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  1. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes National’s Plan to Revive the International Education Sector

     Responding to National’s four step plan to boost international enrolments across Tertiary Education Institutions, Taxpayers' Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy said:“At a time when universities all over the country are reporting crushing deficits and announcing hundreds of redundancies, it is paramount that New Zealand remains an attractive...

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  5. Space Agency's Flights Soar: Taxpayers Left Star-struck by the Bill

    The Taxpayers' Union has once again highlighted the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) for its overseas excursions. The New Zealand Space Agency embarked on another trip to the USA, racking up a bill of $36,075.62. An Official Information Request has unveiled that the NZ Space Agency covered the flight...

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  6. IRD and Treasury advice suggests supermarkets main beneficiaries from Labour’s GST policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that as part of the Tax Working Group appointed by Grant Robertson, and chaired by the late Michael Cullen, Treasury and IRD conducted analysis on what percentage of exempting GST from certain goods would actually be passed on to consumers.The expert advice paper, concluded...

    Read more about IRD and Treasury advice suggests supermarkets main beneficiaries from Labour’s GST policy

  7. Tax cuts are the moral thing to do

     The Taxpayers’ Union totally rejects Prime Minister Chris Hipkin’s claims that tax relief is unaffordable due to the so-called “cuts” he claims would impact delivery of public services.Responding to the Labour Party leaders comments Jordan Williams said:“Chris Hipkins is in la-la land. His flat refusal to acknowledge that...

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  8. Breakfast Blowout: Ministry For Pacific Peoples Does It Again

    The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is once again facing criticism for its seemingly lavish spending habits. Recent figures posted by National's public service spokesperson, Simeon Brown, reveal that over $50,000 of taxpayer money was spent on post-Budget breakfast events this year.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator for the Taxpayers' Union,...

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  9. Don Brash on why taking GST off fruit and vegetables is a bad idea

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Dr Don Brash to discuss Labour’s proposal to remove GST from fruit and vegetables.Dr Brash chaired the advisory committee that designed New Zealand’s GST system back in 1985 and has a strong understanding of what makes...

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  10. National Primary Industry Consenting Reform a Sticking Plaster Solution to New Zealand’s Red Tape Crisis

    Responding to National’s Primary Sector Growth Plan, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“National’s plan to get the Beehive out of farming should be welcomed. The agricultural sector is the backbone of New Zealand’s export economy, and any way that the ease of doing business can be increased...

    Read more about National Primary Industry Consenting Reform a Sticking Plaster Solution to New Zealand’s Red Tape Crisis

  12. Government Debt soars past $160 billion – the time to slash spending has come

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on all parties to commit to drastically slashing Government spending following today’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU) showing Government debt soaring past $160 billion*. By 2027, Net Core Crown Debt is expected to be more than $12 billion higher than forecast at the Budget Economic and Fiscal...

    Read more about Government Debt soars past $160 billion – the time to slash spending has come

  13. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes policy to bring back health targets

    Reacting to the National Party’s announcement that they intend to bring back health targets, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“National’s policy announcement is a sensible one that should really be expected from political parties of all stripes.“Setting targets is vital to ensuring that taxpayers are actually seeing...

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  14. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊💥 | National's tax plan 👎 | Labour’s taxpayer-funded dental 🆓🦷 | Taxpayers’ Union debates 📺🗣️

    NEW POLL: National/ACT could form government comfortably 📊💥This month's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll sees National and ACT being able to form a Government by a more comfortable margin than last month. Labour continues to languish at a record low while New Zealand First fail to reach the threshold to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊💥 | National's tax plan 👎 | Labour’s taxpayer-funded dental 🆓🦷 | Taxpayers’ Union debates 📺🗣️

  16. Taxpayers’ Union raises serious concerns over Ministry for the Environment ‘dodgy deals’

    Taxpayers’ Union raises serious concerns over Ministry for the Environment ‘dodgy deals’The Taxpayers’ Union are seriously concerned to hear that Federated Farmers and other industry groups have been approached by the Ministry for the Environment and offered hundreds of thousands of dollars to help rush through plans under...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union raises serious concerns over Ministry for the Environment ‘dodgy deals’

  17. National ignoring the power of the market when it comes to EV infrastructure

    National ignoring the power of the market when it comes to EV infrastructureResponding to the National Party’s policy announcement to spend $247 million of taxpayer money to fund charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The National Party needs to realise that more Government...

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  19. Labour's 'free' dental care fails to address the root of the problem – higher taxes

    Commenting on Labour’s universal dental care announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“Labour has come up with another populist policy that like its GST debacle sounds good at first, but the cracks begin to show when you drill down into the detail.“Labour’s announcement of universal taxpayer-funded dental care for under 30s...

    Read more about Labour's 'free' dental care fails to address the root of the problem – higher taxes

  21. Milking Taxpayers: Taxpayers' Union Reveals Ministry of Primary Industries Fieldays Expenditure

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spent over $125,000 for its stall at the recent Hamilton Fieldays."MPI's extravagant display at the event showcases financial imprudence. On top of $20,350.72 for their stall, they coughed up nearly $8,000 to transport 30 staff! MPI should be at Fieldays and...

    Read more about Milking Taxpayers: Taxpayers' Union Reveals Ministry of Primary Industries Fieldays Expenditure

  22. National tax plan heading in the right direction but needs to go further

    Reacting to the National Party’s tax policy announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“Today’s announcement is a welcome one with some significant victories for taxpayers but we need to see more radical change.Tax bracket adjustments“National has disappointingly significantly watered down its previous pledges to adjust tax brackets...

    Read more about National tax plan heading in the right direction but needs to go further

  23. Taxpayers’ Union Warns Against Unilateral Digital Services Tax

    Responding to today’s announcement that the Government will implement a unilateral Digital Services Tax (DST) on large multinational companies, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“While we support strengthening multinational tax arrangements as a part of a multilateral approach with other OECD countries, taking a unilateral approach...

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  27. Casey Costello on being a part of the Taxpayers' Union and standing for Parliament

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Casey Costello, a former chair and board member of the Taxpayers’ Union who recently resigned in order to stand as a candidate for New Zealand First in this year's election. Casey has had a successful career in...

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  28. Kāinga Ora Needs More Accountability, After Spending $300,000 a Year on Bloomberg Computer Terminals

     The Taxpayer’s Union is condemning Kāinga Ora for spending more than $300,000 per year on Bloomberg computer terminals, noting that issuing its own debt rather than going through Treasury is costing taxpayers more.Kāinga Ora revealed that it spends $312,025 per year on seven Bloomberg computer terminals, to monitor...

    Read more about Kāinga Ora Needs More Accountability, After Spending $300,000 a Year on Bloomberg Computer Terminals

  29. Government Waste Celebrated at 2023 Jonesie Waste Awards

     Jonesie Waste Awards 2023In a year fraught with challenges and uncertainties, The Taxpayers’ Union took it upon themselves to shine a light on the spending choices made by our governing entities. Presenting to you, the Jonesies Waste Awards 2023. Local Government Nominees: 1. Otago Regional Council’s Wallaby Nightmare: Despite pouring more...

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  30. Ministry of Health's 'Your View on Health' Campaign: Where Your Money Goes to Die

     The Taxpayers' Union has obtained information through an Official Information Act request (OIA) that the Ministry of Health has spent a hefty $330,000 on a nationwide advertising campaign. This campaign, ironically titled 'Your Views on Health,' was launched in December 2022. Its intention? To engage the public and prioritise...

    Read more about Ministry of Health's 'Your View on Health' Campaign: Where Your Money Goes to Die

  31. National’s U-turn on Labour’s failed fees-free policy beggars belief

     The Taxpayers’ Union is in disbelief over National’s announcement that they will continue with Labour’s failed and expensive fees-free tertiary education policy if elected in October.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager Callum Purves, said:“We are starting to wonder if Christopher Luxon has been reading Labour’s policies instead of his own. First it was the winter...

    Read more about National’s U-turn on Labour’s failed fees-free policy beggars belief

  32. Air NZ’s Foreign Bond Holder Bailout Should Come to an End - Luxon Must Confirm he Will Down Government Controlling Share.

     Now that Air NZ is well and truly back in the black, it’s time the Government quit owning a majority stake in our national airline says the Taxpayers’ Union.Responding to today’s market announcement that Air NZ's revenue has shot back to pre-covid levels, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams said:“Back...

    Read more about Air NZ’s Foreign Bond Holder Bailout Should Come to an End - Luxon Must Confirm he Will Down Government Controlling Share.

  33. National wrong to give winter energy payment to wealthy retirees

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the National Party’s decision to continue the Winter Energy Payment if elected, without further targeting it to those who actually need it.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“This is exactly the kind of wasteful spending that National should be campaigning against, instead they...

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  34. It's an F for MFAT: Kiwis Fund Diplomats' Private School Fees

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is sounding the alarm over a recent OIA response, revealing that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) $5 million annual spend on private schooling for diplomats' children, more than $2.25 million is being channelled into countries whose state education systems are either on par...

    Read more about It's an F for MFAT: Kiwis Fund Diplomats' Private School Fees

  35. Taxpayers’ Union calls for an immediate end to parties for bureaucrats

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Public Service Commissioner to immediately direct all Government departments to put an end to extravagant parties for their staff. This comes after today’s revelations that the Department of Internal affairs spent $17,000 on a welcome party for the new Deputy Chief...

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  37. Vaping crackdown will jeopardise Smokefree 2025 goal

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is warning against additional measures aimed at making vaping less accessible which will result in more people continuing to smoke rather than switching to safer alternatives.Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“While we share the concerns of many around the sale and supply of...

    Read more about Vaping crackdown will jeopardise Smokefree 2025 goal

  38. Ratepayers Picking Up the Bill as Bureaucracy Chokes Wellington Nightlife

    Responding to reports of a concerted effort to further restrict alcohol licences in Wellington, Taxpayers’ Union Researcher, James Ross, said: “Wellington City Council has been crying poverty, leading to an average rates increase of 12.3% just this year alone. Is it any wonder the city is finding itself short of...

    Read more about Ratepayers Picking Up the Bill as Bureaucracy Chokes Wellington Nightlife

  39. Despite Eight Years of Denial, the IRD is Coming for your Family Home

    Commenting on the IRD’s reinterpretation of Labour’s 2021 amendment to the bright-line test, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manger, Callum Purves, said: “When John Key’s Government introduced the bright-line test in 2015, this was the start of a slippery slope. Although the test originally only applied to investment properties sold within...

    Read more about Despite Eight Years of Denial, the IRD is Coming for your Family Home

  40. Taxpayers' Union welcomes policy to target prescription fees, warns against undermining Pharmac’s independence

    Responding to the National Party’s announcement of plans to fund 13 cancer treatments through the reintroduction of the $5 prescription fee, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Scrapping the $5 prescription fee saw taxpayers subsidising the well-off, and we welcome this move by the National Party to limit...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union welcomes policy to target prescription fees, warns against undermining Pharmac’s independence

  41. Fuel tax increase will hit poorest and rural communities the hardest

    Commenting on Labour’s transport announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Fuel taxes hit the poorest and rural communities the hardest who rely on their cars to travel and get to work. The announcement that fuel taxes would rise a further 12 cents under the Government’s plans will...

    Read more about Fuel tax increase will hit poorest and rural communities the hardest

  44. Taxpayer Update: A Tale of Two Taxes 🥝⛽ | Kiwis think public services getting worse 🏥📉 | Māori Health Authority’s $1 million website 🔍💻

    It's definitely election season with the spending bribes announcements coming in thick and fast. Your humble taxpayer advocates are keeping count and will be 'keeping 'em honest' in the weeks to come.The main news this week has been Labour's new tax policy. Here at the Taxpayers' Union we love tax relief. But...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: A Tale of Two Taxes 🥝⛽ | Kiwis think public services getting worse 🏥📉 | Māori Health Authority’s $1 million website 🔍💻

  45. Mark Mitchell on crime, police and National's ideas for making the country safer

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party Police Spokesperson, Mark Mitchell, to discuss National’s plan for law and order if they are successful in the election later this year. Prior to entering Parliament, Mark was a police officer and was a member...

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  46. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes National Party’s Decision to Treat Savers like Responsible Adults

     Responding to the National Party’s plan to cut red tape for KiwiSavers, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“New Zealanders should be free to save and invest their money however they see fit, and we welcome this decision by the National Party to go back to treating savers like...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes National Party’s Decision to Treat Savers like Responsible Adults

  47. RMA Reforms Cannot Take Place without Time for Sufficient Scrutiny

     Commenting on the news that Climate Minister James Shaw has proposed an inquiry into climate-related community relocation before the passage of the Government’s Climate Adaptation Bill, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “Delaying climate adaptation legislation until the next parliament so that proper scrutiny can take place and...

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  48. OCR Freeze Little Comfort to Working Kiwis Struggling Under the Cost of Government Crisis

    Commenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The Reserve Bank’s announcement today that the OCR will remain at 5.5% will be tough news for Kiwi families up and down the country who are struggling...

    Read more about OCR Freeze Little Comfort to Working Kiwis Struggling Under the Cost of Government Crisis

  49. Paid Parental Leave announcement shows attitude of throwing more money at every problem

    Reacting to Labour’s election policy announcement of providing taxpayer-funded paid parental leave for the partner of a primary carer, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Rather than looking for alternative ways to improve outcomes for families, this is another case of a political party deciding to tax and...

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  50. Finance Minister’s Lack of Principle Putting New Zealand’s Economy at Risk

    Commenting on Labour’s plans to fund the removal of GST from fruit and vegetables through the elimination of depreciation write-offs for commercial buildings, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“In Grant Robertson’s own words, depreciation deductions encourage investment and stimulate the economy. When these deductions were reintroduced just three years...

    Read more about Finance Minister’s Lack of Principle Putting New Zealand’s Economy at Risk

  51. Labour GST hole demonstrates policy hasn’t been thought through

    Responding to reports of a $240 million hole in Labour’s GST policy, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“This is yet another example of Labour putting politics before good policy with their GST proposal which they clearly have not thought through beyond the impact it may have in the polls.“They...

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  52. Sticking plaster solutions are uninspiring, unambitious and ineffective – we need to tackle the cost of government crisis

    Commenting on Labour's tax policy announcement today, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Chris Hipkins's strong words on tackling the cost-of-living crisis ring hollow. The high inflation environment and higher interest rates on mortgages have been driven by the cost of government crisis. While the Working for Families tax credit...

    Read more about Sticking plaster solutions are uninspiring, unambitious and ineffective – we need to tackle the cost of government crisis

  54. Expert group developing Three Waters repeal and replacement bill

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has commissioned a Bill to repeal and replace the Government’s Three Waters scheme. Law firm Franks Ogilvie has been working on the Bill for several months, with an experienced parliamentary drafter and a Technical Advisory Group.The Local Water Infrastructure Bill builds on the model proposed to Parliament...

    Read more about Expert group developing Three Waters repeal and replacement bill

  55. The Local Water Infrastructure Infrastructure Bill - the Taxpayers' Union alternative to Three Waters

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Malcolm Alexander and Stephen Franks to discuss the bill that the Taxpayers' Union commissioned to repeal and replace the Government’s Three Waters scheme.The development of the bill, along with detailed drafting of key provisions, has been a months-long...

    Read more about The Local Water Infrastructure Infrastructure Bill - the Taxpayers' Union alternative to Three Waters

  56. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Labour crashes and Winston's back 📊💥 | Tell Grant Robertson to Cut the Waste ✂️💰 | Let’s Get Wellington (Not) Moving;🛑🚌

    Big newsletter today – we learn how the 'other half' (that is, those bureaucrats in Wellington) live. A new poll is bad news for the Government, but good news for Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters, plus Jordan sits down with expert pollster (and Taxpayers' Union Co-founder!) David Farrar to ask...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Labour crashes and Winston's back 📊💥 | Tell Grant Robertson to Cut the Waste ✂️💰 | Let’s Get Wellington (Not) Moving;🛑🚌

  57. Ditch the Broadcast Allocation: A Step Toward a Fairer Democracy

    Taxpayer funding for political party advertising distorts the democratic process. The current allocation process unjustifiably advantages large, established parties at the expense of smaller ones, unfairly denying them the ability to promote their policy platformsWith the election looming ever closer and the recent news about the broadcast allocations,...

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  58. Commerce Commission must investigate media collusion for possible cartel behaviour

    The Taxpayers’ Union understands from a senior media source that Stuff had invited competitors to a proposed meeting tomorrow with Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson with the apparent purpose of agreeing to set of principles or guidelines for how Māori and Treaty matters should be reported on by those...

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  60. Government Announces Fund That Will Do Nothing to Reduce Net Emissions

    Reacting to the announcement that the Government intends to establish a climate infrastructure fund in partnership with Blackrock, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“This appears to be another Government corporate welfare slush fund that will cost taxpayers greatly without actually delivering net emission reductions. Because emissions are...

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  61. Petition launched calling on Grant Robertson to slash government waste

    With the Government books now in crisis, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Grant Robertson to slash wasteful spending and reduce the number of back-office bureaucrats before it is too late.“Revelations that the Minister of Finance has been calling public service officials into his office to discuss financial...

    Read more about Petition launched calling on Grant Robertson to slash government waste

  62. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2023 Ratepayers' Report

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, in collaboration with its sister group the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance,  has today published the 2023 edition of the Ratepayers' Report at www.RatepayersReport.nz  The Ratepayers’ Report allows Kiwis to easily compare their local council’s performance and financial position for 2021/22 against others. The report provides...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2023 Ratepayers' Report

  63. TDB/Infometrics flag $1.3 billion cost of 'redundant' tobacco crackdown

    TDB Advisory and Infometrics, two of New Zealand's premier economic consultancies, have collaborated on a new analysis of the likely effects of the Government's planned tobacco crackdown.A headline finding from their 142-page report: additional costs imposed on New Zealanders from the crackdown are conservatively estimated to total around...

    Read more about TDB/Infometrics flag $1.3 billion cost of 'redundant' tobacco crackdown

  64. David Farrar on polling and why he is leaving the Taxpayers' Union

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Taxpayers’ Union co-founder, pollster and blogger, David Farrar to discuss how polling works along with his time at the Taxpayers’ Union and why he is stepping down. David founded Curia Market Research, a polling company, in 2004...

    Read more about David Farrar on polling and why he is leaving the Taxpayers' Union

  65. Taxpayer Update: Exclusive: Greens "New Steal" exposed💰 | Shocking Three Waters salaries🚰 | DOC's te reo bonuses 🗣️💵 | Election Debates 📣📊

    Exposed: Green Party misused taxpayer money for local body electioneering! 🗳️An investigation by the Taxpayers' Union has exposed that the Green Party used money meant for MPs constituency activities to pay for election ads for their local council candidates.Our Investigations Co-ordinator, Oliver Bryan, uncovered that the Greens used...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Exclusive: Greens "New Steal" exposed💰 | Shocking Three Waters salaries🚰 | DOC's te reo bonuses 🗣️💵 | Election Debates 📣📊

  69. Another Public Sector CEO receives golden goodbye from taxpayers

    Reacting to news that former Toitū te Waiora CEO Donovan Clarke received a taxpayer-funded settlement valued at almost $500,000, Taxpayers' Union Investigations Manager Oliver Bryan said:"The wasteful spending that has transpired at Toitū te Waiora is a bitter pill to swallow for the New Zealand taxpayers who are unwittingly...

    Read more about Another Public Sector CEO receives golden goodbye from taxpayers

  72. Media Release: Pre-election Books – Avoiding False Impressions

    The Taxpayers’ Union has heard from sources that Nicky Hager is working on a book which is focused at the Taxpayers’ Union. We are aware of him approaching former members of staff asking them to breach confidences.Chairman of the Taxpayers’ Union, Laurie Kubiak said:“With elections often being the...

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  73. National MP Chris Bishop on the RMA replacement and National's alternative

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party MP, Chris Bishop, to discuss the Government's proposed replacement to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and what National would do with resource management if elected. Chris Bishop is National's spokesperson for RMA reform, Infrastructure and...

    Read more about National MP Chris Bishop on the RMA replacement and National's alternative

  75. Casey Costello thanked for significant contribution to Taxpayers’ Union mission

    The Taxpayers’ Union recognises former chair and board member, Casey Costello and thanks her for the significant contribution she has made as a volunteer. Over the weekend, Ms Costello was announced as a candidate for NZ First. Taxpayers’ Union Chair, Laurie Kubiak, said:“Casey has been a long-time financial supporter...

    Read more about Casey Costello thanked for significant contribution to Taxpayers’ Union mission

  76. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes NZ First recommitment to indexation but condemns ‘picking winners’ tax incentives

     Commenting on the tax announcements in New Zealand First’s campaign launch, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “Record levels of inflation have not only eroded Kiwis’ incomes, but have forced many to hand over a higher share of their wages to the Government each year. We already adjust...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes NZ First recommitment to indexation but condemns ‘picking winners’ tax incentives

  77. National’s Minister for Barry Crump a Slap in the Face for Those Facing Financial Pressure

    The Taxpayers’ Union is telling the National Party not to waste money on a ridiculous “Minister for Hunting and Fishing”, which will add little, but cost a lot. Jordan Williams, a Spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“It’s all very well to have a hunting and fishing policy, but...

    Read more about National’s Minister for Barry Crump a Slap in the Face for Those Facing Financial Pressure

  79. Taxpayers and Ratepayers Subsidizing Irresponsible Property Investors

    Responding to news that the Government has pledged $15 million towards the restoration of the St James Theatre in Auckland, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The Government’s offer to provide $15 million in funding towards restoring the St James Theatre - in addition to the $15 million...

    Read more about Taxpayers and Ratepayers Subsidizing Irresponsible Property Investors

  80. Taxpayer Update: Wealth tax will hamper entrepreneurial growth 🤑📉 | Taxpayers footing bill for Pamū animal welfare fines 🐮😔 | Pūhoi to Warkworth blowout 🚗🥳

    More bad news on the cost of living frontThis week's slight dip in the inflation figures will not come as much consolation for families across New Zealand who are struggling with the cost of living. While the overall rate may have dropped, food price increases and domestic inflation...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Wealth tax will hamper entrepreneurial growth 🤑📉 | Taxpayers footing bill for Pamū animal welfare fines 🐮😔 | Pūhoi to Warkworth blowout 🚗🥳

  81. Revealed: Taxpayers Pay For Yet Another Film Commission Junket

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the New Zealand Film Commission spent over $73,000 sending staff to Cannes Film Festival.The Taxpayers' Union condemns the New Zealand Film Commission's (NZFC) recent excursion to the Cannes Film Festival. An Official Information Act request (OIA) has revealed that the NZFC sent a delegation...

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  82. Parker's Fuel Tax Comments Tone-Deaf During Cost-of-Living Crisis

    Responding to David Parker’s comments that hiking fuel taxes even further is not out of the question for Labour’s much-delayed transport budget, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Fuel taxes hit poor and rural households the hardest, and we are just a few weeks since Labour last hiked fuel taxes...

    Read more about Parker's Fuel Tax Comments Tone-Deaf During Cost-of-Living Crisis

  83. James Shaw called out for greenwashing with $90 million in corporate welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out James Shaw for greenwashing for wasting $90 million on corporate welfare for Fonterra which will not reduce one gram of New Zealand’s net emissions.Reacting to the announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The taxpayer-funded handout to one of the country’s largest companies won’t make a...

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  84. Revealed: Taxpayers Still Being Forced To Pay Animal Welfare Fines For Pamū Farmers

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that in the past three years, Pamū Landcorp has paid $2530 in fines on behalf of their employees for animal welfare offences.The Taxpayers’ Union is shocked this is still occurring having called this out three years ago and is renewing calls for the practice of using taxpayer...

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  86. Highway Hoedown: Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport throw $45k Party for Puhoi-Warkworth Highway Opening.

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport have spent $44,380.74 on the opening ceremony for the Puhoi to Warkworth highway. Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, commented: “Clearly Waka Kotahi still hasn’t learnt their lesson after last year’s Transmission Gully opening ceremony fiasco. It’s simply...

    Read more about Highway Hoedown: Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport throw $45k Party for Puhoi-Warkworth Highway Opening.

  87. Waka Kotahi's Office Splurge

    The Taxpayers' Union strongly condemns Waka Kotahi's overspending of nearly $4 million on a new office. Despite clear warnings about potential risks and high costs, the agency chose to spend $28.5 million on the new premises, raising serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of taxpayer funds.Callum...

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  88. Ineffective $1 million truancy awareness campaign simply unjustifiable

    Ineffective $1 million truancy awareness campaign simply unjustifiableCommenting on the $1 million advertising campaign to raise awareness about low school attendance, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Declining attendance rates were receiving media coverage throughout 2022. Kiwis didn't need a $1 million advertising campaign to tell them that New Zealand...

    Read more about Ineffective $1 million truancy awareness campaign simply unjustifiable

  89. One in eight cigarettes now come from the black market

    New data from KPMG suggests organised crime will the biggest winner from new measures targeting cash-strapped smokers, warns the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.The share of tobacco consumption sourced from New Zealand's black market has increased to 12.1%, up from 9.2% in 2017, according to KMPG's latest regular inquiry into illicit tobacco...

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  90. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Hung Parliament, Māori Party up 📊😳 | Hipkins rules out wealth and capital gains taxes

    NEW POLL: Hung Parliament as Māori Party and ACT make gains 📊😳Exclusively for our supporters like you, here are the results of July's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll:National drops 2.4 points on last month to 33.3% while Labour drops 1.8 points to 31.1%. ACT is up 0.5 points to...

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  91. OCR freeze is little comfort to Kiwis already struggling with the cost of living

    OCR freeze is little comfort to Kiwis already struggling with the cost of livingCommenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to leave the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Today’s OCR freeze will be of little comfort to Kiwis who are already struggling with the...

    Read more about OCR freeze is little comfort to Kiwis already struggling with the cost of living

  93. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ruling out of wealth and capital gains taxes – but Hipkins must go further

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed today’s announcement from Chris Hipkins ruling out a wealth or capital gains tax under any future government he leads, but is calling on him to extend this commitment by promising no new taxes whatsoever.Reacting to the announcement, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“This is the announcement...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ruling out of wealth and capital gains taxes – but Hipkins must go further

  95. Education Mandarins Put Taxpayers Before Farming Lobby

    Education Mandarins Put Taxpayers Before Farming LobbyCommenting on the news that the Ministry of Education has chosen to use cheaper imported carpet rather than use more expensive alternatives made from domestically produced wool, Taxpayers' Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:"We commend the Ministry of Education for prioritising value for...

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  97. Green’s Plans to Drive Renters into Squalor Won’t Tackle Housing Crisis

    Responding to the Green Party’s proposal to cap rent increases to a maximum 3% per year, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“There have been countless attempts to introduce rent control in countries all over the globe, and the evidence is clear as day; rent control does not work.“Wishful...

    Read more about Green’s Plans to Drive Renters into Squalor Won’t Tackle Housing Crisis

  98. Taxpayer Update: Parker's planning power grab gets worse 🏘️⚖️ | MBIE's rocketing expenses 🚀💸 | David Farrar on New Zealand media bias 📰📺

    It has been another busy week in politics. While the Prime Minister has been away in China, his Ministers have continued to cause him problems at home. Having already lost three Ministers in the last few months, he will have been relieved to hear that the Privileges Committee found...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Parker's planning power grab gets worse 🏘️⚖️ | MBIE's rocketing expenses 🚀💸 | David Farrar on New Zealand media bias 📰📺

  99. Government must stop giving handouts to universities returning surpluses

    Government must stop giving handouts to universities returning surplusesResponding to news that a number of universities returned significant surpluses last year while still calling for government handouts, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Universities across New Zealand have been crying poverty for months, and in response this week the Government...

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  100. Taxpayers’ Union exposes hypocrisy of High-Tax Campaigners

    Taxpayers’ Union exposes hypocrisy of High-Tax CampaignersThe Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that none of the various wealthy people, celebrities, and former civil servants who signed a letter calling for higher taxes have put their money where their mouth is and contributed further from their own pocket to fuel Grant Robertson’s...

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