News

All news

  2. RBNZ Board should be sacked for approving $416k golden goodbye for Adrian Orr and claiming he 'quit'

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Finance Minister Nicola Willis to justify why a $416k golden parachute was approved to disgraced governor Adrian Orr, and whether she knew about the proposal before it was agreed to by the RBNZ Board. If she didn't, she should sack the Board...

    Read more about RBNZ Board should be sacked for approving $416k golden goodbye for Adrian Orr and claiming he 'quit'

  3. Parents Should Support School Leavers; Can’t Be Punished for Working Harder

    Responding to the Government’s announcement that parents earning more than $65,000 will be responsible for supporting school leavers, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Breaking the benefit trap is good for young people and good for taxpayers. School leavers who go straight onto a benefit often end up spending...

    Read more about Parents Should Support School Leavers; Can’t Be Punished for Working Harder

  4. Sensible Heads Must Prevail on Gas Exploration

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Christopher Luxon’s call for a bipartisan approach to natural gas exploration. Commenting on Luxon’s letter to Labour, Union spokesman James Ross said:“Energy prices used to be New Zealand's edge, and within a decade they've become one of our biggest liabilities. We’re consciously crippling ourselves, and it’s not...

    Read more about Sensible Heads Must Prevail on Gas Exploration

  5. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

    The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding today’s decision from Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk to overhaul the earthquake-prone building system, cutting red tape and saving New Zealanders more than $8.2 billion.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is a win for common sense. The old rules lumped massive costs...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

  6. REVEALED: Bureaucrats Burn $226,000 on 400,000 Mile COP29 Junket

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act requests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment sent 13 staff to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.Collectively, these departments spent $226,159 to...

    Read more about REVEALED: Bureaucrats Burn $226,000 on 400,000 Mile COP29 Junket

  7. Taxpayer Update: NDPC are Ratepayer Heroes 🦸‍♀️ | $5m Roadside Art 🎨 | Confidence in Willis Collapses 📉

    Hi,From $5 million roadside statues to a new Taxpayer Hero council, it’s been a week of contrasts. We’ve also had our say on the draft Code of Conduct, checked the mood on Nicola Willis, and seen more candidates sign up to the Pledge. Pledge Update: Who’s really standing with...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NDPC are Ratepayer Heroes 🦸‍♀️ | $5m Roadside Art 🎨 | Confidence in Willis Collapses 📉

  8. Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze

      This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Roger Partridge from the New Zealand Initiative to unpack his new report: Unscrambling Government: Less Confusion, More Efficiency.Right now, New Zealand has 81 ministerial portfolios, 28 ministers, and 43 departments. That’s three times as many portfolios and nearly...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze

  10. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new Reserve Bank Governor, calls for end to Orr-era excess

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the appointment of Dr Anna Breman as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and is urging her to rein in the waste and empire-building that flourished under Adrian Orr.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:"New Zealanders deserve a Reserve Bank that is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new Reserve Bank Governor, calls for end to Orr-era excess

  12. Confidence in Willis Collapses: Boardrooms Confirm What Taxpayers Know

    Reacting to today’s Mood of the Boardroom survey, the Taxpayers’ Union is saying that the report tells us what taxpayers already know: Nicola Willis has tanked the books and business leaders have lost confidence.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“There are no surprises here. Willis and Luxon have flopped,...

    Read more about Confidence in Willis Collapses: Boardrooms Confirm What Taxpayers Know

  13. REVEALED: Manawatū's $5M Roadside Art Sees Motorists Pay the Price

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Waka Kotahi spent $5.05 million on mahi toi (cultural artworks) along the Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway.The spending went ahead without an open tender process.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Blowing $5 million on...

    Read more about REVEALED: Manawatū's $5M Roadside Art Sees Motorists Pay the Price

  14. Taxpayers' Union Chair, Former MoF Calls for Spring Statement to Reset Government's 'Go for Growth' Plan

    In light of yesterday's alarming GDP figures and the failure of the Government's current fiscal and economic approach, the Taxpayers' Union is calling on Nicola Willis to present a 'Spring Statement' to decidedly reset the economy on a growth path before this year's Half Year Economic and Fiscal...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Chair, Former MoF Calls for Spring Statement to Reset Government's 'Go for Growth' Plan

  16. Where’s the Money Going? Call for Transparency on Government’s Use of Visitor Levy

    The Taxpayers’ Union is criticising the Government for skimming up to $139 million a year from the International Visitor Levy while telling the public it’s for tourism and conservation, raising serious questions about whether the levy is being used as promised.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“No wonder the Department of...

    Read more about Where’s the Money Going? Call for Transparency on Government’s Use of Visitor Levy

  17. Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on rates driving inflation

      This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with financial advisor and Stewart Group founder Nick Stewart to tackle a question too many councils would rather avoid: are skyrocketing rates making inflation worse?Nick explains how council spending flows through to households and businesses, pushing up the cost...

    Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on rates driving inflation

  18. Taxpayer Update: Ruapehu’s Ratepayer Heroes 💘 | Catch up on our mayoral debates 📺

    Hi,We had an amazing week on the road with our mayoral debates. I loved getting to meet so many supporters, from Hamilton to Dunedin, and visiting new parts of the country that I've not seen before.Voting is Open: Who’s standing with ratepayers? 🗳️Local body voting is officially underway...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ruapehu’s Ratepayer Heroes 💘 | Catch up on our mayoral debates 📺

  19. Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today released the Ratepayer Voting Guide, giving voters a clear picture of where local body election candidates stand on rates, transparency, and unelected appointments. The Guide is based on candidates’ responses to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which asked every mayoral and council candidate to commit...

    Read more about Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

  20. NEW POLL: Queenstown Lakes Mayoral Race Wide Open as Voter Uncertainty Remains High

    A new Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll of Queenstown Lakes voters shows that the mayoral race is wide open, ahead of the Taxpayers’ Union-hosted Mayoral Debate taking place in Queenstown tonight.The independent poll of 500 residents found that while incumbent Glyn Lewers has the biggest support among voters, at just 11 percent,...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Queenstown Lakes Mayoral Race Wide Open as Voter Uncertainty Remains High

  21. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Local’s Strong Stance on Unelected Appointees in Local Government

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed commitment from ACT to oppose voting powers for unelected appointees in local government, included in today’s Democracy policy release.“Democracy has been treated as a plaything in local councils for too long. Making a clear stand on this issue is essential for restoring fair...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Local’s Strong Stance on Unelected Appointees in Local Government

  22. $1.4 Billion National Ticketing Delay – Another Setback for Taxpayers

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for an end to the 16 year old National Ticketing System (NTS) after the announcement the scheme's full implementation will now be delayed until 2027.An Official Information Act request has revealed the scheme was reviewed in October 2024 and was deemed well governed and...

    Read more about $1.4 Billion National Ticketing Delay – Another Setback for Taxpayers

  23. REVEALED: Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Trucks Rust While Executives Cash In

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) collected $712 million from the fire levy last year, yet are failing to maintain frontline equipment while executives and back-office staff take home millions.New figures obtained under the Official Information...

    Read more about REVEALED: Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Trucks Rust While Executives Cash In

  24. Ratepayer Heroes? Ruapehu District Council Fixes $700,000 Overspend Without Hitting Ratepayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding the decisive action taken by Ruapehu District Council to rein in a projected $700,000 overspend in its Community and Recreational Services, managing to offset it without saddling ratepayers with additional debt.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren, said:“The council spotted a budget hole the size of a...

    Read more about Ratepayer Heroes? Ruapehu District Council Fixes $700,000 Overspend Without Hitting Ratepayers

  25. NEW POLL: Marcus Buddo leading Hastings mayoral race ahead of tonight's Taxpayers' Union debate

    A new Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll of Hastings voters shows Marcus Buddo in the lead in the race for mayor, ahead of the Taxpayers’ Union-hosted Hastings Mayoral Debate taking place in Havelock North tonight.The independent poll of 500 residents found Buddo has the support of 25 percent of decided voters, with...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Marcus Buddo leading Hastings mayoral race ahead of tonight's Taxpayers' Union debate

  26. Taxpayer Update: New poll puts Centre-Left ahead 📊 | 2025 Mayoral Debates 🗳️ | Labour wants to spend your money… on themselves 🚨

    Hi,NEW POLL: National up, ACT down, centre-left could form Govt 📊Our latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia Poll is out, and it’s mixed news for the centre-right. While Christopher Luxon's personal numbers are up, overall, it's bad news for the Government.Labour hold on to its spot as the largest party, up...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: New poll puts Centre-Left ahead 📊 | 2025 Mayoral Debates 🗳️ | Labour wants to spend your money… on themselves 🚨

  27. NEW POLL: National Gain and ACT Fall; Coalition Can't Form Government

    Mixed news for National in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, with National gaining but the Coalition unable to form a Government.The poll, conducted between 31 August and 02 September, shows Labour hold on to its spot as the largest party, gaining 0.2 points to 33.8 percent. National gained 1.3 points to...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National Gain and ACT Fall; Coalition Can't Form Government

  28. Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, James sits down with John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the UK TaxPayers' Alliance. John and James dig into some big issues, to see what New Zealand can learn from the UK's (many) mistakes.Rates caps, death tax, and John's role in exposing the infamous...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal

  29. Treasury’s $8.4b Budget Hole Isn’t Going Anywhere And Growth Alone Won’t Save Us

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Government over its release of internal documents revealing an $8.4b “unfunded” hole in funding future public services over the years to 2028/29.Taxpayers’ Union Economist Ray Deacon said:"The Minister of Finance’s current strategy is to tinker around the edges and shuffle spending,...

    Read more about Treasury’s $8.4b Budget Hole Isn’t Going Anywhere And Growth Alone Won’t Save Us

  33. Taxpayer Update: MAJOR Taxpayer Victory ✌️ | NEW POLL: Majority of all groups back rates cap 🧢 | Grey District Council caught on camera 🎥

    Hi,Next week we head into Spring – and the meaty part of the local elections. Read more on our Ratepayer Protection Pledge below.This week we’re also celebrating a major Taxpayer Victory, an unexpected Taxpayer Hero, and a kid who gives us all hope for the future. It’s a...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: MAJOR Taxpayer Victory ✌️ | NEW POLL: Majority of all groups back rates cap 🧢 | Grey District Council caught on camera 🎥

  35. Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Leggett on Infrastructure and Local Government

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/944017/episodes/17672947Building anything in New Zealand has no shortage of challenges. Whether it be soaring costs, reels of red tape, or problems with supplying labour, our choked infrastructure pipeline deeply affects this country's economy and quality of life. CEO for Infrastructure New Zealand, Nick Leggett, joins Peter Williams for a...

    Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Leggett on Infrastructure and Local Government

  36. Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Mayor Andrew Tripe on the Lowest Average Rates Increases in the Country

    Rates across the country have soared, many into the double-digits. But while most councils point fingers and find excuses, Mayor for Whanganui Andrew Tripe has kept his average rates increase as little as 2.2 percent – the lowest in the country this year.Mayor Tripe joins Peter Williams for...

    Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Mayor Andrew Tripe on the Lowest Average Rates Increases in the Country

  37. Hutt City Mayor Backs Ratepayers; Water Reform Not Greenlight for Spend-Up

    Hutt City Council Mayor Campbell Barry has called on councils not to spend recklessly after removing water services from their balance sheets.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Sam Warren said:“Shifting most of their assets off the books means councils can return the majority of the rates take to...

    Read more about Hutt City Mayor Backs Ratepayers; Water Reform Not Greenlight for Spend-Up

  38. Shuffling the Deck Won’t Fix Public Service Inefficiency

    The Taxpayers’ Union is sounding the alarm that recent reports of public service reforms are falling short of delivering the bold changes needed to tackle inefficiency and escalating national debt.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“The proposed reforms are nothing more than a superficial reshuffle. Without cutting duplication and reducing waste,...

    Read more about Shuffling the Deck Won’t Fix Public Service Inefficiency

  39. ‘Appalling’ - Grey Councillors caught laughing at ratepayers’ anguish

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has slammed Grey District Council for its disgusting conduct during a council meeting, where councillors laughed when asked how residents felt about rates increases.“It’s utterly disgusting behaviour from councillors. Clearly the mask has slipped, showing no remorse for the impact their rates increases have placed...

    Read more about ‘Appalling’ - Grey Councillors caught laughing at ratepayers’ anguish

  41. TAXPAYER VICTORY! “Nosey Parker” Clause on the Chopping Block

    Revenue Minister Simon Watts has confirmed a major victory for taxpayer privacy with plans to repeal Section 17GB of the Tax Administration Act 1994.The so-called “Nosey Parker” clause, introduced in 2022, gave Inland Revenue the power to demand “any information the Commissioner considers relevant” for tax policy or...

    Read more about TAXPAYER VICTORY! “Nosey Parker” Clause on the Chopping Block

  42. Time to Axe $2.4 Billion Demographic Ministries

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche’s call to cut waste by consolidating or abolishing costly demographic ministries, like the Ministry for Women and Ministry for Pacific Peoples.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“New Zealanders don’t not need individual government agencies for each demographic. We need...

    Read more about Time to Axe $2.4 Billion Demographic Ministries

  45. EXPOSED: NZ On Air’s $500,000 Encore for Artists Already in the System

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is questioning a new $500,000 pilot fund from NZ On Air to subsidise national concert tours but only for artists who have already received taxpayer support and completed a prior headline tour.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley said:“If you’ve already got a taxpayer-funded music project,...

    Read more about EXPOSED: NZ On Air’s $500,000 Encore for Artists Already in the System

  46. Fourth Estate Should Report the News - Not Create It

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out The Wairarapa Times Age for overstepping the line between journalism and political activism after it publicly endorsed council amalgamation in Wairarapa, stated it will be lobbying candidates and dismissed public input as irrelevant.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Sam Warren said:“When local journalists start telling...

    Read more about Fourth Estate Should Report the News - Not Create It

  49. Nicky Being Tricky With Underhanded Swipe at the Taxpayers’ Union

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ attack on the Taxpayers’ Union doesn't hide the fact that under her watch government spending as a share of the economy is significantly higher than when Grant Robertson left office.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Willis is entitled to her own opinion but she’s not...

    Read more about Nicky Being Tricky With Underhanded Swipe at the Taxpayers’ Union

  51.  REVEALED: NIWA Refuses to Disclose Public Spending on Video Game Contractors

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that NIWA is refusing to disclose how much it paid private developers to build an online climate adaptation game, or the total cost of the game, despite the project being funded by taxpayers through the MBIE Endeavour...

    Read more about  REVEALED: NIWA Refuses to Disclose Public Spending on Video Game Contractors

  52. From Bullfighting to Dating Apps: Time’s Up for Wasteful Grants

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming news of further cuts to taxpayer-funded research that results in little to no value to the taxpayer, including the Marsden Fund and the Endeavour Fund.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We’ve seen six-figure grants handed out to study how dating apps are used, whether...

    Read more about From Bullfighting to Dating Apps: Time’s Up for Wasteful Grants

  53. Brooke van Velden Saves Taxpayers from Rebrand Rort

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is applauding Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden for rejecting costly bureaucratic delay tactics and changing the Department of Internal Affairs/Te Tari Taiwhenua logo and name at minimal cost.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Rhys Hurley said:“Brooke deserves full credit for cutting through the Wellington blob. This is what leadership...

    Read more about Brooke van Velden Saves Taxpayers from Rebrand Rort

  54. A Warning from Wellington: Whanganui Welcomes McKerrow

    Former Wellington Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow will act as interim Chief Executive for Whanganui Council in what has been described as an ‘exciting new adventure’ by McKerrow and a ‘terrifying new chapter’ for Whanganui ratepayers.Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“Our thoughts are with the people...

    Read more about A Warning from Wellington: Whanganui Welcomes McKerrow

  55. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Govt failing on economic mgmt 📉 | Council CEO Rich List 💰 | Rangiora’s “gold-plated gym” 🏟️

    📌 View Online | 🚀 Share on FacebookGood morning,Another week, another bad set of polls for the Government – this time, on economic management – our 2025 Council CEO Rich List was hit in the media over the weekend, and in between, we’ve had waste exposed from Auckland to Waimakariri....

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Govt failing on economic mgmt 📉 | Council CEO Rich List 💰 | Rangiora’s “gold-plated gym” 🏟️

  56. Government’s Borrowing Binge Piles onto Trillion-Dollar National Debt

    With recent reports that New Zealand’s total private and public borrowing will soon pass one trillion dollars, how much of this is being racked up by the Government?  The Government’s gross debt has passed $281 billion (see DebtClock.nz). “New Zealanders are already drowning in debt, from record mortgages to...

    Read more about Government’s Borrowing Binge Piles onto Trillion-Dollar National Debt

  57. Sell RNZ While It Still Has Listeners - Wellington-Focused Service Has Lost Touch

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for RNZ to be privatised, with the reported audience numbers declining sharply and its Wellington-centric content failing to resonate across the country.A recent report reveals:Fewer than 467,700 cumulative listeners remain, down from 700,000 in 2020Wellington-centric content alienates audiences in other regions, with many...

    Read more about Sell RNZ While It Still Has Listeners - Wellington-Focused Service Has Lost Touch

  58. CEO Rich List: Taxpayers’ Union Reveals Top-Earning Town Clerks

    The Taxpayers’ Union has released its annual Council Chief Executive Rich List, revealing the full renumeration received by Council CEOs over the 2023-24 financial year. Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“As households across New Zealand have been tightening their belts to pay for massive...

    Read more about CEO Rich List: Taxpayers’ Union Reveals Top-Earning Town Clerks

  62. NEW POLL: Government Gets Failing Grade on Five of Five Key Economic Issues

    More bad news for the Coalition as a majority of voters say the Government is performing poorly on economic management across all five key issues measured as part of this month’s Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.Voters were asked to say whether they thought the Government was doing a “good job" or “bad job"...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Government Gets Failing Grade on Five of Five Key Economic Issues

  63. Bad numbers for Government justify Willis delivering "emergency budget" to kick-start growth

    The Taxpayers’ Union is joining the Auckland Chamber of Commerce in calling for Finance Minister Nicola Willis to deliver tax relief stimulus through an emergency 'mid-year' budget to jolt the economy back to life.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:"Going slow on the 'go for growth' isn't working."“The economy...

    Read more about Bad numbers for Government justify Willis delivering "emergency budget" to kick-start growth

  64. Taxpayer Update: HUNG PARLIAMENT in shock new poll 📉 | NZ's infrastructure disaster 🫨 | Creative NZ's taxpayer-funded jaunt to LGNZ 😤

     Happy Monday,This month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll has just dropped, and it's not good news for the Government. TL:DR: it's a hung Parliament - with both the centre-right and centre-left blocs achieving 61 seats in this poll. Also in this addition, some economic home truths for Nicola Willis, and the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: HUNG PARLIAMENT in shock new poll 📉 | NZ's infrastructure disaster 🫨 | Creative NZ's taxpayer-funded jaunt to LGNZ 😤

  66. Thousands of Kiwis Tell Ministers to Scrap ‘Dirty Deal’

    Nearly 3000 New Zealanders have emailed Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson urging them to drop the retrospective clauses in the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The public backlash to this grubby deal has been overwhelming. Over the...

    Read more about Thousands of Kiwis Tell Ministers to Scrap ‘Dirty Deal’

  67. Health NZ’s $22.6m Sick Tax Payday

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Health NZ for raking in $22.6 million from hospital parking last year, calling it daylight robbery.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This isn’t cost recovery, it’s taxing people for the crime of being unwell.”“Hospitals should be places of care, not cash cows. Instead of helping...

    Read more about Health NZ’s $22.6m Sick Tax Payday

  70. Wellington Mayoral Candidate Rob Gouldan Banned from Future Taxpayers’ Union Events After Disgraceful Behaviour

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today banned minor Wellington mayoral candidate Rob Goulden from all future events hosted by the Union and its affiliated student group, Generation Screwed, following his behaviour at tonight’s sold out Victoria University mayoral debate.Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“It’s been reported to me...

    Read more about Wellington Mayoral Candidate Rob Gouldan Banned from Future Taxpayers’ Union Events After Disgraceful Behaviour

  71.  Taxpayers’ Union Calls Out Green Party’s OIA Hypocrisy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Green Party’s hypocrisy, after it demanded on-board fishing camera footage from private operators continue to be made public under the Official Information Act while not backing reforms to extend transparency to their own MPs’ expenses.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Rhys Hurley...

    Read more about  Taxpayers’ Union Calls Out Green Party’s OIA Hypocrisy

  72. Taxpayer Update: 30,000 now Cap Rates Now 🎉 | Nicola Willis *grows* the public service 📈 | StatsNZ take ‘swag’ to the next level 🦹‍♂️

    HiGood morning! Some good news: our Cap Rates now petition has hit 30,000 signatures! Massive thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign. Also this week, DIA can't keep track of its results (what else is new?), StatsNZ accidentally built a reward scheme for being difficult, and some changes at...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 30,000 now Cap Rates Now 🎉 | Nicola Willis *grows* the public service 📈 | StatsNZ take ‘swag’ to the next level 🦹‍♂️

  73. REVEALED: Creative NZ's LGNZ Talkfest - Time To Scrap the Arts Bureaucracy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Creative New Zealand spent more than $21,958 sponsoring and attending Local Government New Zealand’s SuperLocal 2025 conference.As a “Silver Sponsor” of the event, CNZ spent $15,000 (excl GST) to a panel titled The Role of Local Government in Building Communities,...

    Read more about REVEALED: Creative NZ's LGNZ Talkfest - Time To Scrap the Arts Bureaucracy

  74. REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki Spin Department Hid $765,000 in $2.74 Million Comms Team

     Only thanks to an anonymous tipper, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Oranga Tamariki failed to disclose six additional comms staff at a cost of nearly $765,000.We had previously revealed through the original OIA response, Oranga Tamariki’s supposed 14-man comms team at a...

    Read more about REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki Spin Department Hid $765,000 in $2.74 Million Comms Team

  75. Double Dipping Tourist Tax: National’s Mt Cook Diversion

    The Taxpayers’ Union is criticising the National Party’s newly-announced ‘foreign visitor charge’ for popular Department of Conservation sites, calling it a distraction from the real economic challenges facing the country.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We were expecting a real economic announcement at the conference, a plan to get...

    Read more about Double Dipping Tourist Tax: National’s Mt Cook Diversion

  78. 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬, 𝐀𝐍𝐙, 𝐀𝐒𝐁, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a major campaign targeting Scott Simpson's Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill, which includes retrospective provisions that would extinguish a live class action brought by tens of thousands of bank customers against ANZ and ASB banks.The campaign has been...

    Read more about 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬, 𝐀𝐍𝐙, 𝐀𝐒𝐁, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲

  79. REVEALED: The Report So Secret, You Can't Even Know Its Name

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal in response to an Official Information Act request that KiwiRail and the Minister of Rail have refused to so much as share the name of a Kiwirail briefing about underperforming rail lines.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Transparency is dying, with more and...

    Read more about REVEALED: The Report So Secret, You Can't Even Know Its Name

  81. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes release of council performance metrics

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today welcomed Minister Simon Watt’s release of local government performance metrics, enabling greater transparency for council performance.Taxpayers' Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren, said:“The release of these metrics has been widely anticipated. More transparency is essential in reining in council decision making.”“The difficulty for...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes release of council performance metrics

  82. DOC Parking Charges at Pancake Rocks Leaves Kiwis Paying Twice

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Department of Conservation for introducing paid parking at Punakaiki’s iconic Pancake Rocks, saying the trial is not 'user pays', but gouging domestic travellers to visit our national parks.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“We already have a tourism levy that’s...

    Read more about DOC Parking Charges at Pancake Rocks Leaves Kiwis Paying Twice

  84. Former Minister of Revenue and Medical Doctor Join the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Board of Directors

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Hon. Stuart Nash and Dr John Harman. Their combined expertise strengthens the organisation’s leadership as it continues to champion lower taxes, less waste, and more accountability.Stuart Nash, a...

    Read more about Former Minister of Revenue and Medical Doctor Join the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Board of Directors

  86. REVEALED: $4.3 Million Keep It Real Campaign Logs Off

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal reveal through an Official Information request that the Department of Internal Affairs' Keep It Real Online campaign has cost taxpayers more than $4.3 million (excl. GST) since 2020. Despite the spending, there's little evidence of any measurable real-world impact.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“This...

    Read more about REVEALED: $4.3 Million Keep It Real Campaign Logs Off

  87. Nicola Willis Is Again Fiddling at the Edges While Kiwis Pay the Price

    The Taxpayers’ Union is accusing the Government of putting politics ahead of principle after they once again side with big banks, leaving ordinary New Zealanders and small businesses out in the cold.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This Government is dodging the hard decisions and instead opting for cosmetic fixes...

    Read more about Nicola Willis Is Again Fiddling at the Edges While Kiwis Pay the Price

  89. Willis Fails to Deliver: Taxpayers Still Paying for Bigger Public Service

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Finance Minister Nicola Willis for failing to deliver a leaner, more efficient public service, with new figures revealing that the public service is now larger than it was at the 2023 election, despite months of so-called ‘cuts’.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“With a structural...

    Read more about Willis Fails to Deliver: Taxpayers Still Paying for Bigger Public Service

  90. Tauranga’s weak excuses to keep cocktail list a secret 'non-transparent'

    The decision to withhold the list of invitees at a $40,000 private cocktail party, organised by Tauranga City Council to farewell its appointed commissioners, has been found unreasonable by the Chief Ombudsman.Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“At the end of the day, it’s...

    Read more about Tauranga’s weak excuses to keep cocktail list a secret 'non-transparent'

  91. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: NZ's favourite mayors revealed 📊 | Waikato Regional Council U-Turns on LGNZ 💔

    Hi,This week, we reveal the nation’s most popular metro mayor (hint: it’s not Wellington's Tory Whanau…), take a look at rising inflation (sexy subject, we know) and expose the apps costing you/taxpayers up to $18 per download.Waikato Ratepayers Stitched Up – Council Re-Joins LGNZ 😱💸Just weeks after Waikato...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: NZ's favourite mayors revealed 📊 | Waikato Regional Council U-Turns on LGNZ 💔

  92. DOC Reshuffle Fails to Deliver for Taxpayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Department of Conservation’s latest staffing changes as another weak attempt to dodge real savings, saying the bureaucracy remains overstaffed and under-accountable.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf, said:“After months of dragging their feet DOC has finally confirmed some actual job losses, but let’s not kid ourselves.”“We...

    Read more about DOC Reshuffle Fails to Deliver for Taxpayers

  93. Quigley has no option but to go: Reserve Bank Chair misled public and undermined trust

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the resignation of Reserve Bank Chair Neil Quigley, saying his position is now untenable following revelations in the last 24 hours that he misled the public over Adrian Orr’s departure as Governor.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"This has gone beyond questions...

    Read more about Quigley has no option but to go: Reserve Bank Chair misled public and undermined trust

  95. Taxpayers’ Union Endorses Green Party's Local Government Rates Policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union is endorsing the Wellington Green Party local candidates’ and independent Wellington Mayoral candidate Alex Baker’s policy to shift local government rates to be solely based on land and not tax capital improvement as part of rates.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“The Greens are right on...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Endorses Green Party's Local Government Rates Policy

  97. REVEALED: $218,000 Reo App Free-for-All Across Government

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information request that seven government departments and councils have spent $218,012 developing their own separate Māori language and cultural training apps despite the existence of a national Māori Language Commission and multiple taxpayer-funded training programmes already in place.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator,...

    Read more about REVEALED: $218,000 Reo App Free-for-All Across Government

  98. Councils Fuel the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Rates Caps Needed Now

     Responding to Statistics New Zealand’s announcement that annual inflation has climbed to 2.7 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Councils are driving a cost-of-living crisis. The latest figures show annual inflation hitting 2.7 percent, and more inflation pain is on the way next quarter as the latest round of rates...

    Read more about Councils Fuel the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Rates Caps Needed Now

  99. More Delays, More Waste: Time To Scrap National Ticketing

    The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to news the $1.4 billion National Ticketing Solution provider Cubic has had its credit rating dropped, in addition to falling behind targets due to technical complications with the project.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“How many more red flags does the Government need? Instead of choosing...

    Read more about More Delays, More Waste: Time To Scrap National Ticketing

  100. Taxpayer Update: RATEPAYER VICTORY 🎉 | Woke banking 2.0 🏦 | Froggy hide and seek 🐸

    Hi,You may have seen we took a little trip to the Local Government NZ conference this week…  RATEPAYER VICTORY on Rates Capping 🥳Our Big Beautiful Cap Rates Now truck certainly got heads turning at the LGNZ conference, and outside we had Local Government Minister Simon Watts confirm that yes,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: RATEPAYER VICTORY 🎉 | Woke banking 2.0 🏦 | Froggy hide and seek 🐸

Sign up here to find out how your tax dollars are really being spent