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  1. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊 | Donating your money to my charity 🤨 | Disability CEO "knows best" on use of Te Reo 👀

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterHappy Friday,NEW POLL: Labour up, Greens down but centre-right remains ahead 🔢Quick, WhatsApp Maiki Sherman! It's 'panic stations'! Mayday, mayday, mayday! Abandon ship, in this month's Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll.Whoops, wrong script. Unlike 1News, your humble Taxpayers' Union trusts readers to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊 | Donating your money to my charity 🤨 | Disability CEO "knows best" on use of Te Reo 👀

  2. MPs in Depth: Tom Rutherford

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Tom Rutherford. Tom was elected as the MP for the Bay of Plenty at the 2023 General Election....

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  4. Covid inquiry chair needs to jump or be pushed over conflicts of interest

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Brooke van Velden to replace epidemiologist Tony Blakey as Chair of the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry after the extraordinary revelations in today’s NZ Herald suggesting several strong conflicts of interest.Commenting, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“New Zealanders need to have...

    Read more about Covid inquiry chair needs to jump or be pushed over conflicts of interest

  8. Beehive need to lead by example

    The Taxpayers’ Union says the Beehive need to lead by example, following reports of more than $50,000 spent upgrading video conferencing equipment and furniture in the Prime Minister’s office.Taxpayers’ Union Campaign Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This is a bad look for the Government, and an own goal.“This spending, on top of...

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  11. Auckland’s Watercare plan avoids pitfalls of Three Waters

    The Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the Government’s changes to Watercare, as part of the Government’s replacement to the so-called “Three Waters”.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Jordan Williams said:“The devil may be in the detail, but the Government’s announcement is consistent with our proposed replacement to Three Waters. It keeps ratepayer ownership...

    Read more about Auckland’s Watercare plan avoids pitfalls of Three Waters

  12. Taxpayer Update: Time to get rid of TVNZ 📺💰 | Hipkins caught telling porkies 🤥🐷

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterHappy Friday,Lots to cover this week so let's get straight into it...1News isn't even pretending to be impartial anymore1News political editor, Maiki Sherman, could barely hold back her excitement on Monday night when she announced the results of the latest...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Time to get rid of TVNZ 📺💰 | Hipkins caught telling porkies 🤥🐷

  13. MPs in Depth: James Meager

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, James Meager. James was elected as the MP for Rangitata at the 2023 General Election, reclaiming the seat...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: James Meager

  14. BREAKING: Ivory tower academics call for tax on Netflix to subsidise Video Ezy and United Video

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming a proposal from ivory tower academics to tax digital services to subsidise traditional news media, equating it to taxing Netflix to subsidise obsolete Video Ezy and United Video.Commenting on the proposal, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“If producers of better and cheaper...

    Read more about BREAKING: Ivory tower academics call for tax on Netflix to subsidise Video Ezy and United Video

  16. Economically illiterate council must not force $55 million hotel cost onto ratepayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming a proposal by Whanganui District Council to build a $55 million four-star hotel and carpark.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“It is unbelievable that while ratepayers are staring down the barrel of a 10.6% rates hike the council wants to throw ratepayer money...

    Read more about Economically illiterate council must not force $55 million hotel cost onto ratepayers

  17. Punishing businesses won’t lift Kiwis out of cost-of-living crisis

    Responding to comments from Nicola Willis that scrapping commercial depreciation is being used to raise funds for personal income tax relief, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Hardworking Kiwis need income tax relief, but that’s only half the equation. Driving up the cost of doing...

    Read more about Punishing businesses won’t lift Kiwis out of cost-of-living crisis

  18. Taxpayers’ Union slams secret list of judges’ perks

    Taxpayers’ Union slams secret list of judges’ perksResponding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said:“In what world does your employer cover personal air fares for both you...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union slams secret list of judges’ perks

  21. Air NZ’s nosediving performance shows need for privatisation

    Commenting on news that Jetstar has overtaken Air New Zealand as the most reliable airline service provider, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Where’s the incentive for efficiency when the Government’s always got your back? It’s no wonder Jetstar is beating Air NZ to the punch.“Taxpayers...

    Read more about Air NZ’s nosediving performance shows need for privatisation

  22. Revealed: Tauranga Council spending thousands paying transport fares for highest paid staff

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Tauranga City Council has spent $41,900 over just seven months paying public transport fares for 630 of its staff, almost half of which are earning more than $100,000 a year.The spending is part of the city’s Bee Card scheme that forces ratepayers to fund...

    Read more about Revealed: Tauranga Council spending thousands paying transport fares for highest paid staff

  25. New Media Minister must rule out state intervention in private media

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“His first move must be to condemn Willie Jackson’s Fair Digital News...

    Read more about New Media Minister must rule out state intervention in private media

  26. Taxpayers’ Union shatters Window & Glass Association’s protectionist drivel

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming today’s comments from Window and Glass Association NZ whinging about the opening up of their sector to much-needed competition.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Only a special interest industry group could complain about reducing building costs during a housing crisis. Their superficial arguments...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union shatters Window & Glass Association’s protectionist drivel

  27. Revealed: Health Quality and Safety Commission continues rebrand madness, blowing nearly $365,000

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Health Quality and Safety Commission have spent $363,745 on a rebrand including $316,250 on a new website and $47,495 on a logo change (including GST).These changes occurred during 2022 and 2023 which, according to the Commission ‘reflect how we see ourselves’.Taxpayers’...

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  29. Taxpayer Update: 18 months to assess whether water tank = fire risk 🤦‍♂️ | Tauranga's grifters lobby to stay on gravy train 🚂 | Labour's 182 questions about the Taxpayers' Union 🤨

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletter The geniuses at MBIE take 18 months to officially decide that a water tank is not a fire risk 💦 ≠ 🔥The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) took 18 long months of umming and ahing to come to the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 18 months to assess whether water tank = fire risk 🤦‍♂️ | Tauranga's grifters lobby to stay on gravy train 🚂 | Labour's 182 questions about the Taxpayers' Union 🤨

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

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

    Read more about Rates Increase Shocker – Gore residents face rates hike of 21.4%

  32. MPs in Depth: Mike Butterick

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with National Party MP, Mike Butterick. Mike, a farmer and farming advocate, was elected as the MP for Wairarapa in the 2023...

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  33. MPs in Depth: Andrew Hoggard

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Andrew Hoggard. Andrew is a Manawatu farmer, has an Agricultural Economics degree and, prior to entering Parliament, was...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Andrew Hoggard

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

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

    Read more about Christchurch City Council's stadium obsession needs to stop

  37. Government spending still driving cost of living skyward

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

    Read more about Government spending still driving cost of living skyward

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

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

    Read more about NEW POLL: Strong support for inflation adjustment of tax brackets to end the stealth tax

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

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

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

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

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

    Read more about More competition, not less, the solution to failing councils

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read more about Government must clamp down harder on managerial class with Public Service cuts

  45. MPs in Depth: Carl Bates

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with National Party MP for Whanganui, Carl Bates. Carl joined the Young Nats aged just 12 and less than 30 years later...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Carl Bates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read more about Government puts an end to Labour’s hijack on local democracy

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

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

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Government’s new action plan

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

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

    Read more about Ratepayers, not unaccountable bureaucrats, should be responsible for heritage listings

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

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

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

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

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterReminder to book your 2025 holiday before Monday! App Tax delivered in 36 hours 📲🏠This April Fool's Day, don't let the joke be on you! The App Tax (Labour's idea that National promised to scrap) will see the cost of...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  61. Government must cut spending and provide permanent tax relief

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

    Read more about Government must cut spending and provide permanent tax relief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  65. Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

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

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

  66. Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

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

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

  68. MPs in Depth: Cameron Luxton

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

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

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

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  73. Disposable vape ban will drive people back to smoking

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

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

  75. Taxpayer Update: $800,000 taxpayer-funded Jacinda Blockbuster💰🎥 | Longer wait for interest deductibility ↩️ | Australia cut border taxes! 💥

     COMING SOON: Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Kind 🎬 Not content with paying for feature-length documentaries about Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, the creative minds at the NZ Film Commission have decided in their infinite wisdom to funnel $800,000 of taxpayer money to prop up the production of a new documentary about...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: $800,000 taxpayer-funded Jacinda Blockbuster💰🎥 | Longer wait for interest deductibility ↩️ | Australia cut border taxes! 💥

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

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

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

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

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

    Read more about Grant Robertson interview demonstrates why he should never have been finance minister

  79. MPs in Depth: Catherine Wedd

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Ollie sat down with National Party MP for Tukituki, Catherine Wedd. Catherine speaks about how, as a kid, she wanted to be a lawyer, journalist...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Catherine Wedd

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

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

    Read more about Kāpiti Council Living Wage will do more harm than good

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  86. Climate Change Commission insistent on making emissions reduction expensive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  90. Department of Conservation must conserve taxpayer money

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

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

     NEW POLL: Labour hits record low but warning signs for Luxon and new Government 📊Not good news for the two big parties in this month's hot-off-the-press Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll.For National, it was bad luck that our pollsters were in the field during the brouhaha over Christopher Luxon's decision to...

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

  94. MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Ollie sat down with ACT Party MP Laura Trask. Laura is one of eleven ACT MPs elected at the 2023 General Election. Prior to entering...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

  97. 15.8% rates hike shows Tauranga Long Term Plan must be delayed until after democracy returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read more about Peter Williams: The Nats are locking in co-governance of fresh water

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