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  1. Whanau and McKerrow's $1,400 secret dinner deal makes a mockery out of Wellington ratepayers

     Commenting on a lavish $1,400 seafood dinner between Wellington City Council Mayor Tory Whanau, Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow, and the heads of Reading Cinema - Ellen and Margaret Cotter - which was part of a secret business meeting for the Council to purchase the land under the Reading...

    Read more about Whanau and McKerrow's $1,400 secret dinner deal makes a mockery out of Wellington ratepayers

  2. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Three Waters announcement

     Commenting on the Government’s three-stage legislation plan to replace Three Waters and the appointment of a Technical Advisory Group, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“We welcome the clarity on how exactly the new coalition proposes to repeal and replace Three Waters with an alternative that retains democratic accountability...

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  3. Wellington Council’s Refusal to Scrap Pet Projects Puts Frontline Services at Risk

    Commenting on Wellington City Council preparing to vote on a number of cost-cutting measures, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Councils have a favourite little trick. When it comes time to justify enormous rates hikes, they start hacking away at frontline services to plead poverty....

    Read more about Wellington Council’s Refusal to Scrap Pet Projects Puts Frontline Services at Risk

  5. 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 ✂️

  10. New Zealand Must Advocate for Tobacco Harm Reduction at COP10

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on New Zealand’s delegates to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to oppose dangerous calls for further regulation and taxation of reduced-harm alternatives to smoking.Speaking from Panama, where the Tenth Session Conference of Parties (COP10) to the WHO FCTC is...

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  12. MPs in Depth: Greg Fleming

    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 elected National Party MP, Greg Fleming. Greg tells us about his journey into politics and how he formed his political ideology,...

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  15. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes New Zealand Joining EU & International Partners in Pausing UNRWA Funding

     The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement that New Zealand’s latest round of UNRWA funding is being suspended pending the results of a UN inquiry.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“Overnight reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest that 10% of UNRWA staff have connections...

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  16. New Zealanders elected a Government to cut waste, not have Ministers take lazy route and delegate to CEOs

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the approach of Government Ministers asking public sector CEOs to find just 6.5% of savings and is telling Ministers to do what they promised: go through their departments’ spending with a fine tooth comb and ensure value for money.“The Government is asking the...

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  17. Wellington Ratepayers Reliant on Leaks for Info on Leaky Pipes

     Responding to news that Wellington Water has requested $2.5 billion in funding from Wellington City Council, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“When even elected Councillors are treated like children and only allowed to see snippets of a ratepayer-funded secret report into Wellington Water’s failures, Wellington’s closed-shop bureaucracy...

    Read more about Wellington Ratepayers Reliant on Leaks for Info on Leaky Pipes

  18. Taxpayers’ Union calls on NZ Government to follow international counterparts and pull UNRWA funding

    The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a petition calling for the Government to scrap continued funding of UNRWA, following revelation in recent weeks about connections to terrorism in the Isreal-Palestine conflict. Jordan Williams, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“New Zealanders should not be forced to fund any aid organisation where there are...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls on NZ Government to follow international counterparts and pull UNRWA funding

  20. Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Public Service Cuts to go Further, Faster

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the government to go further and faster with its demands for reductions in spending by government departments.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Demanding a 7.5% spending reduction from departments that have ballooned by over 50% in the last six years is laughable. These departments...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Public Service Cuts to go Further, Faster

  21. 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 🤑

  22. 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 🤑

  25. Mayor Mauger’s Christchurch Commonwealth Games Plan a Swing and a Mis

    Commenting on Christchurch City Council’s plans to bid to host the Commonwealth Games, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Mayor Phil Mauger wants to show the world that Christchurch is back on its feet. But he’d be better off proving this to Christchurch residents first. “With the Council group...

    Read more about Mayor Mauger’s Christchurch Commonwealth Games Plan a Swing and a Mis

  26. NZTA’s $2 million ‘clip-on’ footbridge wasteful and disruptive

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the government to direct the New Zealand Transport Agency to reassess expensive projects that are overly disruptive following the commencement of construction of a clip-on footbridge in Waikanae that is set to cost almost $2 million and disrupt traffic for five months.Commenting...

    Read more about NZTA’s $2 million ‘clip-on’ footbridge wasteful and disruptive

  28. Small-Fry Grocery Pricing Investigation Won’t Stop Spiralling Food Prices

    Responding to a Commerce Commission investigation into promotions and pricing in the grocery sector, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Unclear pricing at grocery chains is of course an issue, but it is small fry compared to the anti-competitive regulations which allow grocery chains to charge extortionate prices...

    Read more about Small-Fry Grocery Pricing Investigation Won’t Stop Spiralling Food Prices

  29. Taxpayer Update: Kainga Ora's Failures 🏠🔥 | Auckland Tramway Scrapped 🚆✖️ | Our Own Misinformation Project 🇦🇷🤥

    As you'll see that while many politicians (and just about all the Wellington bureaucrats!) are enjoying long holidays, our team are back at work exposing waste, fighting for more more taxpayer victories, and promoting sensible improvements for how your money is spent.Thousands of Brand New State Houses Sitting Empty 🏠🔥Despite...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Kainga Ora's Failures 🏠🔥 | Auckland Tramway Scrapped 🚆✖️ | Our Own Misinformation Project 🇦🇷🤥

  30. Spending Time with the Taxpayers’ Union: An Aussie Summer Intern’s Inside Scoop

    Rhys Budge interned at the Taxpayers' Union from November 2023 until January 2024. He is currently finishing his Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Finance at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. For the past 10 weeks, I have had the pleasure of joining the Taxpayers’ Union out on...

    Read more about Spending Time with the Taxpayers’ Union: An Aussie Summer Intern’s Inside Scoop

  31. $2 Million Cost Blowout for Senseless Development Demonstrates Everything Wrong with Kāinga Ora

    The Taxpayers’ Union is dumbfounded by the endless examples of failure at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities that continue to come to light. Ruapehu District Council and Kāinga Ora’s $5.2 million housing development has blown out by over $2 million to $7.5 million according to a Crown Infrastructure...

    Read more about $2 Million Cost Blowout for Senseless Development Demonstrates Everything Wrong with Kāinga Ora

  32. Kāinga Ora failings on display once again with thousands of vacant properties

    The Taxpayers’ Union is astounded at the failure of Kāinga Ora to deliver for Kiwis with reports of more than 1000 empty new homes sitting empty for four months last year.Commenting on Kainga Ora’s vacant properties, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“At a time when tens of thousands of applicants are...

    Read more about Kāinga Ora failings on display once again with thousands of vacant properties

  33. Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Government to Ban Bureaucrats from Using the Word ‘Free’

    Hot on the heels of Argentinian President Javier Milei insisting on honesty from Argentinian officials, the Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a petition calling on the Government to ban public servants from using the word free when referring to taxpayer-funded public services.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Describing public services as ‘free’...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Government to Ban Bureaucrats from Using the Word ‘Free’

  35. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Calls for Further Taxpayer Funding of Political Parties

     Responding to today’s release of the Final Report of the Independent Electoral Review, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The recommendation from the Review to increase funding for political parties is morally wrong, and erodes grassroots democracy.“No taxpayer should be forced to fork out money to fund parties they find...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams Calls for Further Taxpayer Funding of Political Parties

  36. Taxpayers’ Union Celebrates Scrapping of $15k-per-Household White Elephant

    Responding to the announcement that the Government is finally pulling the plug on Auckland Light Rail, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Nearly a quarter of a billion dollars has been burnt without a single metre of track being laid. Auckland Light Rail has been a failure from...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Celebrates Scrapping of $15k-per-Household White Elephant

  37. Taxpayer Update: NZTE's Yoga classes + kids games 🧘🎲| More Uni Waste 🚧 🏗️ | The Tax on Your Summer Road Trip 🔥⛽

    We hope you've had a relaxing summer break. Unfortunately, Government waste doesn't pause for summer and while Callum is still in Scotland visiting family, the rest of the Taxpayers' Union team have kept up the effort to find and expose government waste while standing up for taxpayers.This week's...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZTE's Yoga classes + kids games 🧘🎲| More Uni Waste 🚧 🏗️ | The Tax on Your Summer Road Trip 🔥⛽

  38. Accountability Needed over Disastrous Failure to Care for Te Urewera

    The Taxpayers’ Union is demanding accountability from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Te Urewera board following a ruling by the High Court that the burning and removal of the huts in Te Urewera was unlawful.According to information obtained under the Official Information Act, The Department of Conservation...

    Read more about Accountability Needed over Disastrous Failure to Care for Te Urewera

  39. Wellington Water Must Sack Employee Caught Bragging about Wagging Work Amidst Water Crisis

    Commenting on a Wellington Water employee posting footage of themselves on social media bragging about ‘slacking off’, doing no work whilst still getting paid, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“In November alone, of over 3,800 leaks in the region, around 3,050 were left unattended. 44% of the...

    Read more about Wellington Water Must Sack Employee Caught Bragging about Wagging Work Amidst Water Crisis

  40. Taxpayers’ Union Calls on NZ COP10 Delegates to Reject Misguided WHO Vaping Call to Action

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on New Zealand’s delegates to the Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to reject the latest WHO call to action on e-cigarettes which ignores scientific evidence and will see more people suffering from smoking related...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls on NZ COP10 Delegates to Reject Misguided WHO Vaping Call to Action

  41. Otago Uni’s Lack of Transparency Reveals Much Deeper Problem

    Responding to the Chief Ombudsman's comments that the University of Otago initially refusing to release information regarding the cost of commissioning a sculpture was unjustified, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Otago Uni refusing until pressured to share how it spent over $110k on a sculpture clearly shows...

    Read more about Otago Uni’s Lack of Transparency Reveals Much Deeper Problem

  42. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Extension of Corporate Welfare for Gaming Industry Fat Cats

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the National-led government for giving in to well-connected gaming lobbyists and continuing to subsidise the gaming sector to the tune of tens of millions of taxpayer dollars each year.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Subsidising an infant industry doesn’t help it to grow up. Instead, you end...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams Extension of Corporate Welfare for Gaming Industry Fat Cats

  43. Ministry of Health vaporises $250,000 after incorrectly threatening retailers

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Ministry of Health spent $249,267.50 on legal fees for a court battle against a vaping retailer who they wrongly threatened for selling non-compliant products.The issue arose from the Ministry of Health incorrectly interpreting their own regulations in relation to maximum nicotine salt levels, eventually leading...

    Read more about Ministry of Health vaporises $250,000 after incorrectly threatening retailers

  44. New Zealand Sending Millions in Foreign Aid to Countries with Space and Nuclear Programmes

    The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning why New Zealand taxpayers are forking out millions of dollars in foreign aid to countries that have state-sponsored space and nuclear weapons programmes.A recent Taxpayers’ Union OIA reveals that in the past year, India has received $1,178,000 from Kiwi taxpayers, Indonesia has been granted a...

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  46. Police have no idea how many people downloaded $634,000 app

    The Taxpayers’ Union is shocked to discover that the New Zealand police have no idea how many people downloaded their $634,000 ‘Virtual Cop’ app intended for recruiting new police officers.The costs of the app included $315,000 on concept creation and development, $265,000 on the development of new experiences and $54,000 on gear...

    Read more about Police have no idea how many people downloaded $634,000 app

  47. Kiwis urged to get away for one last holiday before National’s app tax kicks in

    The Taxpayers’ Union is encouraging Kiwi’s to get away for one last holiday before National’s app tax kicks in this year.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Kiwis better make the most of their stay in an Airbnb or bach rental because it is about to get a lot...

    Read more about Kiwis urged to get away for one last holiday before National’s app tax kicks in

  48. Relief at last: Taxpayers’ Union celebrates end of the regressive, ‘reverse Robin Hood’ ute tax

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today celebrating the end of Labour’s ute tax and tesla subsidy that saw money being taken away from hard-working farmers and tradies and given to Wellington champagne socialists buying Teslas.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy said:“At last this costly, ineffective and unfair tax has...

    Read more about Relief at last: Taxpayers’ Union celebrates end of the regressive, ‘reverse Robin Hood’ ute tax

  49. New Year’s Resolution: Taxpayers’ Union calls for more transparency in the New Year

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on politicians and public servants to commit to increased transparency and accountability as we head into the new year by reforming the Official Information Act and improving proactive release policies.Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“The Government must start the new year delivering...

    Read more about New Year’s Resolution: Taxpayers’ Union calls for more transparency in the New Year

  50. Tuning into Waste: NZ Police's $320K Podcast Gamble Falls Flat

    The Taxpayers' Union is questioning the rationale behind the New Zealand Police's extravagant expenditure of $320,000 on their 'Offbeat' podcast series. The series has garnered a mere 15,400 downloads since its launch, costing taxpayers approximately $21 per download.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers' Union, said:“The $320,000 would be far better...

    Read more about Tuning into Waste: NZ Police's $320K Podcast Gamble Falls Flat

  51. ACC's 'Have a Hmm' Campaign: Patronizing, Inefficient and a Lavish Expenditure

    A Taxpayers’ Union Official Information request can reveal that ACC's 'Have a Hmm' campaign has cost taxpayers an astounding $2.4 million from January to July 2023. The campaign's primary objective is to encourage individuals to exercise caution before engaging in potentially risky activities in order to prevent injuries.Oliver Bryan, Investigations...

    Read more about ACC's 'Have a Hmm' Campaign: Patronizing, Inefficient and a Lavish Expenditure

  52. New year tobacco tax hike will pile more costs onto smokers and increase crime

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning of the social costs and impacts on crime of this years’ 5.64% increase in tobacco excise tax.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The goal of reducing smoking and preventing smoking-related illnesses is a laudable one but this latest tax hike will do little...

    Read more about New year tobacco tax hike will pile more costs onto smokers and increase crime

  53. Victoria University of Wellington’s now $60m Living Pā is a disgrace to staff and students

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that University Council at Victoria University has approved an $8 million increase to their already massively over-budget Living Pā project, bringing the total spend to around $60 million – nearly twice as much as the initial $35m price tag set out in 2019.According...

    Read more about Victoria University of Wellington’s now $60m Living Pā is a disgrace to staff and students

  54. Fuelish Mistakes as Police Put Wrong Fuel in Cars 19 Times This Year

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is expressing astonishment at an OIA response revealing that police vehicles have been incorrectly fuelled 19 times in the past year, incurring costs of $7,570.48 for the taxpayer.Oliver Bryan, the Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers' Union, said:“Filling a vehicle with the correct fuel is a...

    Read more about Fuelish Mistakes as Police Put Wrong Fuel in Cars 19 Times This Year

  56. Taxpayer Update: What you made possible | Healthy Christmas Lunch? | The Tax on Christmas

    As we wrap up the year and before the staff knock-off, the team are reflecting on a challenging but successful 2023 and looking to the year ahead. Some highlights of what our supporters made possible this yearThe Labour Government extended the fuel tax cut (and then did it again!)...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: What you made possible | Healthy Christmas Lunch? | The Tax on Christmas

  59. David Parker’s Central Planning Committees on the Policy Bonfire

    Responding to the repeal of the Natural and Built Environment Act and Spatial Planning Act, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“David Parker’s resource management reforms tried to strip consenting, planning and resource management powers away from local communities and place them in the hands of unelected, co-governed...

    Read more about David Parker’s Central Planning Committees on the Policy Bonfire

  60. Not since Mike Moore have New Zealanders been lied to like this – Grant Robertson should apologise

    The release of today’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update confirms the worst kept secret in Wellington; the fiscal challenges ahead are much worse than the public were told about prior to the election. From the Treasury lock-up, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, Jordan Williams, said: “Treasury has confirmed...

    Read more about Not since Mike Moore have New Zealanders been lied to like this – Grant Robertson should apologise

  65. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory Trifecta! 🎉 | Climate Change Commission must go 🤢✂️ | NZ still in recession📉💲

    The Parliamentary Press Gallery had their end of year knees-up that went well into the night on Wednesday, and most of the major news shows have have now wrapped up for the year. But the political year is far from over! Indeed, the real moment of truth on whether Nicola...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory Trifecta! 🎉 | Climate Change Commission must go 🤢✂️ | NZ still in recession📉💲

  67. DoC's Grand Goodbye For Outgoing Boss: A Whale of a Farewell Gift Spree!

    The Taxpayers’ Union expresses deep concern over revelations that Department of Conservation (DoC) spent $5,159 on retirement gifts for its former director-general, Lou Sanson.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers’ Union, said, “Whatever happened to the usual whip-round of the staff? The cost of the parting gift is...

    Read more about DoC's Grand Goodbye For Outgoing Boss: A Whale of a Farewell Gift Spree!

  68. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes announcement of Three Waters repeal – still work to do

    The Taxpayer’s Union is today welcoming Local Government Minister Simeon Brown’s announcement that the Government will scrap Three Waters in the new year but says there is still work to be done to ensure that its replacement protects property rights, ensures sustainable investment and infrastructure and removes undemocratic...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes announcement of Three Waters repeal – still work to do

  70. Scathing Auditor General Report backs up what we all saw coming from massive infrastructure fund

    Responding to the latest Controller of the Auditor General report criticising the decision-making process that led towards $15.9 billion worth of investment projects to be delivered over the pandemic period, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“It should have been obvious to the then Labour-led Government that rapidly pulling together...

    Read more about Scathing Auditor General Report backs up what we all saw coming from massive infrastructure fund

  71. Judith Collins crushing taxpayers with latest round of corporate welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming today’s announcement from Judith Collins that the Government is doling out more corporate welfare via Callaghan Innovation instead of cutting waste and delivering tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Any hope that this Government would be one for the taxpayer...

    Read more about Judith Collins crushing taxpayers with latest round of corporate welfare

  72. Government applauded for turning off the tap for KiwiRail’s doomed ferries

     Reacting to the announcement from Finance Minister Nicola Willis that KiwiRail’s request for additional funding to replace the InterIslander ferry fleet, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“We applaud the government for turning off the tap for this KiwiRail project that has gone well off track. With costs ballooning from...

    Read more about Government applauded for turning off the tap for KiwiRail’s doomed ferries

  73. Taxpayers’ Union backs ACT’s calls to scrap Climate Change Commission

    Responding to the Climate Change Commission’s latest report providing advice on the direction of policy for the Government’s second emissions reduction plan, the Taxpayers’ Union is backing the ACT climate change spokesperson, Simon Court, in his calls for the Commission to be scrapped.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The latest...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union backs ACT’s calls to scrap Climate Change Commission

  76. Bay of Plenty Paves Way for Councils to Sell Off Their Assets as Rates Soar

     Responding to reports that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council plans to sell half of its shares in the Tauranga Port, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This is a sign that Bay of Plenty regional councillors have their finger on the pulse and are putting ratepayers first. Councils all...

    Read more about Bay of Plenty Paves Way for Councils to Sell Off Their Assets as Rates Soar

  78. Government Must Let Film Subsidies Fall Off Fiscal Cliff - Taxpayers’ Union

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to let film subsidies come to an end as the corporate welfare programme hits its fiscal cliff next year.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Film subsidies are a sad legacy of the Key government that saw the pockets of wealthy elites being...

    Read more about Government Must Let Film Subsidies Fall Off Fiscal Cliff - Taxpayers’ Union

  79. Taxpayers’ Union calls for outcomes-focused mental health spending rather than a cash splash

     Responding to reports that a landmark $2 billion investment in New Zealand’s mental health system by the Ardern government has had little effect on services and delivery, Connor Molloy, Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, says:“We warned at the time that the incredible amount of taxpayer funds that were being invested...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls for outcomes-focused mental health spending rather than a cash splash

  80. Taxpayer Update: National’s App Tax U-turn📱🤑 | The cost of COP 🌬️💸 | Brooke vs. The Blob 🩷👾

    Nicola Willis adopts 'App Tax' policy previously slammed by Nicola Willis 👀📱Well, that didn't take long, did it? The new Government's backsliding has begun in earnest. Despite comments as recently as last week that "except for" the changes made in the coalition agreements, the National Party was sticking to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: National’s App Tax U-turn📱🤑 | The cost of COP 🌬️💸 | Brooke vs. The Blob 🩷👾

  83. $700k "Adult Toy Store" Bus Stop Stretching Hamilton City Council’s Budget Hole

    Responding to Hamilton City Council’s decision to spend $700,000 moving and re-developing a bus stop due to its location outside an adult toy store, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Only a couple of weeks ago, Hamilton City Council advised that they were looking to make savings to slash debt and finally...

    Read more about $700k "Adult Toy Store" Bus Stop Stretching Hamilton City Council’s Budget Hole

  84. Emission Impossible: MFAT's Pricy Climate Trip Defies Eco-Logic

    The Taxpayers' Union is dismayed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) outrageous expenditure on its delegation to the COP 27 climate conference. New information revealed under the Official Information Act shows that the total travel and accommodation cost to the taxpayer was an eye-watering $201,496.59. The kicker? All New...

    Read more about Emission Impossible: MFAT's Pricy Climate Trip Defies Eco-Logic

  85. Wellingtonians Lumped with the Bill for Exorbitant Heritage Pet Projects

    Responding to Wellington city’s earthquake-strengthening crisis, which sees the city on track to upgrade just 20% of vulnerable buildings, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Hundreds of millions of dollars are being burnt upgrading earthquake-prone buildings, whether the owners want to keep the building or not. Heritage status binds...

    Read more about Wellingtonians Lumped with the Bill for Exorbitant Heritage Pet Projects

  86. One Human Rights Commission for the Price of Two

    Commenting on the Human Rights Commission’s appointment of a second “shared leader” to work alongside the existing Chief Executive, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “The cushy jobs-for-lefties culture at the top of the public service is well documented, but even by the incredibly low standards of Wellington bureaucrats this...

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  87. Taxpayers’ Union Launches Book in Celebration of 10-Year Anniversary

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, in celebration of its ten-year anniversary, is releasing a book entitled “The Mission – The Taxpayers’ Union at 10”, edited by prominent political author and journalist David Cohen. Among David's other recent works is a book on former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.The book features a foreword by...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Launches Book in Celebration of 10-Year Anniversary

  88. Government must Remove Price Controls from Carbon Credits to Ease Cost of Living

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to remove all price controls from carbon credits following today’s auction failing to clear the minimum reserve price for the fourth quarter in a row.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The government already sets the quantity of credits available, so they should...

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  89. Public Service Te Reo Bonuses Should be Resigned to the Scrap Heap

    Commenting on the incoming Government exploring plans to scrap Māori language bonuses for public servants, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“If a role requires proficiency in te Reo Māori, then of course fluent speakers should be hired. But when proficiency isn’t relevant to the role in question, it...

    Read more about Public Service Te Reo Bonuses Should be Resigned to the Scrap Heap

  90. Cash Splashed, Scores Crash: New Zealand's PISA Predicament

    The Taxpayers’ Union is expressing deep concern over New Zealand’s declining education standards as revealed by the latest OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Oliver Bryan, said:“If education funding were a maths problem, it seems we’ve got the equation wrong – more dollars...

    Read more about Cash Splashed, Scores Crash: New Zealand's PISA Predicament

  92. Human Rights Commission Demonstrate How They’ve Lost Their Way

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming today’s release by the so-called Human Rights Commission of a previously secret work programme to undermine New Zealander’s freedom of speech online. The HRC announced today that it has created a so-called “Independent Accountability Group” (IAG) to review the NZ Code of Practice...

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  93. Brooke Already Battling the Blob Just 10 Days into New Government

    Responding to the leaking of information suggesting that Workplace Relations Minister, Brooke van Velden, is having to battle her own officials to deliver on the manifesto pledge of scrapping Fair Pay Agreements, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Ministers are elected representatives with a democratic mandate, and the...

    Read more about Brooke Already Battling the Blob Just 10 Days into New Government

  94. Barbara McKerrow’s $50,000 Pay Rise is an Embarrassment to Wellington Ratepayers

     According to Wellington City Council’s 2022/23 annual report, Barbara McKerrow received a $46,216 pay rise from 2021/22 to 2022/23. Her total renumeration now sits at $513,970.Responding to this revelation, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“At a time when Wellington City Council’s financials are in disarray, and with ratepayers set...

    Read more about Barbara McKerrow’s $50,000 Pay Rise is an Embarrassment to Wellington Ratepayers

  95. App Tax U-Turn will Punish Uber Drivers, Airbnb Hosts and Consumers

     Responding to reports that the National-led Government has decided to scrap its plans to reverse the previous Government’s app tax, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“We don’t have a tax problem in New Zealand, we have a spending problem. The new Government is proving to be gun-shy about making...

    Read more about App Tax U-Turn will Punish Uber Drivers, Airbnb Hosts and Consumers

  96. Nicola Willis Heeds Taxpayers’ Union’s Calls for Public Finance Reform

    Responding to Nicola Willis’ post-cabinet announcement that strengthening of the Public Finance Act is being considered, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“Earlier today, the Taxpayers’ Union wrote to Nicola Willis calling for precisely what has been announced.  We need to know how Ruth Richardson’s pioneering Fiscal Responsibility Reform...

    Read more about Nicola Willis Heeds Taxpayers’ Union’s Calls for Public Finance Reform

  97. Government must not be held hostage by film sector lobbyists

    Responding to reports that film sector lobbyists are crying out for even more corporate welfare, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy said:“Time and time again successive Governments have been warned about falling into the trap of becoming hostage to the film sector. Threats of leaving or fear-mongering of job losses...

    Read more about Government must not be held hostage by film sector lobbyists

  98. Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but the Government Can Always Do More

    Responding to reports that the Government has issued a stop-work notice on the $16 billion Lake Onslow Hydro-Electricity Scheme, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This project was always a white elephant that would never pass the sniff test of fiscal responsibility, costing more than $8000 for every...

    Read more about Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but the Government Can Always Do More

  99. Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but The Government Can Always Do More

     Responding to reports that the Government has issued a stop-work notice on the $16 billion Lake Onslow Hydro-Electricity Scheme, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This project was always a white elephant that would never pass the sniff test of fiscal responsibility, costing more than $8000 for every...

    Read more about Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but The Government Can Always Do More

  100. Taxpayer Update: Grant's World Cup holiday 🥂🛫 | Media Independence 🤑⚖️ | Agency Rebrands 💸 | MP Pay 🧐

    Surprise! 💥 Grant Robertson's bombshells for the incoming government 💣 👀 It's out with the old in with the new at Parliament this week. The new ministers are madly hiring new staffers for their Beehive offices, and the 'BIMs' (briefings to incoming ministers) are being worked through.Our spies tell us that...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Grant's World Cup holiday 🥂🛫 | Media Independence 🤑⚖️ | Agency Rebrands 💸 | MP Pay 🧐

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