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  1. Inflation hasn’t gone away, Government cannot lose its focus

    Statistics NZ today released their latest figures for New Zealand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This dropped to 2.2%, which is within the target range of 1-3%.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said “that’s only half the story, and the inflation beast isn’t slain yet.”“Domestic inflation...

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  2. Council’s 1500% ‘table tax’ hike completely out of touch

    Queenstown cafes and restaurants have been rocked by a near 1500% increase to al fresco dining charges following a decision made by Queenstown Lakes District Council.“After years of near impossible trading conditions, only now is the sector starting to get off its knees” said Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren.“One...

    Read more about Council’s 1500% ‘table tax’ hike completely out of touch

  3. Nicola Willis should withdraw slanderous accusation levied at New Zealand butcheries

    Nicola Willis' comparison of Wellington City Council to a butcher's slaughterhouse is demeaning to both the ratepayers of Wellington, and hard working, decent, blue collar butchers around New Zealand, says the Taxpayers' Union."Nicola Willis' comments on Newstalk ZB this morning were totally over the top. While Wellington City Council might...

    Read more about Nicola Willis should withdraw slanderous accusation levied at New Zealand butcheries

  4. Tauranga’s Table Tax another nail in the coffin for businesses

    Tauranga City Council has today faced backlash from local cafes and restaurants following changes to outdoor dining fees that would see further costs piled onto hospitality businesses offering alfresco dining options.“It’s a table-tax, plain and simple.” said Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren.“Mayor Drysdale needs to...

    Read more about Tauranga’s Table Tax another nail in the coffin for businesses

  5. REVEALED: Language Commission gives away more than $600k on keyboards

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through an Official Information Request that $605,499 of corporate welfare was given by the Māori Language Commission to PB Tech for the development of Te Reo Keyboards.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Instead of using taxpayer dollars to improve the lives of...

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  7. Film Commission living it up in the French Riviera

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the New Zealand Film Commission has spent $145,354.81 for just four staff members to spend two weeks in France attending the Cannes Film Market.Receipts showed $24,329.08 in accommodation, $24,525.36 in food and drink, and $21,704.54 on travel.Commenting on...

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  10. Kāinga Ora’s Scandalous $1.2m Apartments Warrant Select Committee Review

    Kāinga Ora was slammed yesterday following revelations it spent $1.2 million per apartment build, as part of its new Meadowbank complex.“This appalling cost warrants urgent review across the organisation.” said a Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Sam Warren.“A Select Committee is needed to determine what went so wrong, with powers to...

    Read more about Kāinga Ora’s Scandalous $1.2m Apartments Warrant Select Committee Review

  11. Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll

    Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll  The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll for October shows National down 4.1 points on September’s poll to 34.9%, and Labour up 3.6 points to 30.3%. This is the lowest result for National...

    Read more about Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll

  12. Taxpayer Update: Govt. books in worse shape than Navy ⚓️ | NEW POLL 😱 | Business-class bureaucrats Bonn (fire) 🔥

    Huge Taxpayer Update today.NEW POLL (not good news for Luxon); boat sinking (not good news for taxpayers); Government books even worse than feared (not good news for those who wanted Nicola Willis to tackle the last Government's wasteful spending).We do have some good news for your Friday though: Jordan's...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt. books in worse shape than Navy ⚓️ | NEW POLL 😱 | Business-class bureaucrats Bonn (fire) 🔥

  15. Unelected Mana Whenua Representatives Threaten Democratic Process

    Andrea Vance reports in The Post today on the horribly, messily complicated sale (or not) of Wellington City Council’s airport shares.“Whilst the Council’s complete dysfunction is widely understood, these new developments, as reported by Vance, are deeply disturbing” said Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross.“Vance reports that the two unelected...

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  17. Taxpayer Update: Bouncy councils 🦄 | Digital cash blowout 🤯 | Office-shy bureaucrats 😴

    We've been taking some big issues head-on this past week, and we wouldn't be the Taxpayers' Union if we didn't have a laugh while doing it...Bouncy Council? Well someone had to be the adults in the room 🦄🎉Kids on Council. Enough said, right?We've been banging the drum for years...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Bouncy councils 🦄 | Digital cash blowout 🤯 | Office-shy bureaucrats 😴

  19. Revealed: $10 million EECA EV charging contracts need to go!

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has spent $9,957,895 co-funding EV chargers across the public service.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“EECA funding half the public service’s EV charger...

    Read more about Revealed: $10 million EECA EV charging contracts need to go!

  21. The time is now to sell TVNZ

    Following yesterday’s strategy meeting, TVNZ has proposed outsourcing its daily operations and shutting down the 1News website and app in an attempt to find $30 million dollars in savings.Commenting on this, Taxpayer’s Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“It’s nice that TVNZ is finally looking to cut costs and start...

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  23. High-flying bureaucrats blow $150k on Bonn Climate Conference

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) and Ministry for the Environment (MFE) collectively spent more than $150,000 to send ten staffers to the Bonn Climate Conference. This cost covered travel, accommodation and...

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  24. Simple ACC Survey costs more than $250,000

    The New Zealand Taxpayer’s Union can reveal through information obtained from an Official Information Request that ACC has spent more than $251,000 contracting The Research Agency (TRA) to administer a monthly survey tracking public engagement and trust.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“ACC wasting over a quarter...

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  25. Health New Zealand reports near $1 billion dollar deficit

    The NZ Herald has released a story regarding Health New Zealand’s recent $934 million deficit for fiscal year 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said: “These recent figures highlight the financial mismanagement that occurs at Health New Zealand. With news like this, taxpayers are absolutely in...

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  27. Stick to his knitting” – Adrian Orr’s digital cash project proves distracting for the Reserve Bank, costly for taxpayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the Reserve Bank has spent more than $2 million on its digital cash programme so far. The ongoing project explores the introduction of an electronic currency, and has an approved total budget of $4.7 million.“Someone needs to tell the Governor...

    Read more about Stick to his knitting” – Adrian Orr’s digital cash project proves distracting for the Reserve Bank, costly for taxpayers

  29. Who Really Controls Wellington City Council?

    Andrea Vance’s reports in The Post on the latest ructions concerning the potential sale Wellington City Council’s shareholding in Wellington International Airport Limited, where council staff had been posting information supporting the sale on the council’s social media channels and website.Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow finally ordered the posts to...

    Read more about Who Really Controls Wellington City Council?

  30. Taxpayers’ Union’s “Bouncy Council” puts the spotlight on Hastings Mayor

    The Taxpayers’ Union – along with a hundred or so local members and supporters – presented the Hastings District Council new council chambers today in the form of a “Bouncy Council” (bouncy castle) to reflect the Mayor and councillors who are acting like children in appointing teenagers as...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union’s “Bouncy Council” puts the spotlight on Hastings Mayor

  31. Stratford's new $350k crossings: Hated by locals, costly to taxpayers

    The Taxpayers Union can reveal through the LGOIMA that Stratford District Council has received $344,558 for two new crossings from NZTA – with $96,230 spent on traffic management alone, and further work is required, the overall cost is set to rise.“When ratepayers say they are unhappy, elected members must start listening or face a very difficult election result"...

    Read more about Stratford's new $350k crossings: Hated by locals, costly to taxpayers

  32. Hastings Mayor and Councillors have lost the plot: using kids as political play things

    The Taxpayers' Union is telling Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst to 'grow up' after she used her casting vote to give committee voting rights, and a salary, to members of the Hastings District Youth Council: school-aged kids."We vote for a mayor and councillors to be adult decision makers and here they...

    Read more about Hastings Mayor and Councillors have lost the plot: using kids as political play things

  34. ANZ Bank CEO’s shameless self interest: This is why people hate bankers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out ANZ NZ CEO Antonia Watson for what appears to be calculated comments to promote a capital gains tax to benefit home lenders and fuel New Zealand’s residential property money wheel.“New Zealand’s low wage economy is a direct result of under-capitalisation of the...

    Read more about ANZ Bank CEO’s shameless self interest: This is why people hate bankers

  35. Andrew Coster has lost the plot

    Political pundits across the country spat out their coffee this morning upon turning to the NZ Herald's front page splash that Andrew Coster "speaks out on being dragged into political debate"."Andrew Coster is either trolling the nation or has the self awareness of a paperclip," said Jordan Williams...

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  36. No time like the present to shine light on MPs’ expenses

    The Parliament Bill – an omnibus bill making a series of reforms aiming to modernise Parliament’s operations – has passed it’s first reading.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“If the Government’s talking about dragging New Zealand’s Parliament into the modern age, then...

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  37. Getting Public Sector staff back into the office a step towards fixing bureaucratic inertia

    The Public Service Minister yesterday made clear her expectations for government agencies to call their staff back to their offices in an effort to improve sector productivity and support businesses struggling with reduced patronage.Minister Nicola Willis told media that working from home “is not an entitlement” and wants to...

    Read more about Getting Public Sector staff back into the office a step towards fixing bureaucratic inertia

  38. Tararua District Council Blames Mythical “Systems Failure” for Rates Snafu

    One News reported last evening that a council mistake in calculating direct debits has landed more than 300 Tararua ratepayers with unexpected bills. One pensioner was reduced to tears when informed she was $4,000 in arrears. The council reported that the error was caused by a systems failure,...

    Read more about Tararua District Council Blames Mythical “Systems Failure” for Rates Snafu

  39. Revealed: Gisborne’s ‘Better Off’ funding is three waters continued waste

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Gisborne District Council has allocated $7,210,000 to seven projects from the previous government’s three waters reform – better off package.Although Gisborne District Council remains one of the few councils to keep rates increases below 10% –...

    Read more about Revealed: Gisborne’s ‘Better Off’ funding is three waters continued waste

  41. Govt spends more than $27 million on low emission subsidies for heavy vehicles

    The Ministers for Climate Change and Energy have announced the launch of the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund.  This fund allocates $27.7 million dollars towards a 25% subsidy towards the purchase price of low emission heavy vehicles.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“This announcement is another example of...

    Read more about Govt spends more than $27 million on low emission subsidies for heavy vehicles

  45. Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station

    Wellington Regional Council has today released documents showing that, in partnership with Metlink, more than $2.8 million in “cosmetic upgrades” has been spent on Naenae subway station. The upgrades include a $127,000 LED handrail, $29,000 on a public consultation questionnaire, and more than $159,000 on entrance signage.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station

  47. Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries

    Earlier this week, The Post reported that Nicola Willis’ newly established social investment agency is able to draw from double the budget of its predecessor.Staff salaries at the agency are reported to be an average of $148,215, compared to the overall average salary of $97,200 across all other agencies....

    Read more about Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries

  48. Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak

    The Taxpayers’ Union has launched an online Privacy Act Request tool at www.IRDLeak.nz for taxpayers to find out whether their private information has been handed over to social media platforms by the Inland Revenue Department.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Last week IRD were caught red-handed misusing private taxpayer information. Instead of...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak

  49. MPs in Depth: Suze Redmayne

    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, we sat down with National Party MP, Suze Redmayne.Suze was elected as the MP for Rangitikei at the 2023 General Election. Suze and her...

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  50. Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬

    RIP John BishopThe update below was scheduled to go out on Saturday morning, but just prior to sending we learned the very sad news that our founding Chair, former TVNZ political editor, and father to Cabinet Minister Christopher Bishop, had passed away unexpectedly.So it is a very sombre note...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬

  52. Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

    Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New ZealanderThe co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in...

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  53. Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

    The co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in 2013 until 2017.“John should be saluted for having the guts to front the Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

  54. MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that MFAT has once again spent almost $5 million dollars on private school fees for MFAT employees between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“With Kiwis crushed under their tax burden, all...

    Read more about MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools

  55. MPs in Depth: David MacLeod

    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, we sat down with National Party MP, David MacLeod.David is the MP for New Plymouth and was elected at the 2023 general election. He...

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  57. Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆

    🚨🚨 APOLOGY 🚨🚨Green Councillor demands we set the record straightIn the last edition of Taxpayer Update James told you about Greater Wellington Regional Green Councillor Thomas Nash who led the local government bemoaning criticism of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's speech to local councils where the PM told them...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆

  58. Metlink spends more than $1.3 million on seven toilets

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can report through an Official Information Act that Metlink has paid $1,300,245 dollars (inc. GST) for a project to install seven toilets in Wellington, exclusively for the use of bus drivers. The locations of the toilets include Houghton Bay, Darlington Road, Wilton, Mairangi, Lyall Bay, Highbury and...

    Read more about Metlink spends more than $1.3 million on seven toilets

  59. South Taranaki proves Luxon right

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act that South Taranaki District Council’s new cultural centre (Te Ramanui O Ruaputahanga) has blown out from a starting point of $8 million to $20.1 million.As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told mayors and councillors who attended the...

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  62. Canterbury bridge blowing out $13.5 million budget with nothing to show for it

     Despite Kaikōura District Council’s project to rebuild the Waiau Toa/Clarence River Glen Alton bridge after the Kaikōura earthquake being eight years deep, the Council have still not even managed to gain the appropriate resource consents or buy the necessary land. This is despite the New Zealand Transport Agency’s...

    Read more about Canterbury bridge blowing out $13.5 million budget with nothing to show for it

  63. MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle

    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 New Zealand First MP, Jamie Arbuckle.Jamie was elected on the New Zealand First List at the 2023 General Election. Jamie...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle

  64. McLiesh’s mask-slip demonstrates why next treasury appointment is so vital

    The Taxpayers’ Union says New Zealanders can confidently welcome the departure of Treasure Secretary Caralee McLiesh, who is headed back to Australia and has made a departure swan song calling for a capital gains tax to help paper over unsustainable government finances.Responding to the comments, Taxpayers’ Union Executive...

    Read more about McLiesh’s mask-slip demonstrates why next treasury appointment is so vital

  65. Kiwi households paying almost double in rates compared to OECD average

    An IRD report has today confirmed what many ratepayers have long suspected; New Zealand households are paying almost double the amount of rates, or similar land tax equivalents, than the average of its OECD neighbours.Commenting, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“This report...

    Read more about Kiwi households paying almost double in rates compared to OECD average

  66. Taxpayer Update: | Jet-setting councils ✈️ | Time to sell Kiwibank ⏰ 🏦 | Collins sends space-grifters packing 🚀

    Last week, Christopher Luxon had a good go at wasteful local councils, telling them that the big spending 'party is over'. And boy, did they take it personally! Ever wondered why everyone who works in local government always has such a perfect tan? 🤔🏝️Scores of councillors took to social...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: | Jet-setting councils ✈️ | Time to sell Kiwibank ⏰ 🏦 | Collins sends space-grifters packing 🚀

  67. TVNZ’s $85 million loss proves why they need to be sold

     TVNZ has recently reported that they have lost over $85 million during the 2023/24 fiscal year. This comes off the back of huge executive bonuses, program cancellations and falling trust ratings.Commenting on these announcements, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“TVNZ’s abysmal $85 million loss, falling program quality and...

    Read more about TVNZ’s $85 million loss proves why they need to be sold

  69. Taxpayer Victory: Health Research Council to actually research health

    Responding to Minister of Health Shane Reti’s announcement that Health Research Council grants are being refocused towards research that improves health outcomes, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Health research isn’t a game. Lives depend on medical advancements, and every cent spent on frivalous pet...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Health Research Council to actually research health

  70. MPs in Depth: Rima Nakhle

    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, we sat down with National Party MP, Rima Nakhle.Rima was elected as the MP for Takanini at the 2023 Election. She was born in Australia...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Rima Nakhle

  71. Spending $7 million on new ministerial offices completely out of touch

    Responding to reports that the Government is planning to spend $7 million on new ministerial offices, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“This spending is completely out of touch with the reality that New Zealanders are facing right now. Families are having to make difficult spending...

    Read more about Spending $7 million on new ministerial offices completely out of touch

  72. Labour’s envy tax would ruin New Zealand's economic prosperity

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Labour Party following reports that the party is actively considering adopting a capital gains tax or wealth tax policy.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Envy taxes like these are really taxes on entrepreneurship, innovation and risk taking. A tax...

    Read more about Labour’s envy tax would ruin New Zealand's economic prosperity

  73. Government must work quickly to protect freedom to contract following Uber ruling

    Responding to the Court of Appeal ruling that four Uber drivers are employees rather than contractors, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Forcing strict and inflexible employment conditions onto the gig economy would be a lose/lose for both drivers and riders alike.“The Government must act...

    Read more about Government must work quickly to protect freedom to contract following Uber ruling

  76. Taxpayer Update: Ratepayer Victories all round | Dance comp for economic recovery?! | REVEALED Council CEO Richlist | $73k trees

     For the staff here at the Taxpayers' Union, we're always looking for new ways to torture poke-fun at Jordan. But after making him sit through three days of this year's Local Government New Zealand conference, even we felt bad for him!Day one included 43 minutes of pōwhiri, 15...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ratepayer Victories all round | Dance comp for economic recovery?! | REVEALED Council CEO Richlist | $73k trees

  77. MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum

    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, Grant McCallum.Grant was elected as the MP for Northland at the 2023 General Election. Grant is a...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum

  79. Council Chief Executive Rich List

    CouncilCEO2022/2023 Remuneration*Annual ChangeNotesWest Coast Regional CouncilDaryl LewNot AvailableNot AvailableNot Publicly availableAuckland CouncilPhil Wilson$648,900$6,115Source,page 101Otago Regional CouncilDr Pim Borren$595,924($40,460)Source, page 148Hawke's Bay Regional CouncilBill Bayfield$584,000$253,415Source, Page 125Christchurch City Council Dawn Baxendale $543,943$17,094Source, page 345Tauranga City CouncilMarty Grenfell$537,024$11,963Source, page 262Wellington City CouncilBarbara McKerrow$513,970$46,216source, page 113Far North District CouncilGuy Holroyd$511,000$80,300Source, Page 99Dunedin City...

    Read more about Council Chief Executive Rich List

  80. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes rejection of further space industry corporate welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Judith Collins for rejecting further corporate welfare for the space industry via the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre that, despite promises of 1300 high-paying jobs and $2.4 billion in economic benefits, has seriously underperformed.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The failure of the aerospace...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes rejection of further space industry corporate welfare

  81. Government needs to take its own advice after funding $1.5 million dance competition

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for teaming up with Auckland Council to spend $1.5 million ($750,000 each) on funding a dancing competition less than 24 hours after hounding the local government sector for wasting money on nice-to-haves rather than must-haves.“The Government is ignoring it’s own advice,...

    Read more about Government needs to take its own advice after funding $1.5 million dance competition

  82. Luxon drops truth bombs at Local Government conference 😳

     I'm emailing from the Local Government New Zealand annual conference in Wellington.LGNZ are the organisation that were bribed given taxpayer money by Nanaia Mahuta to endorse the last Government’s anti-democratic 'Three Waters', despite LGNZ (apparently) standing for ‘localism’ and ‘democracy’ – the very things Three Waters would have undermined...LGNZ...

    Read more about Luxon drops truth bombs at Local Government conference 😳

  83. Has Luxon just delivered the best speech on local government in a generation?

    The Prime Minister’s speech at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference this afternoon is arguably ‘the best speech on local government in a generation’ says the Taxpayers’ Union.Speaking from the conference, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Christopher Luxon delivered a speech today that is on the...

    Read more about Has Luxon just delivered the best speech on local government in a generation?

  86. Kiwibank must be sold

    Responding to the Commerce Commission’s final report into bank competition, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The way to make Kiwibank a ‘maverick’ that has the drive to make the banking sector more competitive is to sell it to private shareholders.“When it’s people’s own money on the line,...

    Read more about Kiwibank must be sold

  87. Taxpayer Update: ACC spending on Māori prayer 🙏🤨 | Taxpayer-funded holidays ✈️🎥 | Record high growth in bureaucrats' wages 🚀💸

     With the Reserve Bank cutting interest rates this week, there's no more important time for the Government to cut wasteful spending to ensure Adrian Orr hasn't jumped the gun and to ensure the scourge of high inflation is dealt with. Of course, your humble Taxpayers' Union has suggestions on just the place...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: ACC spending on Māori prayer 🙏🤨 | Taxpayer-funded holidays ✈️🎥 | Record high growth in bureaucrats' wages 🚀💸

  89. MPs in Depth: Parmjeet Parmar

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Dr Parmjeet Parmar.Parmjeet has a PHD in Biological Sciences, is a businesswoman and former broadcaster and was also...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Parmjeet Parmar

  90. Seymour needs to get on top of Ministry for Regulation spin doctors

    Responding to reports that the Ministry for Regulation is hiring a ‘principal adviser, engagement and communications’ with a salary of up to $168,000 year, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Jordan Williams, said:“This Government, but particularly ACT, was elected to slash waste, but recruiting five communications staff at what should be...

    Read more about Seymour needs to get on top of Ministry for Regulation spin doctors

  91. Up to the public: Referendum required if council merger proceeds

    The Southland District Mayor has proposed a significant shakeup to local government by suggesting a merger of the four existing Southland Councils into two unitary authorities.Mayor Rob Scott claims the amalgamation could see savings of $10m each year by improving cost efficiencies and reducing duplication across neighbouring councils.Local Government Campaigns...

    Read more about Up to the public: Referendum required if council merger proceeds

  96. Taxpayer Update: More Taxpayer-Funded Parties 💸🎈 | Three Waters Victory 💦💦 | Wellington Water boss quits 👋 | EV Charging Rort 🔌

     This week we farewell the CEO of Wellington Water, reveal the latest extravagant taxpayer-funded party(s), expose the Ministry of Education's wayward priorities, and share our exclusive intel collected from the National Party's conference... We will also give you an update on the Government's unwinding of Labour's Three Waters...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: More Taxpayer-Funded Parties 💸🎈 | Three Waters Victory 💦💦 | Wellington Water boss quits 👋 | EV Charging Rort 🔌

  97. MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon

    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, Katie Nimon.Katie was elected as the MP for Napier at the 2023 General Election. Born and raised...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon

  98. Government wasted $2.2 million on Ministry of Education’s EV chargers, needs lessons in climate policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Ministry of Education and EECA have spent $2,159,815.62 (including GST) installing 297 electric vehicle charging points on Ministry of Education sites since 2022. Almost half of this expense was incurred in the most recent financial year.Commenting on...

    Read more about Government wasted $2.2 million on Ministry of Education’s EV chargers, needs lessons in climate policy

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