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  2. Tick tock goes the debt clock: $5,950 interest bill per household by 2030

    Government debt continues to grow as a share of the economy every year until 2029, confirmed by today’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update.By 2029, net core crown debt will be $8.245 billion worse than forecast in May’s Budget.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Each household’s share...

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  3. No Surplus This Decade: Robertson-Willis fiscal strategy will lead to disastrous shock

    The Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update has confirmed taxpayers’ worst fears, as plans for a surplus have slipped back another year to 2030.In December 2023, a surplus was forecast for 2027.Budget 2024 pushed plans for a surplus out to 2028.HYEFU 2024 delayed surplus a further year to 2029,...

    Read more about No Surplus This Decade: Robertson-Willis fiscal strategy will lead to disastrous shock

  4. Update on the Mother of All Debates: Minister suggests Cabinet Colleague, Rt Hon Winston Peters to act as moderator.

    The Taxpayers’ Union has been informed by the Minister of Finance’s Office that her preference for the debate is for an event in the Legislative Council Chamber moderated by the Rt Hon Winston Peters.We thought that our idea of a roundtable for an hour chaired by economist Cameron...

    Read more about Update on the Mother of All Debates: Minister suggests Cabinet Colleague, Rt Hon Winston Peters to act as moderator.

  5. NZ needs fiscal course correction before crisis forces it, says Richardson

    The Taxpayers’ Union says New Zealand needs an honest discussion about alternatives to the Willis–Robertson approach to fiscal policy, before the country sleepwalks into the kind of crisis that produced the economic pain of the 1990s.Taxpayers’ Union Chair Hon. Ruth Richardson says the danger is not acting too...

    Read more about NZ needs fiscal course correction before crisis forces it, says Richardson

  6. Update on ‘Mother of All Debates: Are we on a realistic path to surplus?’

    Nicola Willis has reneged on her ‘any time, any place’ debate challenge to Ruth Richardson. However, given that these issues are important to all New Zealanders, the Taxpayers’ Union Chair is willing to debate Minister Willis so long as it is a substantive discussion, rather than performative theatre. The Taxpayers’...

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  8. Wellington Mayors Push Towards Amalgamation

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is warning that Wellington region mayors are pushing ahead with council amalgamation without a clear mandate from residents or any transparency over what the changes would cost ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Wellington’s mayors seem eager to merge councils, but are pushing ahead of...

    Read more about Wellington Mayors Push Towards Amalgamation

  9. Minister fudging “any time, any place" challenge to Ruth Richardson

    Just like the surplus, Nicola Willis wants to postpone the "Mother of All Debates". Newstalk ZB report this morning that the Minister of Finances's office is walking back on the Minister's "any time, any place" challenge to the Taxpayers' Union chair, Ruth Richardson."The Finance Minister challenged the Taxpayers’ Union Chair to a debate...

    Read more about Minister fudging “any time, any place" challenge to Ruth Richardson

  10. Taxpayers’ Union Unwraps ‘Nicola’s Fudge’ to Expose the Government’s Fiscal Sweet-Talk

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a confectionary company – Nicola’s Fudge – to call out what it says is the Government’s growing habit of sugar-coating fiscal truths, front loading spending while pushing savings back into the future and ultimately failing to honour pre-election promises on fiscal responsibility.  Instead of cutting spending, rolling back Labour’s bloated bureaucracy, and restoring surplus discipline, the Union says the Government has delivered...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Unwraps ‘Nicola’s Fudge’ to Expose the Government’s Fiscal Sweet-Talk

  11. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Government still in, Labour largest party 📊 | RBNZ spend $850k on flights 🛫 | The schools spending $18.5k on trips for teachers 🗻

    📌 View Online | 🚀 Share on FacebookHi,Happy Wednesday. Today we've got the numbers from the last Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll of the year, the $218,000 of dodgy misspending by school principals, and the ridiculous amount of money the Reserve Bank are spending shuttling staff between offices.We’ve also got a few extra...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Government still in, Labour largest party 📊 | RBNZ spend $850k on flights 🛫 | The schools spending $18.5k on trips for teachers 🗻

  12. RMA replacement: Chris Bishop set to deliver New Zealand’s biggest ever tax cut

    For many of our supporters, the RMA is important. It is New Zealand's biggest regulatory tax and the most significant handbrake on our country's economic prosperity and living standards.I’m just back from a Beehive “lock-up” where about 100 journalists and analysts have been working through the Government’s just-released replacement to...

    Read more about RMA replacement: Chris Bishop set to deliver New Zealand’s biggest ever tax cut

  13. REVEALED: Reserve Bank Spent $852,000 Shuttling Staff Between Its Two Offices

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Reserve Bank spent $851,997.35 last financial year flying staff between its Wellington and Auckland offices and has since pored $56 million into an Auckland workspace that remains half-occupied.The Bank also confirmed that around 45 staff...

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  14. Campaign Victory: Nicola Willis to (finally) answer questions from the Taxpayers' Union

    The Taxpayers' Union is delighted Nicola Willis is going to front up for a debate on the country's fiscal pathway. All National Party Finance Ministers since Muldoon have had to tackle structural deficits inherited from Labour. Nicola Willis’ challenge is no different to what Ruth, then Sir Bill...

    Read more about Campaign Victory: Nicola Willis to (finally) answer questions from the Taxpayers' Union

  15. Government delivering huge regulatory tax relief with RMA reforms

    Commenting on the Government’s announcement today that the Resource Management Act is set to be replaced by the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill in 2026, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“The Resource Management Act has been the worst handbrake on New Zealand’s productivity bar none. Scrapping this regulatory tax...

    Read more about Government delivering huge regulatory tax relief with RMA reforms

  16. Taxpayers’ Union Calls On Principals Who Misused Trip Funding To Pay It Back

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the principals of schools identified by the Auditor-General as having used public money inappropriately to repay taxpayers in full.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“From a kura sending their principal to Turkey using $6,000 of 'well-being support funding' to multiple trips to Rarotonga,...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls On Principals Who Misused Trip Funding To Pay It Back

  17. Fed Up With National Ticketing Delays, Wellington Forced to Go It Alone

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is again slamming the long-delayed National Ticketing System (NTS) after Greater Wellington Regional Council announced it will introduce its own contactless payment system rather than continue waiting for the stalled national rollout.Taxpayers' Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“For once, Wellington’s got it right, and their obvious...

    Read more about Fed Up With National Ticketing Delays, Wellington Forced to Go It Alone

  18. Taxpayer Update: Govt want to Cap Rates LATER ⏰ | New dashboard of savings 🧮 | $837,000 of Golden Handshakes this week alone 🫲

    Dear Supporter,The silly season is well underway. It's the time for Christmas shopping, summer planning, last minute errands, and when Governments tend to 'take out the trash' – hoping bad news stories are buried in the Christmas rush. So while Christmas is right around the corner Santa's naughty...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt want to Cap Rates LATER ⏰ | New dashboard of savings 🧮 | $837,000 of Golden Handshakes this week alone 🫲

  19. How Much Would You Have Saved? New Dashboard Exposes Thousands in Lost Savings

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched the Rates Cap Dashboard, revealing the staggering financial relief households across New Zealand are being denied by the Government delaying rates caps. The new dashboard uses average residential rates data to calculate how much ratepayers could have saved over the last three years if...

    Read more about How Much Would You Have Saved? New Dashboard Exposes Thousands in Lost Savings

  21. Just in time for Christmas: IRD announce retrospective tax grab that will brutalise farmers and SMEs

    The Taxpayers' Union is slamming yesterday’s quiet announcement on the IRD's Policy website that that the Government intends to treat company loans to shareholders as income, resulting in a double taxation and the most dramatic tax grab on SMEs since the Muldoon era.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“This...

    Read more about Just in time for Christmas: IRD announce retrospective tax grab that will brutalise farmers and SMEs

  24. Long Overdue: Taxpayers’ Union Blasts Coster Exit After Costly Delay

    The Taxpayers’ Union says the resignation of former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is long overdue and should never have required weeks of costly garden leave.Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“This resignation should never have been necessary; Coster should have been fired as soon as the damning IPCA report was...

    Read more about Long Overdue: Taxpayers’ Union Blasts Coster Exit After Costly Delay

  25. Christchurch Advisers Out of Line: Amalgamation Must Come From Locals, Not Bureaucrats

    The Taxpayers’ Union is pushing back at Christchurch City Council advisers calling for a Greater Christchurch “super city”, saying amalgamation must only ever come from the community, not from policy staff.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“It’s completely inappropriate for advisers to be pushing for large-scale amalgamation. These sorts...

    Read more about Christchurch Advisers Out of Line: Amalgamation Must Come From Locals, Not Bureaucrats

  27. REVEALED: Public Servants’ Risk Aversion to 'Free and Frank' Advice

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that risk aversion is undermining the principle of free and frank advice within the public service.Internal comments from the Public Service Commission’s Public Service Census 2025 has shown senior leaders are becoming increasingly hesitant to provide...

    Read more about REVEALED: Public Servants’ Risk Aversion to 'Free and Frank' Advice

  30. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Fiscal Focus – But Words Must Be Matched With Spending Cuts

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Finance Minister Barbara Edmonds’ comments over the weekend that she will prioritise fiscal consolidation and getting the Government’s books back in order.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“New Zealand can’t keep running the country on the credit card. It’s an encouraging sign to hear a possible...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Fiscal Focus – But Words Must Be Matched With Spending Cuts

  31. Taxpayer Update: How to Cap Rates Now 🧢 | The difference between a toll and a tax 🚙🤑 | Porirua City Council our ratepayer heroes 🦸

    Dear Supporter,This week we've got a new briefing paper for you, an update on that Ngāi Tahu story, Porirua as our Ratepayer Heroes, and more.This is How to Cap Rates Now 🧢📘Back in June, we launched the Cap Rates Now campaign and more than 31,000 ratepayers answered the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: How to Cap Rates Now 🧢 | The difference between a toll and a tax 🚙🤑 | Porirua City Council our ratepayer heroes 🦸

  32. REVEALED: Health NZ’s $3.5 Million spent on Non-Jobs – and that's just the beginning

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Health NZ have spent up to $3,475,054 on the annual salaries of 13.7 full time roles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental causes.With titles such as “Diversity and Inclusion Lead”, “Clinical Sustainability Liaison” and “LGBQTIA+ Lead”, the 13.7 roles...

    Read more about REVEALED: Health NZ’s $3.5 Million spent on Non-Jobs – and that's just the beginning

  33. $535/hour consultant, yet National Ticketing still delayed

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the revelation that Waka Kotahi NZTA has so far spent $24.2 million on consultants, including a $535-an-hour consultant as part of the ever-delayed National Ticketing System.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“17 years in and the National Ticketing System is barely off...

    Read more about $535/hour consultant, yet National Ticketing still delayed

  36. Scrapping Regional Councils: Reform must also deliver rates relief

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s plan to remove regional councils but warns that any reform must genuinely cut bureaucracy, and focus must remain on the  ultimate cost to ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Tory Relf, said:“With regional councils on the way out, there’s a real chance to cut...

    Read more about Scrapping Regional Councils: Reform must also deliver rates relief

  37. NEW POLL: Voters calling for growth, Government needs to answer

    New Zealanders were asked which policies they supported to boost New Zealand's economic prospects in this Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll, conducted between 01 and 05 October 2025,Voters are supportive for tax cuts, spending cuts, and boosting openness to foreign students and investment, while being more sceptical of selling commercial shares and evenly...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Voters calling for growth, Government needs to answer

  38. Wellington City Council showed up by Porirua City Council

    Responding to The Post article published today revealing that Porirua City Council spent less than a fifth on their inauguration compared to Wellington City Council, the Taxpayers’ Union says fiscal management like this should be compared and commemorated.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“Porirua City Council spent $8,000 compared to...

    Read more about Wellington City Council showed up by Porirua City Council

  39. No more hidden MP spending: Parliament must Open the Books

    In response to the latest story about Maruameno Kapa-Kingi’s expenses, the Taxpayers’ Union is repeating its call for proper transparency over MPs’ expenses by asking Parliament to Open the Books.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“When MPs expenses aren’t subject to Official Information Act requests, it leaves them effectively marking...

    Read more about No more hidden MP spending: Parliament must Open the Books

  40. Taxpayers' Union-Curia November poll: capital gains 'inflation tax'

    New Taxpayers’ Union-Curia polling shows significant public opposition to Labour’s decision to tax nominal capital gains, including from Labour voters themselves. 61 percent of New Zealanders think any Capital Gains Tax (CGT) should be based only on real, inflation-adjusted gains, not nominal increases. Only 39 percent support taxing nominal gains....

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union-Curia November poll: capital gains 'inflation tax'

  41. Nicola Willis tasks foxes to guard the hen house for Budget 2026

    Responding to the Newsroom piece published today revealing that Nicola Willis has, again, requested public service bosses to examine their spending to see where savings can be made, the Taxpayers’ Union says Ministers need to do their job and 'take back control' for the sake of taxpayers.The Union's Executive Director,...

    Read more about Nicola Willis tasks foxes to guard the hen house for Budget 2026

  42. Taxpayer Update: Coster on a pretty penny, while sacking takes forever ⏳ | Win for democracy in Palmy 🗳️ | Parliament attendance a state secret 🤫

    Hi,Andrew Coster pockets $15,000 while Public Service Commissioner slow walks inevitable sacking... 🤑Last week, we shared the then-breaking news that New Zealand’s former top cop Andrew Coster tried to bury allegations relating to his former Deputy, and sex offender, Jevon McSkimming. My initial response was to say: As an...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Coster on a pretty penny, while sacking takes forever ⏳ | Win for democracy in Palmy 🗳️ | Parliament attendance a state secret 🤫

  43. Coster's garden leave racks up $15k while the Public Service Commissioner slow-walks sacking

    The time taken to deliver Andrew Coster's dismissal letter, has cost taxpayers $15,000 (and counting) according to a new real-time cost calculator launched by the Taxpayers' Union at https://costlycoster.nz/.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams said:"We all know the public service takes its time, but given the context, Public Service Commissioner...

    Read more about Coster's garden leave racks up $15k while the Public Service Commissioner slow-walks sacking

  44. Media report reveals that Nicola Willis harpooned own pre-election commitments to cut spending

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Nicola Willis to publicly explain why she has continued Labour's trajectory of increased government spending despite the $3 billion of proposed savings from her Associate Minister of Finance, David Seymour, as revealed by Stuff today.Nicola Willis tasked David Seymour to find savings, to get what Willis...

    Read more about Media report reveals that Nicola Willis harpooned own pre-election commitments to cut spending

  45. Masterton puts transparency first, other councils must follow

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is praising the Masterton District Council for following the Ombudsman’s advice and opening council workshops to the public and live streaming these sessions online.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“The days of closed-door meetings excluding ratepayers from key debates and decisions should be...

    Read more about Masterton puts transparency first, other councils must follow

  46. RATEPAYER HERO: Mayor Right to Demand Transparency on $1.36m Consultancy Spend

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s push for more information on the Council’s $1.36 million spend on a Māori consultancy firm, saying it is a positive step toward transparency but warns the public still hasn’t been shown the documents that matter.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“It’s good...

    Read more about RATEPAYER HERO: Mayor Right to Demand Transparency on $1.36m Consultancy Spend

  47. Christchurch Dodges a Lemon as Te Pae Struggles to Pay Its Way

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Christchurch City Council for refusing to buy Te Pae, as new reporting shows the convention centre continues to run at a $3.4 million loss, leaving taxpayers exposed.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“Christchurch Council deserves real credit for not getting dragged into owning a convention...

    Read more about Christchurch Dodges a Lemon as Te Pae Struggles to Pay Its Way

  49. $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is calling out the 15.53 percent salary increase for councillors at Tauranga City Council at a time when rates bills continue to spiral. Councillors will now be paid an average of $163,000 a year, while Mayor Mahé Drysdale receives $193,402.Taxpayers Union spokesperson Rhys Hurley said:“From $200,000...

    Read more about $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

  50. REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that millions of dollars in business start-up grants handed out by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have resulted in large numbers of recipients returning to a benefit within two years.MSD spent $38,512,555.69 on Flexi-Wage Self-Employment support...

    Read more about REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

  52. Prime Minister: Now is the time to start the conversation on asset recycling

    Responding to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments in the Sunday Star Times that New Zealand needs a more mature conversation about asset sales, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Hanging on to underperforming assets makes no sense. Why put off conversations we need to start having now?”“Treasury’s latest Investment Statement makes the need...

    Read more about Prime Minister: Now is the time to start the conversation on asset recycling

  53. REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Christchurch City Council has paid $1,359,152.83 (GST exc.) to Mahaanui Kurataiao over the past three financial years under an ongoing funding arrangement with the six Ngãi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga within the area.Council has...

    Read more about REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

  56. Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

    Commenting on today’s release of the Review of Retirement Income Policies 2025 by the Retirement Commission, James Ross of the Taxpayers’ Union said: “This is another warning shot across the Government’s bow.”“Continued deficit spending means current policies are shifting more of the costs of supporting pensioners on to future generations....

    Read more about Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

  57. FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says the latest job cuts at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are the inevitable result of years of executive-level overspending affecting the frontline.The Taxpayers’ Union revelealed in September that FENZ employed:A Chief Executive being paid $503,0007 Deputy Chief Executives, for a total $2.37 million800 managers...

    Read more about FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

  59. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

     Hi,The breaking news re Andrew Coster / McSkimming's cover-up: another golden handshake must be ruled out.Last night, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) dropped its report on the Police cover up of the allegations related to disgraced former Commissioner, Jevon McSkimmings.As an organisation whose primary purpose is accountability...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

  60. NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

    NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boostGood news for the Coalition as they regain the lead in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, conducted between 02 and 06 November – the first major national poll since Labour's capital gains tax policy announcement.Despite the lead for the coalition, the poll...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

  61. Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to immediately sack the Social Investment Agency's CEO, Andrew Coster and rule out a golden handshake or exit payout. This follows revelations that the former Police Commissioner “lacks integrity” and “lacks leadership”, according to current Police Commissioner Richard Chambers....

    Read more about Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

  62. $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for more than quadrupling its Auckland lease costs under former Governor Adrian Orr’s 10-year Britomart lease.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Even after he’s gone, Taxpayers are once again forced to underwrite Orr’s empire-building at the...

    Read more about $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

  63. Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is praising Palmerston North City councillors who signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge for successfully removing unelected representatives from two council committees and is urging the full council to finish the job at Wednesday’s vote.Between the first draft and current proposed committee structure, unelected appointees have been...

    Read more about Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

  64. Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

    On Friday, Treasury’s latest Investment Statement delivered yet another warning that the Government’s current fiscal path isn’t sustainable. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Treasury saying the Government’s balance sheet is heading for deterioration is not-so-subtle code for living well beyond our means. Spending will keep growing far faster...

    Read more about Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

  68. Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

      Entrepreneur and Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton joins Taxpayer Talk to discuss his extensive academic career, including his 11 degrees, and to offer a strong policy critique advocating for replacing the NCEA high school qualification with a more rigorous, globally standardized system. 

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

  69. Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

    Responding to David Seymour’s comments on selling down the Government’s stake in major electricity companies, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Seymour is asking the right questions. Why should the Crown own billions in shares in major electricity companies? We accept the Government doesn’t need to own fuel or telco...

    Read more about Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

  70. Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Minister Willis to deliver full capital expensing to boost the economy following today’s figures showing unemployment at an eight-year high, with youth unemployment at 15%.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“More New Zealanders out of work is not a sign of a healthy...

    Read more about Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

  71. Second golden handshake in two months: Minister Collins must act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming news of another taxpayer-funded payout, this time to Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby, calling it the second golden handshake revealed in as many months.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is déjà vu for taxpayers. Just weeks after Adrian Orr’s golden goodbye was...

    Read more about Second golden handshake in two months: Minister Collins must act

  72. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACC’s evidence-based funding reset

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming ACC’s decision to halt funding to Water Safety New Zealand, saying taxpayers deserve spending based on results, not emotion, lobbying, or good intentions alone.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“ACC isn’t a charity. It’s funded by taxes and every dollar spent has to be shown...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACC’s evidence-based funding reset

  73. Unfair 59 percent capital gains hit under Labour’s 'inflation tax'

    Commenting on Labour’s proposal to tax inflation by not adjusting their capital gains tax plans for rising prices, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“If Hipkins’ plan had been in place over the last decade, people would have faced an effective tax rate of 58.57 percent on real gains. Pretending that...

    Read more about Unfair 59 percent capital gains hit under Labour’s 'inflation tax'

  75. Spot Audit Exposes GP Appointment Crisis: 1 in 7 Practices Leave Kiwis Waiting a Month to See a Doctor

    The Taxpayers’ Union says Labour’s promise of three “free” (taxpayer-funded) GP visits won’t be worth much if New Zealanders can’t see a GP in the first place, with 1 in 7 GP practices unable to provide an appointment for more than a month. Instead, Labour's policy looks more like...

    Read more about Spot Audit Exposes GP Appointment Crisis: 1 in 7 Practices Leave Kiwis Waiting a Month to See a Doctor

  76. The question Nicola Willis needed to ask: Why keep the power companies?

    Levi Gibbs is a senior researcher at the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. OPINION: Spend five minutes with a four-year-old and the endless “why?” begins. The relentless probing into why something is or isn’t. Sometimes we have answers. Other times, it exposes what we’ve long ignored: pointless rules, outdated...

    Read more about The question Nicola Willis needed to ask: Why keep the power companies?

  77. Labour’s Capital Gains Tax Punishes Kiwis for Inflation

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling Labour’s proposed capital gains tax (CGT) an unfair and poorly thought-out policy that punishes ordinary New Zealanders for inflation, not real gains.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Labour’s capital gains tax is effectively a tax on inflation. Around 40 percent of house...

    Read more about Labour’s Capital Gains Tax Punishes Kiwis for Inflation

  78. New report exposes tobacco tax well past the Laffer Curve: Hiking taxes on durries now means less revenue, more smokers

    A new report on New Zealand’s illicit tobacco market shows the Government’s tobacco excise policy is blowing smoke up gangs and criminals — while driving the first increase in smoking rates in decades.The report by FTI Consulting reveals that illicit tobacco now makes up 27 percent of all cigarettes...

    Read more about New report exposes tobacco tax well past the Laffer Curve: Hiking taxes on durries now means less revenue, more smokers

  79. Labour's 'Bach Tax' a stalking horse for full-blown Capital Gains - and it will make New Zealand poorer

    The Taxpayers' Union is slamming Labour's newly announced Capital Gains Tax on investment and commercial property, dubbing it a "Bach Tax" that punishes savers, kills productivity, and opens the door to a full-blown wealth tax."This is a tax on inflation disguised as fairness," said Jordan Williams, Executive Director...

    Read more about Labour's 'Bach Tax' a stalking horse for full-blown Capital Gains - and it will make New Zealand poorer

  81. Labour’s Gaming Subsidies Level Up Wasteful Spending

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Labour’s plan to expand taxpayer subsidies for the video-game industry, warning the current Game Development Sector Rebate is already unnecessary corporate welfare.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley, said:“This is déjà vu. We’ve already seen millions funnelled into the gaming sector through the Centre of Digital...

    Read more about Labour’s Gaming Subsidies Level Up Wasteful Spending

  83. Back to the Future Fund: Labour’s latest plan to pick winners with your money

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Labour’s newfound interest in economic growth, while warning that its proposed “New Zealand Future Fund” looks more like a trip back to the 1970s than a plan for the future.Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Economic growth isn’t everything, but it’s almost everything when it comes to...

    Read more about Back to the Future Fund: Labour’s latest plan to pick winners with your money

  84. Inflation driven by massive council rates hikes

    Responding to Statistics New Zealand’s announcement today that annual CPI inflation has hit three percent, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Inflation is hitting the ceiling of the Reserve Bank’s target range, and council rates hikes are doing the heavy lifting. Local authority rates and payments contributed 27.9 percent of quarterly inflation."“With...

    Read more about Inflation driven by massive council rates hikes

  85. Taxpayer Update: Local Elections 2025 🗳️ | The Government is finally getting some good economic news 📈 | MSD's $2.3 million survey 👧

    Hi,Despite the sad news about the passing of Jim Bolger this week, it's still been very busy. As more of the final council election results come through, one message is clear: this was the Revenge of the Ratepayer.Local election results: Revenge of the Ratepayer 🗳️A clear pattern has...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Local Elections 2025 🗳️ | The Government is finally getting some good economic news 📈 | MSD's $2.3 million survey 👧

  86. REVEALED: Te Puni Kōkiri’s $91,000 Bill for Backpacks, Beanies, and Branding

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Te Puni Kōkiri spent $91,086.50 in 2023/24 on branded merchandise, clothing, and lanyards.Documents show:$52,355.21 on branded merchandise including umbrellas, sunglasses, drink bottles, beach blankets, and tote bags$38,219.77 was spent on branded clothing such as wool jackets,...

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  87. REVEALED: Government Steals $7.5 Million in Tourism Levies from Rejected Tourists

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act request that Immigration New Zealand has collected $7,546,236 in International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levies (IVL) from people whose visa or NZeTA applications were rejected since 2022.Between January 2022 and June 2025, 156,773 visa applications and 2,160 NZeTA requests...

    Read more about REVEALED: Government Steals $7.5 Million in Tourism Levies from Rejected Tourists

  88. REVEALED: MSD's $350 Per Response Survey Comes Sweetened With $7,500 of Brownies

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act request that the Ministry of Social Development is spending $2.8 million on a youth wellbeing survey that included sending brownie boxes worth $7,544 to schools to encourage participation.The Ministry confirmed that research firm Ipsos, which is contracted to deliver...

    Read more about REVEALED: MSD's $350 Per Response Survey Comes Sweetened With $7,500 of Brownies

  91. Behind Closed Doors, New Plymouth Ex-Mayor Lands Top Water Job

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the outgoing New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom being appointed chief executive of the council’s new Water Services Council Controlled Organisation, the day before local election voting closed.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“This fails every test of transparency and fairness. Ratepayers will rightly be asking...

    Read more about Behind Closed Doors, New Plymouth Ex-Mayor Lands Top Water Job

  92. Taxpayers' Union congratulate Atlas Network Partner, Maria Corina Machado, for winning 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

    The Taxpayers' Union congratulates fellow Atlas Network participant Maria Corina Machado for winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize over the weekend.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"Pro-freedom think tanks in Venezuela were among the very first Atlas Network partners in the early 1980s, promoting the ideas behind the movement...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union congratulate Atlas Network Partner, Maria Corina Machado, for winning 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

  93. Revenge of the Ratepayers: Mayors Who Hiked Rates Punished at the Ballot Box

    Analysis of the 2025 preliminary local election results shows a clear pattern that mayors who treated ratepayers like an ATM have been thrown out of office, while those who showed fiscal restraint have been rewarded.Across the country, voters have sent a simple message: stop hiking rates.Of the ten councils with...

    Read more about Revenge of the Ratepayers: Mayors Who Hiked Rates Punished at the Ballot Box

  96. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Nats and Labour slide 📊 | Chris Penk, shatters costs 🦸 | CEOs back fiscal watchdog ✅

    BREAKING: Former Reserve Bank Governor under gag clause as part of $416,000 golden handshakeBefore we get into the newsletter proper, we've just had land on our desk a copy of the agreement signed between former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr and the Reserve Bank.On Monday we learned Orr...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Nats and Labour slide 📊 | Chris Penk, shatters costs 🦸 | CEOs back fiscal watchdog ✅

  98. NEW POLL: National and Labour Take Big Hits; NZ First and Greens Gain

    Bad news for National and Labour as they both take a beating in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.The poll, conducted between 01 October and 05 October, shows Labour retain its position as the largest party, dropping 2.6 points to 31.2 percent. National dropped 3.5 points to 29.6 percent. The Greens...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National and Labour Take Big Hits; NZ First and Greens Gain

  99. OCR Cuts Not a Plan for Growth

    Responding to the Reserve Bank’s decision today to reduce the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“When the only plan for growth seems to be praying for OCR cuts, the Minister of Finance must be thanking her lucky stars for another...

    Read more about OCR Cuts Not a Plan for Growth

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