Nats are locking in co-governance of fresh water

    This email is longer than usual, but is the most important email I've sent in a long time.It relates to what many of us would consider the critical issue facing New Zealand: which direction the Government takes in terms of ‘Treaty principles’, democratic accountability, and so-called ‘partnership obligations’. It...

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  72. Taxpayers’ Union urges Masterton District Council to prioritise ratepayers over legacy projects

     Commenting on Masterton District Council’s plans to demolish the town hall and municipal building to build a new hall, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Council’s plan to spend a combined cost of $49 million on demolishing and rebuilding the town hall, municipal building and expanding Waiata House is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union urges Masterton District Council to prioritise ratepayers over legacy projects

  73. Councils can save money on LGOIMA responses by being more transparent

     NztuReacting to reports that New Plymouth District Council is establishing a dedicated Local Government Official Information Act (LGOIMA) officer as part of a restructure, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“While putting transparency and accountability to ratepayers front of mind in the council should be applauded, the Council...

    Read more about Councils can save money on LGOIMA responses by being more transparent

  74. Taxpayers’ Union supports Wayne Brown’s call for rates on Government buildings

    Responding to calls by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown for rates to be charged on Government buildings and to share GST on new-build houses, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Government-owned properties require the same infrastructure as privately-owned properties. There’s no reason why local ratepayers should be forced to pay the...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union supports Wayne Brown’s call for rates on Government buildings

  75. Nicola Willis needs to explain which coalition partner vetoed reversing the App Tax

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Nicola Willis to front up and explain which coalition partner vetoed National’s pre-election policy to reverse Labour’s App Tax after her comments on Newstalk ZB yesterday that the U-turn on the policy was “one of those ones that has really just been sacrificed at...

    Read more about Nicola Willis needs to explain which coalition partner vetoed reversing the App Tax

  76. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes scrapping of ineffective Road to Zero campaign

     Responding to the Government’s proposal to replace the Road to Zero campaign with new safety objectives, Acting Social Media and Field Operations Coordinator, Alex Murphy said:“From the beginning, it was clear that the Road to Zero campaign was nothing more than another vanity project with unrealistic targets"“What’s worse,...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes scrapping of ineffective Road to Zero campaign

  77. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes draft Transport GPS, warns against overzealous tax hikes

    Reacting to the Government’s release of the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Reducing road user subsidies of walking and cycleway improvements and capping funding for rail at the level of revenue from Track User Charges should be welcomed. For too long,...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes draft Transport GPS, warns against overzealous tax hikes

  78. Scrap the App Tax: more than 3,300 taxpayers contacted Nicola Willis over the weekend

    The Taxpayers’ Union is delighted that more than 3,300 New Zealanders over just two days have asked Nicola Willis to stick to her pre-election promise and Scrap the App Tax via emails sent at AppTax.nz.Campaign Spokesman, James Ross, said:“The App Tax is unfair, unworkable, and a broken promise from...

    Read more about Scrap the App Tax: more than 3,300 taxpayers contacted Nicola Willis over the weekend

  79. Bigger is not better or more efficient when it comes to local councils

    The Taxpayers’ Union is cautioning against Wellington rushing into its own version of a ‘Super City’, pointing to the lack of evidence that bigger councils reduce cost.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross said:“The annual Ratepayers’ Report - an annual league table of local government performance...

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  80. Taxpayers’ Union (re)Launches National Party’s Campaign to Scrap the App Tax

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today launching a campaign to stand up for Kiwi taxpayers facing tax hikes on accommodation, takeaways, and rideshare trips provided over digital platforms.Policy Manager at the Taxpayers' Union, James Ross, said:“National campaigned hard against Grant Robertson’s App Tax when they were the Opposition and specifically promised to...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union (re)Launches National Party’s Campaign to Scrap the App Tax

  81. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Hipkins' 3 Waters confession 💦 | Min of Ed staff bonanza 💥 | Climate disinformation 🚨

  82. Taxpayers’ Union slams Let’s Get Wellington Moving Zombie Bureaucracy

    Reacting to news that Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) still has almost all of it’s staff on the payroll as a zombie bureaucracy, despite the project being killed months ago, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “It is no wonder that LGWM has failed to deliver any projects...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union slams Let’s Get Wellington Moving Zombie Bureaucracy

  85. Punishing Rates Hike from Environment Canterbury Unjustified

    Reacting to Environment Canterbury’s proposal to hike rates by 24%, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Hiking rates by almost a quarter is simply inexcusable when there’s still so much waste in the council. “Environment Canterbury has 722 staff, a third of which are paid more than $100,000 per...

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  87. Christchurch City Council’s New Monstrous Rates Hike Unacceptable

    Responding to Christchurch City Council’s (CCC) proposed rates rise of 13.24% for the 2023/24 financial year, Taxpayers’ Union Researcher, Alex Murphy, said:"Over the last several years, Christchurch City Council has developed a shambolic reputation for its poor leadership and wasteful spending."Time and again, CCC have failed to deliver even the most basic...

    Read more about Christchurch City Council’s New Monstrous Rates Hike Unacceptable

  88. Potential Changes to Trust Tax Hike shows Government is Lawmaking on the Hoof

    Responding to reports that the Finance Minister wants to exempt some trusts from paying the new 39% trust tax rate, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“What is clear is that this tax hike has never been properly thought through and as a result we are seeing bad policy that is rushed, unfair and frankly...

    Read more about Potential Changes to Trust Tax Hike shows Government is Lawmaking on the Hoof

  89. Wellington Council’s $5 Million Spin Doctor Spend Papering Over the Cracks

     Responding to news that Wellington City Council has 54 members in its comms team, with a total annual budget of over $5 million, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Pipes are bursting, roads are crumbling, and rates are rising. To try and convince ratepayers that...

    Read more about Wellington Council’s $5 Million Spin Doctor Spend Papering Over the Cracks

  90. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZTA latest money grab 📸🚙 | Wasteful rebrand #9842 🔥📺 | Bye, Grant; hi, Barbara 👋

  91. Highest Public Sector Wage Growth on Record Despite Lagging Productivity

     Responding to a report showing that public sector wage growth is the highest on record, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Despite a Government elected to trim the bureaucratic fat, public sector wage growth continues to far outstrip wage growth in the private sector.“Government employees...

    Read more about Highest Public Sector Wage Growth on Record Despite Lagging Productivity

  93. MPs in Depth: Dan Bidois

    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, Jordan sat down with newly re-elected National Party MP, Dan Bidois. Dan first became an MP after winning the 2018 Northcote by-election before losing the seat...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Dan Bidois

  94. Three Waters Chief Execs’ Golden Handshakes Equal to Almost 11x Median Salary

     Responding to news that two Three Waters Chief Executives have received a combined $710,000 in redundancy payments, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Golden handshakes worth almost 11 times the annual median wage combined after just 10 months of work are just one example of a...

    Read more about Three Waters Chief Execs’ Golden Handshakes Equal to Almost 11x Median Salary

  95. Taxpayers' Union Pays Tribute To Efeso Collins

    Taxpayers' Union pays tribute to Efeso CollinsCommenting on the news of the death of Green MP, Efeso Collins, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams said:“While we may have had different politics, Efeso was always a councillor I - and the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance - could call and have a constructive conversation with. One of...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Pays Tribute To Efeso Collins

  96. REVEALED: Local Government Commission wastes $100,000 on rebrand right as agencies told to cut back on wasteful spending

     According to information obtained under the Official Information Act, The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Local Government Commission – the body responsible for overseeing the structure of New Zealand's councils – has spent $99,000 on a new logo and website rebrand despite the Government having recently told agencies...

    Read more about REVEALED: Local Government Commission wastes $100,000 on rebrand right as agencies told to cut back on wasteful spending

  99. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt locking-in Labour's spending legacy? 😳 | RIP 3Waters 🪦 | $1,400 secret dinner deal 🤤

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