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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  8. Time to Axe $2.4 Billion Demographic Ministries

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

    Read more about Time to Axe $2.4 Billion Demographic Ministries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  19. Brooke van Velden Saves Taxpayers from Rebrand Rort

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

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  20. A Warning from Wellington: Whanganui Welcomes McKerrow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  47. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes release of council performance metrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  58. DOC Reshuffle Fails to Deliver for Taxpayers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  67. REVEALED: New Plymouth Attendance Records Expose Gaps on the Council Bench

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that some New Plymouth District councillors have missed dozens of official meetings. Released attendance records show multiple councillors regularly giving no apology at all for absences, despite being paid to represent ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about REVEALED: New Plymouth Attendance Records Expose Gaps on the Council Bench

  68. FamilyBoost or Fiscal Blowout? Taxpayer Handouts Shouldn’t Go to the Top Earners

    Responding to news that the Government is extending childcare subsidies to families earning up to $229,100 a year, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling the move completely out of touch.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“If you're pulling in nearly double the average household income, you do not need a handout...

    Read more about FamilyBoost or Fiscal Blowout? Taxpayer Handouts Shouldn’t Go to the Top Earners

  69. Unacceptable: Blunder to cost New Plymouth ratepayers $3 million

    A significant blunder in New Plymouth’s annual plan, described as a ‘typo’, could see ratepayers pay more than $100 this year than initially indicated.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“It’s hard to understate how much of a cock-up this is. Ratepayers deserve far better attention to...

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  71. The Pork Barrel Casino: More Than Half of Provincial Growth Fund Loans at Risk

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Crown Regional Holdings (formerly the Provincial Growth Fund) after a new report revealed more than 54 percent of its $257 million loan book is at risk of default or impairment and three more recipients have gone into liquidation since the report was finalised.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman...

    Read more about The Pork Barrel Casino: More Than Half of Provincial Growth Fund Loans at Risk

  73. Council reforms announcement a 'welcome course of travel' - devil is in the details

    The Minister for Local Government has today announced plans to refocus councils through the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to Parliament.Sam Warren, Campaigns Manager for Local Government at the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“The announcement is a welcome the course of travel to improve a desperately broken sector. But...

    Read more about Council reforms announcement a 'welcome course of travel' - devil is in the details

  74. 2025 Rates Dashboard Exposes Out of Control Rates Burden

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched the 2025 New Zealand Rates Dashboard at RatesDashboard.nzThe Rates Dashboard is for ratepayers to track and compare their council's annual and cumulative rates increases with councils across New Zealand. It shows the average cumulative rates increase over the current three-year council term is an astonishing...

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  75. REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki’s $2 Million PR Team – No One Paid Under $100K

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through a Official Information Act request, that Oranga Tamariki is burning through $1.97 million a year on salaries for a 14-person communications team.Every single one of these staff earn over $100,000.The team includes media advisors, senior comms managers, and a organisational communications manager.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations...

    Read more about REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki’s $2 Million PR Team – No One Paid Under $100K

  76. Taxpayer Update: Top 10 ways to fix local govt 🔨 | Shock political poll 😮 | Whangārei's $1.6 million patio

    Hi,Bumper newsletter today. It's poll time (and this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll is more dramatic than usual...).And the local government file is running red hot. Today's we're publishing our latest local government briefing paper: Building Better Councils.Let's get into it.💥 Building Better Councils: Ten ways to tackle unaccountable 'Big Council' 💥Despite everything...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Top 10 ways to fix local govt 🔨 | Shock political poll 😮 | Whangārei's $1.6 million patio

  78. Tauranga’s Mayor Needs To Collaborate, Not Amalgamate

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale for pushing amalgamation across the Bay of Plenty, as combining councils means less local control and higher costs, not more efficiency.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Amalgamation is always sold as a cost-saving silver bullet but the Auckland...

    Read more about Tauranga’s Mayor Needs To Collaborate, Not Amalgamate

  79. Far North double-digit rates increase calls for action on rates capping

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is criticising Far North District Council following a 10.95 percent rates increase, just a notch below the 11.3 percent initially proposed.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager for Local Government, Sam Warren, said:“These double-digit rates increases have become the norm across New Zealand, and its unacceptable.”“We...

    Read more about Far North double-digit rates increase calls for action on rates capping

  80. ‘Another gone, more to follow’ as Waikato Regional Council ditches LGNZ

    The Taxpayers’ Union has praised Waikato Regional Council for its decision to withdraw its membership to Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) citing costs, relevance, and left-leaning politicalisation.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Councils have woken up to how disconnected LGNZ are from reality. Their six-figure memberships provide...

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  81. Reserve Bank Holds OCR, But Councils Keep Piling On the Pressure

    Commenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 3.25 percent, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Housing is the biggest driver of the cost-of-living crisis, and runaway rates bills are making it worse. Just weeks after councils pushed through hikes averaging 8.71 percent, households...

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  82. Bureaucrats Paid around 30 Percent More Than Kiwis And Still Unhappy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the public service after the release of the 2025 Public Service Census, which reveals widespread dissatisfaction among government workers, despite enjoying average salaries of $101,700 - around 30 percent more than the average Kiwi.According to the census:Only 34 percent of public servants are...

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  83. Taxpayers’ Union Applauds Christchurch Mayor Backing Rates Cap

     The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s support for the campaign to cap annual council rates increases, and labelling him a 'ratepayer hero'.Taxpayers’ Union, Investigation Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Councils have been using ratepayers as a bottomless ATM. It’s refreshing to see a mayor finally admit that the current model is...

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  86. REVEALED: LGNZ’s secret campaign to attack ratepayers with their own money

    The Taxpayers’ Union has uncovered previously secret plans from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) to mount a full-scale public campaign against rates capping —paid for with ratepayers’ own money.“It’s shameless stuff from LGNZ, attacking ratepayers with their own money,” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union.“Documents provided...

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  87. CODE Gaming Taxpayers as Millions Vanish Without Accountability

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for urgent reform after the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE), a government-backed gaming grant scheme, has received millions in public funding.Despite being started by MBIE and Dunedin City Council, CODE is structured as a limited liability company, meaning it doesn't have to...

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  88. Barbara Edmonds Leads Where Government Fails on Policy Scrutiny

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes reports that Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, has offered to support Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ efforts to establish an election policy costing unit.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Barbara Edmonds is on the right track with her members’ bill. It’s rare for the...

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  89. Stop the Secrecy: Whānau Ora Probe Shows Why OIA Must Follow the Money

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for immediate legislative reform to bring all 75% taxpayer-funded organisations, including Whānau Ora commissioning agencies, under the Official Information Act (OIA), following a New Zealand Herald investigation into Pasifika Futures and potential conflicts of interest in the distribution of public funds.Taxpayers’ Union...

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  90. Lost $29 million satellite proves space pet projects need to end

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on all New Zealanders to “check their local lost and found” after the Environmental Defense Fund's taxpayer funded, $29 million dollar satellite had been deemed lost.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“While it is true that the Government misplaces taxpayer money every minute, the...

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  91. Pay Up, Performance Down: Why Are We Still Funding Dud SOEs?

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today calling on the Government to privatise State‑Owned Enterprises (SOEs) following Treasury analysis revealing alarming disconnects between executive pay and corporate performance.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Simeon Brown is right to call out underperforming SOEs, but strongly worded letters won’t fix a broken model. He...

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  92. REVEALED: $290k Interisland Probe Reinforces Case to Sell the Ships 

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through an Official Information Act request, that the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has already spent $293,024 (exc. GST) investigating the grounding of the Aratere ferry.The interim report alone cost $34,958 to prepare, including payments to external engineers, psychologists, and advisors. TAIC...

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  93. Paw-litical Madness: Puppy Penalties Bury Ratepayers in Red Tape

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tasman District Council for treating family pets like major infrastructure projects, after a local dog owner was slapped with a jaw-dropping $1,400 fee for a resource consent just to keep three dogs on his property.“In Tasman, puppies now need planning permission,” says Taxpayers’...

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  94. Part-Privatisation Isn’t Enough: Government Must Offload the Ferry Mess Entirely

    The Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the Government’s openness to part-privatising the Interislander ferry service, but says it doesn’t go far enough to reduce the burden on taxpayers or help address New Zealand’s growing public debt.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The Interislander project has become an expensive fiasco. Costs have ballooned,...

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  95. REVEALED: Invercargill Consultant Bill Tops $7.3 Million

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal under Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Invercargill City Council spent $7,334,394 on consultants and legal services in just three years.The spending includes fees for everything from strategy consultants and cultural engagement advisers to legal firms and planning experts.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about REVEALED: Invercargill Consultant Bill Tops $7.3 Million

  96. Taxpayer Update: We meet with Watts in his Beehive office 💥 | Cap Rates Now hits 25,000 signatures📝 | The Greens fiscal 'strategy' 🦄

    📌 View Online | 🚀 Share on FacebookHi,First and foremost, in the last few hours we learnt the sad news of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp's death. The Taxpayers' Union has expressed our condolences to those close to Ms Kemp – you can read our media statement here.A...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: We meet with Watts in his Beehive office 💥 | Cap Rates Now hits 25,000 signatures📝 | The Greens fiscal 'strategy' 🦄

  97. Taxpayers’ Union calls for rates caps now following today’s 12 percent rates increase in Wellington

    Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Sam Warren said:“There’s no doubt at all we need rates cap, but clearly we can’t afford to wait for another year of double-digit rates hikes.”“Months and years of dysfunction have come to a crescendo. It’s a crushing decision while...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls for rates caps now following today’s 12 percent rates increase in Wellington

  98. REVEALED: $114,000 Welcome Signs Proposed Next to Existing NZTA Signs — Community Board Must Vote No

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Clifton Community Board today to reject a proposal to spend $113,850 ($99,000 plus GST) of ratepayer money on two “Welcome to Urenui” signs placed next to existing NZTA signage. This will be decided by the board during a vote at 4pm today.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator,...

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  99. Act Now or Pay Later: Political Cowardice on Super Age Risks Public Services

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to urgently raise the age of superannuation eligibility in light of a newly released Treasury briefing warning of deep cuts to core services like health and education unless major spending reforms are undertaken.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Kicking the can down...

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