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  2. Taxpayer Update: Luxon grows a backbone 💪 | NEW Poll 🚨 | Palmy Mayor forced to close booze lounge 🥂

    Hi,Look, I'll be first to admit the Taxpayers' Union can be a little critical of the current Government, but in today's Taxpayer Update, it's nothing but kudos for Nicola Willis, Winston Peters, and Christopher Bishop. 🥰This month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll is out, an update on the ratbagu-turning regional...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Luxon grows a backbone 💪 | NEW Poll 🚨 | Palmy Mayor forced to close booze lounge 🥂

  5. Waitaki rates stitch-up shows Watts must bring cap forward

    Responding to reports that Waitaki District Council considered but rejected consulting ratepayers on a 9 percent rates increase option, instead only presenting options of 19-45 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Waitaki ratepayers have already been smashed with a 34.8 percent rates hike over the last three years,...

    Read more about Waitaki rates stitch-up shows Watts must bring cap forward

  7. $14.4m consultant bill leaves taxpayers taken for a ride on the SS Shambles

    Reacting to report in The Post revealing KiwiRail’s ferry project’s $14.4 million consultant spend, including $1 million on recruitment services alone, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:“$14.4 million on consultants and not a single ferry to show for it is the definition of a project that’s run aground before a...

    Read more about $14.4m consultant bill leaves taxpayers taken for a ride on the SS Shambles

  8. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Move To Scrap Broadcasting Standards Authority

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s decision to disestablish the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) as the first step toward reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“This is exactly the sort of quango reduction taxpayers voted for. One less bureaucracy, one less board, and...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Move To Scrap Broadcasting Standards Authority

  10. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for West Coast Councils

    West Coast weather cost storm; Buller bureaucracy and Westland outsourcing raise concerns. Councils on the West Coast are facing mounting cost pressures that are being passed directly onto households, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s league table 2026 Ratepayers’ Report. Across the region, West Coast ratepayers are weathering the perfect storm of bureaucratic and debt-servicing costs. Taxpayers'...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for West Coast Councils

  11. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Wellington Councils

    Four Wellington councils rank in the highest ten residential rates; Porirua and Wellington City claim top two spots. Councils in the Wellington region are leaving ratepayers with some of the most unaffordable rates in the country, as revealed by the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report. The local government league tables reveal...

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  12. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Waikato Councils

    Waikato ratepayers squeezed like grapes; Hamilton debt and widening rates gap leave a sour taste. Councils across the Waikato – one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, driven by expansion in Hamilton and surrounding districts – are passing rising costs onto ratepayers through higher debt, increasing staffing, and expanding bureaucracies, according to...

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  13. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Top of the South Councils

    Top of the South’s sunny image at a cost; Nelson rates and Tasman debt bearing down on ratepayers. The three councils across the Top of the South are imposing rising financial burdens on ratepayers through higher rates, growing debt, and expanding council operations, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. Taxpayers'...

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  14. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Taranaki Councils 

    Taranaki boasts some of the lowest rates; refusal to disclose high salaries in Stratford District and Taranaki Regional concerns transparency. Councils across Taranaki may be charging some of the lowest rates in the North Island, but concerns are mounting over transparency and accountability, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 council league tables, Ratepayers’ Report. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen,...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Taranaki Councils 

  15. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Southland Councils

    Southland ratepayers haul a light load of debt; Gore’s high costs weigh heaviest at the bottom of the country. Gore District Council tops costs at the bottom of the country, but Southland ratepayers haul the country's lightest load of debt, as revealed by the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 “Southland may already be known for its fantastical landscapes...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Southland Councils

  16. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Otago Councils 

    Otago ratepayers crushed by debt; extreme rates divide between Queenstown Lakes and Clutha District.  The Taxpayers’ Union’s Ratepayers’ Report, released today, reveals Otago region is home to the highest per-household council debt in the country. Queenstown Lakes owes nearly $30,000 per household in debt, while the Otago region faces one of the widest rates gaps in the country. The full council league...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Otago Councils 

  17. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Northland Councils

    Northland councils remain north of financial responsibility; high costs hide behind narrow rates gap between Whangārei and Far North. At the top of the country, councils across Northland are showing signs of financial strain, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 council league tables, the Ratepayers’ Report. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 “Northland stands out for having the smallest average residential rates gap within any region of the...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Northland Councils

  18. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Manawatū–Whanganui Councils

    Manawatū–Whanganui faces rising costs; Horowhenua’s debt and bureaucracy should raise alarms for ratepayers. Councils across Manawatū–Whanganui are placing increasing financial pressure on households through rising debt, staffing, and outsourcing costs, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 league table, Ratepayers’ Report. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 “While Manawatū–Whanganui is known for its strong agricultural base and tight-knit communities,...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Manawatū–Whanganui Councils

  19. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Hawke’s Bay Councils

    Hawke’s Bay hit with high debts; Wairoa’s outsourcing costs on consultants and contractors raise alarms. Councils across Hawke’s Bay are loading up ratepayers with high costs, rising debt, and heavy reliance on contractors, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report. The league tables highlight significant variation across the region, with Hastings District Council and Wairoa District Council standing out for...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Hawke’s Bay Councils

  20. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Gisborne District Council

    Gisborne’s ‘one council’ model fails; high staffing and debt burden ratepayers. Gisborne’s unitary council structure is intended to deliver efficiency, but the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 league table Ratepayers’ Report shows ratepayers are still facing significant costs across the board with the council carrying a high staffing cost and nearly $10,000 of debt per household. Taxpayers'...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Gisborne District Council

  21. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Canterbury Councils

    Canterbury ratepayers feeling the aftershocks; Christchurch debt and widening cost gaps hit hard. Councils across Canterbury are placing increasing financial strain on ratepayers through rising debt, staffing, and outsourcing costs, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 “Canterbury has seen significant growth and rebuilding over...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Canterbury Councils

  22. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Bay of Plenty Councils 

    Bay of Plenty averages third highest debt per household in the country; Tauranga City Council’s chief among them. Tauranga City Council claims the highest debt levels per household in Bay of Plenty – according to the 2026 Ratepayers’ Report – the Taxpayers' Union’s local government league tables, released today and available at RatepayersReport.nz.   Taxpayers' Union...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Bay of Plenty Councils 

  23. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Auckland Council

    Auckland’s “Super City” with super-sized costs; ratepayers foot the bureaucracy bill. New Zealand’s “Super City” is operating on a scale unparalleled across the country, as the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report league tables reveal the per household cost of Auckland’s massive bureaucracy.   Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 "Auckland Council serves more than 1.8 million people —...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Auckland Council

  24. FAQs: Ratepayers’ Report 2026

    What is the purpose of the Ratepayers’ Report?    The Ratepayers' Report provides accountability and transparency to New Zealand ratepayers by allowing them to compare their local territorial authority with others around the country.    Where was the data sourced?    The Taxpayers' Union compiled the data in the Ratepayers' Report from figures obtained...

    Read more about FAQs: Ratepayers’ Report 2026

  25. Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

    The 2026 Ratepayers’ Report – the local council league tables – shows that among New Zealand’s biggest urban councils, staffing costs have become a major burden on households.  While Auckland runs the country’s largest council machine in absolute terms, three other councils stand out for punishingly high staffing costs per household. Tauranga is costing...

    Read more about Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

  26. Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

    The 2026 Ratepayers’ Report – the local council league tables – shows that among New Zealand’s biggest urban councils, staffing costs have become a major burden on households.  While Auckland runs the country’s largest council machine in absolute terms, three other councils stand out for punishingly high staffing costs per household. Tauranga is costing...

    Read more about Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

  27. Ratepayers’ Report 2026: Council League Tables Launched by Taxpayers’ Union

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has released the 2026 edition of the Ratepayers’ Report, New Zealand's local government league tables at RatepayersReport.nz.  Ratepayers’ Report allows Kiwis to easily compare their local council’s performance and financial position against others across the country. The Report provides transparency for ratepayers, with financial and rates figures presented on a per-household basis for...

    Read more about Ratepayers’ Report 2026: Council League Tables Launched by Taxpayers’ Union

  28. Taxpayer Update: Booze, Backflips & Borrowing 💸 | Waikato Betrayal Exposed 🐍 | Debt Crisis Red Alert 🚨

    Dear Supporter,A short work week, but a busy one. Tomorrow morning we launch the much anticipated annual Ratepayers' Report (local government league tables) exposing what town halls across the country don't want you to know. It should hit your inbox first thing.Then we head straight into spending season...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Booze, Backflips & Borrowing 💸 | Waikato Betrayal Exposed 🐍 | Debt Crisis Red Alert 🚨

  30. From “Rates Control” to damage control: LGNZ backflip called out as lying political hyenas pull middle finger to ratepayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Waikato Regional Council councillors from the "Rates Control Team" who have today broken their explicit election promises to withdraw the Waikato Regional Council from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) - just months after taking their oath of office.At todays vote, the following...

    Read more about From “Rates Control” to damage control: LGNZ backflip called out as lying political hyenas pull middle finger to ratepayers

  31. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Waikato Regional Chair For Silencing LGNZ Critics

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Waikato Regional Council after being blocked from speaking at Thursday's meeting on whether the council should resign from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Rhys Hurley, said:“Waikato Regional councillors are preparing to vote on whether to keep funding LGNZ, yet...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams Waikato Regional Chair For Silencing LGNZ Critics

  32. NEW POLL: Coalition Preference Has Right Bloc Ahead, With NZ First Voters Leading The Charge

    New Taxpayers' Union–Curia polling shows a plurality of voters prefer a National/ACT/NZ First coalition over a Labour/Greens/Te Pāti Māori alternative, with NZ First's own base backing the right bloc nearly unanimously.A nationwide poll of 1,027 New Zealanders asked which of two three-party coalitions they would prefer to form the next...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Coalition Preference Has Right Bloc Ahead, With NZ First Voters Leading The Charge

  33. Taxpayer Talk: Professor Elizabeth Rata on the decline of education in New Zealand

      Why did New Zealand’s education system "turn to custard" in 1971? In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, host Peter Williams sits down with Professor Elizabeth Rata to explore how the nation moved from a world-class, knowledge-rich curriculum to one dominated by "social constructivism" and "learnification”.Elizabeth also lifts the...

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  34. REVEALED: $160,000 in Corporate Welfare Upgrades for Private Retirement Villages

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act requestthat $161,985.55 of taxpayer funding has been used to subsidise insulation upgrades in Summerset's privately-run Wanganui and Havelock North retirement villages.The funding was provided through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, with payments made to contractors installing...

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  35. Moody’s warning shows Nicola’s Fudge isn’t so sweet after all

     Moody’s has placed New Zealand’s credit rating on a negative outlook, underscoring growing concern about the Government’s worsening fiscal position.Responding, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Minister Willis is right to say this is another warning that New Zealand can’t afford to simply spend more and borrow more. The...

    Read more about Moody’s warning shows Nicola’s Fudge isn’t so sweet after all

  37. Taxpayers’ Union challenges MBIE over fuel data secrecy after unanswered questions

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today written to MBIE Chief Executive Nic Blakeley demanding answers after officials repeatedly failed to justify claims that key fuel security data must be withheld from the public.The letter follows last week’s meeting between MBIE's CEO, officials and the Taxpayers’ Union regarding its Fuel...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union challenges MBIE over fuel data secrecy after unanswered questions

  38. Inflation Back Above Target: Government’s “Last Chance Budget” Looms

    Responding to this morning’s CPI figures showing inflation at 3.1 percent, above the Reserve Bank’s target band, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“While today’s number was broadly expected, it’s the next wave that should worry Kiwis. Fuel price hikes are only just starting to work their way through...

    Read more about Inflation Back Above Target: Government’s “Last Chance Budget” Looms

  39. Why won’t MBIE list the ships? Tracking data makes a mockery of ‘official’ fuel update

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on MBIE to be transparent about which fuel-carrying ships are expected to arrive in New Zealand, so the public can have a clear picture of fuel stock flows into the country - rather than relying on five-day-old data, as released by MBIE earlier...

    Read more about Why won’t MBIE list the ships? Tracking data makes a mockery of ‘official’ fuel update

  40. REVEALED: Children’s Commissioner Spends $140,000 on Self-Promoted Campaign

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Children’s Commissioner’s “Dear Children” campaign cost $139,880.25 (GST inclusive).While advocacy is part of the Commissioner’s role, the campaign places Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad front and centre, raising questions about whether this is public...

    Read more about REVEALED: Children’s Commissioner Spends $140,000 on Self-Promoted Campaign

  41. Taxpayer Talk: Oliver Hartwich on Restoring Democratic Control of the Public Service

    In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, to discuss why he believes the country’s public service is "fundamentally broken" and incompatible with implementing good policy.Oliver explains how the 1988 reforms inadvertently created a  state where...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Oliver Hartwich on Restoring Democratic Control of the Public Service

  42. How can councillors be expected to govern when those governed are throttling information?

    Responding to news that Wellington City Council’s former CEO withheld a damning report into the Council's dysfunctional relationship with Wellington Water, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said the decision was “reprehensible, especially given it was kept from elected councillors responsible for water infrastructure.”“But even more concerning is former...

    Read more about How can councillors be expected to govern when those governed are throttling information?

  43. Taxpayer Update: Disinformation from former COVID Minister 🤥 | Leaked audio from MBIE 📣 | Goldsmith's secret plan to water down OIA? 🤫

    Hi,This week, we call out a former Labour COVID-response Minister for (ironically) disinformation, reveal a LEAKED audio recording of the now infamous "MBIE workplace waiata", and fisk the Green Party's proposed wealth tax. Plus we'll brief you on new work by the New Zealand Initiative think tank, asking...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Disinformation from former COVID Minister 🤥 | Leaked audio from MBIE 📣 | Goldsmith's secret plan to water down OIA? 🤫

  44. Open Door to Higher Taxes? Hipkins Under Pressure After Russell Signals CGT Could Grow

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Labour leader Chris Hipkins to clarify his party’s position after Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Deborah Russell refused to rule out expanding their proposed capital gains tax.“Deborah Russell’s refusal to confirm Labour’s capital gains tax goes far enough should ring alarm bells for taxpayers,”...

    Read more about Open Door to Higher Taxes? Hipkins Under Pressure After Russell Signals CGT Could Grow

  47. Wellington Water Pay Blowouts While Households Face Soaring Bills

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming pay increases for Wellington’s new water entity leadership, including board pay reportedly doubling, as households face water bills are set to be introduced.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Wellington households are being told to brace for water bills heading toward $7,000,...

    Read more about Wellington Water Pay Blowouts While Households Face Soaring Bills

  50. Science funding to save the native trees: videos games and prayers

    Hi,In my email last month exposing the $156,132 taxpayer-funded "science" kumara patch, I said there was more to come...Today, I want to tell you about two projects – both out of the University of Auckland, and both funded from the same "National Science Challenge" pot of taxpayer money.Remember the objective...

    Read more about Science funding to save the native trees: videos games and prayers

  53. Taxpayer Update: Pay Gap exposed: Bureaucrats cash in 🤑 | $116k council logo rip-off 🎨 | 'Everything is awesome' podcast 🎙️

    Hi,We’re straight into it this week with the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll.NEW POLL: NZ First support surges with best-ever Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll result ⬆︎⬆︎⬆︎The Government has seen a significant increase in support according to the first public poll taken since the announcement of the Government’s Fuel Security Plan....

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Pay Gap exposed: Bureaucrats cash in 🤑 | $116k council logo rip-off 🎨 | 'Everything is awesome' podcast 🎙️

  54. Labour Needs To Read The Numbers

    Responding to calls in The Post by Labour MP Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall that there have been “thousands of public service job losses", Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Where on earth is Dr Verrall getting these numbers from? The Public Service Commission’s own data shows there are still more...

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  58. REVEALED: Selwyn Council’s $30k Self-Monitoring Subscription

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Selwyn District Council is spending $27,186 a year on media monitoring.The service, provided by STREEM, tracks mentions of the council across print, online news, television, radio, podcasts, and social media...

    Read more about REVEALED: Selwyn Council’s $30k Self-Monitoring Subscription

  60. Brown Sounds Alarm on $1.3bn Ticketing Boondoggle, And He’s Right

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has responded to reports that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is raising concerns about the Government’s $1.3 billion National Ticketing System(NTS).Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The NTS is shaping up to be yet another taxpayer-funded boondoggle driven by Wellington wishful thinking rather than real-world...

    Read more about Brown Sounds Alarm on $1.3bn Ticketing Boondoggle, And He’s Right

  61. Why are taxpayers funding security at privately-owned airports?

     The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning why taxpayers are funding security at privately-owned airports, as it reveals that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) employs 1,855 staff (excluding casuals, contractors, board members and staff on leave), making it larger than the United Kingdom’s 1,602 employees, which handles around ten times as...

    Read more about Why are taxpayers funding security at privately-owned airports?

  62. MBIE Fuel Data Four Days Late: Are Officials Guessing While Kiwis Run on Empty?

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for better transparency from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) after it released today's fuel stock data that is already four days out of date, despite the importance of timely information during the ongoing fuel crisis.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“In...

    Read more about MBIE Fuel Data Four Days Late: Are Officials Guessing While Kiwis Run on Empty?

  63. Taxpayer Update: Hipkins found guilty 👨‍⚖️ | Bond markets jitter 🥶 | Fuel rationing alert system announced ⛽️

    Hi,What a week.Not since March 2020 have we seen the carnage in the New Zealand Government bond market as we saw in the last five days. Not good.Emergency "Alert Levels" are back! It's now official, with the Beehive signalling what everyone in Wellington has known for ten days:...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Hipkins found guilty 👨‍⚖️ | Bond markets jitter 🥶 | Fuel rationing alert system announced ⛽️

  64. New report reveals fiscal reckoning as debt, deficits, and fuel-driven cost pressures collide

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today released Fiscal Reality Check: The Reckoning in Numbers, exposing the scale of New Zealand’s deteriorating finances and the mounting pressure on Kiwi households.The report highlights soaring debt, no surplus this decade, rising interest costs, and weakening economic growth, now compounded by global instability and...

    Read more about New report reveals fiscal reckoning as debt, deficits, and fuel-driven cost pressures collide

  65. Taxpayer Update: Govt funding activism 🇵🇸 | Fuel data fiasco ⛽️ | Looming fiscal reckoning 💣

    Hi,It’s been another busy week in the Wellington bubble: the fuel crisis has dominated, but, unfortunately, we've yet again uncovered more creative ways they're wasting your tax dollar.And just to add to the drama, a new Fiscal Reality Check for New Zealand. Buckle in.The $30k taxpayer-funded pro-Palestinian campaign in...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt funding activism 🇵🇸 | Fuel data fiasco ⛽️ | Looming fiscal reckoning 💣

  67. Taxpayer Victory: Welcoming The Removal of “Nosey Parker” Powers

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the passage of legislation to remove the “Nosey Parker” powers, calling it a major win for fairness and common sense.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“David Parker’s snoopers’ law is now gone, and good riddance. Taxpayers have a right to privacy,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Welcoming The Removal of “Nosey Parker” Powers

  68. Whanganui Council Misleads Ratepayers With $120,000 Rebrand

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal further details through a Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act request that shows Whanganui District Councils rebranding work cost $116,899.12, which is $55,099 higher than the $61,800 figure initially presented to ratepayers.Officials have also justified the rebrand by claiming the...

    Read more about Whanganui Council Misleads Ratepayers With $120,000 Rebrand

  70. ChristchurchNZ flops on jobs: Now is the time to scrap the agency

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Christchurch City Council to disband ChristchurchNZ after the ratepayer-funded agency spectacularly failed to deliver on its job creation promises.Responding to reports that the City’s ratepayer-funded economic development arm has produced just a tiny fraction of the jobs it was set up to...

    Read more about ChristchurchNZ flops on jobs: Now is the time to scrap the agency

  71. Taxpayers’ Union launch “Fuel Clock” to track risk of diesel shortages in real time

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a new public tool – the Fuel Clock – to provide real-time insight into the country’s fuel security, amid growing concerns about the risk of diesel shortages.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says the tool was developed in response to increasing unease about the resilience...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union launch “Fuel Clock” to track risk of diesel shortages in real time

  72. REVEALED: $30,000 For Gaza Lobbying: What Is the Ethnic Communities Development Fund Actually For?

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Ministry for Ethnic Communities funded $30,000 for Asturlab Cultural Centre to run a nationwide advocacy campaign, using taxpayer funds to promote pro-Palestinian narratives on the conflict in Gaza.This funding comes from the Ethnic Communities Development...

    Read more about REVEALED: $30,000 For Gaza Lobbying: What Is the Ethnic Communities Development Fund Actually For?

  73. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Minister Willis’ fuel support but warns “no borrowing” claim doesn’t stack up

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ support to ease pressure on low-income households during the fuel crisis, but says the Government cannot claim it comes without any borrowing at all.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:"Targeted and temporary relief can be fiscally responsible, but the framing...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Minister Willis’ fuel support but warns “no borrowing” claim doesn’t stack up

  74. Luxon’s ‘no new debt’ pledge on fuel support is the right call

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s commitment that today’s fuel support package must not drive government debt higher.“At a time when the books are already under strain, this is a welcome sign of discipline,” Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said. “It shows the Government now...

    Read more about Luxon’s ‘no new debt’ pledge on fuel support is the right call

  75. The Government’s walk needs to match its talk: Fuel support must not fuel more debt

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning that any Government move to support fuel prices amid disruption linked to Iran must be funded through cuts to existing budgets, not by piling more debt onto taxpayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“The Government’s walk must match its talk. If ministers are serious...

    Read more about The Government’s walk needs to match its talk: Fuel support must not fuel more debt

  76. Taxpayers’ Union Slams $50m “Interest-Free” EV Loan As Costly Corporate Welfare

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s $52.7 million in zero-interest loans for EV chargers as ultimately costing taxpayers more as borrowing costs rise.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“If EV charging stacked up commercially, the private sector would already be funding it. If the Government is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams $50m “Interest-Free” EV Loan As Costly Corporate Welfare

  77. Taxpayer Update: Congratulations Mr Hipkins 🥳 | Who sits where in Wellington City? 💼 | David Farrar on how polls work 🎙️

    Hi,This week: golden trophies for government waste, a policy win wrung out of a Minister, our new report on the Green's proposed Wealth Tax – Green with Envy – plus the country's best political pollster sits down with Peter Williams for a podcast to discuss how it all...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Congratulations Mr Hipkins 🥳 | Who sits where in Wellington City? 💼 | David Farrar on how polls work 🎙️

  79. Tell Greenpeace to take a hike: Secure the minerals deal and get NZ growing

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a petition calling on the Government to ignore Greenpeace theatrics and urgently lock in a critical minerals deal with the United States, as new GDP figures show mining output fell 7.7 percent in 2025.“While Greenpeace are busy cosplaying outside electorate offices, New...

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  80. Taxpayer Talk: David Farrar on the methodology and influence of political polling

    Our latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia poll sent Wellington into a frenzy at the beginning of March. But in this week’s Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Curia founder - and Taxpayers’ Union co-founder - David Farrar to separate the signal from the spin.Are polls actually driving political decisions,...

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  81. REVEALED UPDATE: NIWA Forced To Admit $450,000 Video Game By Ombudsman

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an updated Official Information Act request, following Ombudsman involvement, that NIWA has been forced to disclose it paid $150,000 to external contractor Hum Interactive, on top of $300,000 in research costs, for the development of its “Future Coasts Aotearoa” video...

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  83. Taxpayers’ Union Backs NPDC Mayor For Halting $1m Hapū Deal

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is backing New Plymouth District Council Mayor Max Brough for pausing a proposed service level agreement reportedly worth close to $1 million with Puketapu Hapū.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Ratepayer Protection Pledge-signing Mayor Brough is absolutely right to hit the brakes on...

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  85. Fuel Relief Must Come from Spending Cuts, Not More Debt

    Responding to reports the Government is considering additional financial support for families during the fuel crisis, the Taxpayers’ Union says any new support for families must be fully funded through spending cuts elsewhere, not more borrowing.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Families are under real pressure from rising fuel...

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  86. Taxpayers’ Union wins two international Reed Awards

    The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating winning two international Reed Awards, widely regarded as the top global awards for political campaigning and advocacy.The awards, run by Campaigns & Elections, recognise the best political campaign work from around the world, including election campaigns, advocacy groups, and political consulting firms. They are are often...

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  87. REVEALED: $1.1 million of taxpayer money spent on ‘Fees Free’ skydiving course

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that more than $1.1 million in taxpayer funding has been spent subsidising a Diploma in Commercial Skydiving through the Government’s Fees Free tertiary education scheme.Information released to the Taxpayers’ Union under the Official Information Act shows that since 2018, the Tertiary Education Commission...

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  89. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Wellington three-year plan, but says more savings needed

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Wellington City Council agreeing to its new three-year plan, saying the process shows that when councillors make the effort to find savings they can be found, but warning that ratepayers are still facing steep increases.Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Josh...

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  90. 2026 Jonesie Awards for Government Waste Winners Announced: Chris Hipkins Receives Lifetime Achievement in Waste Award

    The Taxpayers' Union's annual Jonesie Awards (the Jonesies) today have once again shone a light on the 'best of the worst' of Government waste. Hosted in Parliament's Legislative Council Chamber, there were laughs, there were tears, and there was more competition than ever for our coveted Golden Hogs.Since...

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  91. Government Urged to Rule Out Bed Tax on Kiwi Travellers

    Responding to reports that Auckland Council has secured a formal commitment to consider a bed tax, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen said:“The Government should categorically rule out slapping Kiwis with yet another tax during the worst cost-of-living crisis in recent memory. Families and businesses are already stretched to breaking...

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  92. Selwyn Council’s Unelected Voting Rights Decision Disappoints

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is criticising Selwyn District Council after councillors voted today to grant Te Taumutu Rūnanga speaking rights at council and voting rights on council committees.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Democracy is simple. Those who were voted for should be the ones making the decisions. Councillors...

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  93. New Zealand First and ACT correct to oppose Inland Revenue proposals to tax shareholder loans

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming reports that New Zealand First and ACT are opposing Inland Revenue’s proposal to tax shareholder loans. The group says the parties are right to push back against a plan that risks creating unfair double taxation.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We’re pleased to see New Zealand...

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  94. Hipkins must answer as Royal Commission reveals ministers ignored advice during COVID response

    The Taxpayers’ Union says today’s release of the COVID-19 Royal Commission report confirms that ministers made some of the most significant decisions in modern New Zealand history while ignoring official advice.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says the report raises serious questions about accountability.“New Zealanders were repeatedly told the...

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  95. Seymour dead wrong to say fuel tax relief would increase borrowing - so long as Govt cuts wasteful spending

    The Taxpayers' Union is correcting David Seymour's reported comments that a temporary cut to fuel tax - as called for by the Taxpayers' Union - would necessarily widen the deficit and result in more borrowing."With the greatest respect to David, the Taxpayers' Union is not calling for unfunded tax...

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  97. NEW POLL: Centre-Left with narrow lead; Labour lead on keeping tax low

    The Centre-Left bloc could form a Government, but with the finest possible margin according to the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.This poll shows Labour gain 0.3 points to 34.4 percent, while National drops 2.9 points to 28.4 percent.The Greens gain 0.2 points to 10.5 percent, while New Zealand First drops...

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  98. Former Green MP sucks the kumara 🍠 | Poll 📈 | Ministry $1m Treaty workshops 🎓 | Labour want return to Orr-inflation 🎈

    Hi Friend,Former Green Party MP defends $156k kūmara patch - says 'more money' needed for 'Māori science' 🪏 We've been bombarded with emails on yesterday's exposé on the $156,132 "science challenge" 3 by 3 metre kūmara patch, funded through Massey University.In case you missed it – check out what now...

    Read more about Former Green MP sucks the kumara 🍠 | Poll 📈 | Ministry $1m Treaty workshops 🎓 | Labour want return to Orr-inflation 🎈

  99. Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on selling public assets to build better infrastructure

    The New Zealand Initiative Chair Roger Partridge joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to discuss a new report arguing New Zealand could unlock more than $24 billion for essential infrastructure by recycling mature Crown-owned commercial assets.Roger explains how redirecting capital tied up in government-owned companies such as Air New Zealand,...

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