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  1. Government Books Improve But Budget 2026 Will Be the Real Test

    Responding to Treasury figures showing the Government’s deficit is slightly smaller than forecast, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“These figures are genuinely encouraging for taxpayers, especially young New Zealanders who will inherit this debt.”“But let’s be clear, better than expected is not the same as balanced. The deficit...

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  3. With signs Middle East conflict will drag on, Government must rule out more borrowing

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning that Treasury’s repeated cautions about New Zealand’s vulnerability to an economic shock are now looking prophetic, as geo-security assessments suggest the Iran conflict is likely to drag on for months, not days or weeks.“Over the last six months Treasury has made it clear:...

    Read more about With signs Middle East conflict will drag on, Government must rule out more borrowing

  4. Nicola’s Fudge shortlisted for prestigious international award

    Nicola’s Fudge, the tongue-in-cheek campaign by the Taxpayers’ Union to hold the Finance Minister to account for her fiscal indulgences and failure to deliver on her pre-election promises to get spending under control, has been shortlisted for three prestigious international Reed Awards.The campaign has been named a finalist...

    Read more about Nicola’s Fudge shortlisted for prestigious international award

  5. Pay equity spat calls for independent policy costings

    Labour leader Chris Hipkins is again disputing Treasury’s estimate that reversing the Government’s pay equity changes would cost $6,400 per household. The Taxpayers’ Union says if Labour rejects the numbers, it should back independent verification.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:"If Chris Hipkins thinks Treasury has got it wrong,...

    Read more about Pay equity spat calls for independent policy costings

  8. Taxpayers’ Update: MPs squirm 🥶 | Hipkins' $12.8b Fantasy 🦄 | 103 ways to cut rates ✂️ | Defence force orders woke 🫡

    Hi,Sometimes politicians complain about the Taxpayers' Union. 90 percent of the time, it means we're right on target in holding them to account... And this week was no different.MPs squirm as Taxpayers' Union drop truth bombs to Budget Committee 💣The Government is currently consulting on this year's "Budget...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Update: MPs squirm 🥶 | Hipkins' $12.8b Fantasy 🦄 | 103 ways to cut rates ✂️ | Defence force orders woke 🫡

  9. Sell Air NZ now – it’s a national embarrassment, not a strategic asset

    The Taxpayers’ Union is adding its voice to the growing calls for the sale of the Government’s stake in Air New Zealand, saying taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to own a struggling airline and politicians are no good at running commercial businesses.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Air New...

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  11. Hipkins says Labour doesn't want to toll existing roads - but Labour MPs voted for it in November

    In answering questions about the proposed Auckland Harbour Bridge Toll yesterday, Chris Hipkins told media: "Tolling a new road is something Labour has been open to previously, tolling an existing road is something we've been opposed to"."But that's a porkie pie,” points out the Taxpayers’ Union.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson,...

    Read more about Hipkins says Labour doesn't want to toll existing roads - but Labour MPs voted for it in November

  12. Remuneration Authority spin shows why taxpayers need a seat at the table

    The Taxpayers’ Union says comments from the Chair of the Remuneration Authority on Newstalk ZB last night attempting to downplay massive council pay increases only reinforce the need for a taxpayer representative on the out-of-touch Remuneration Authority.Applications for a vacant board position close tonight, and the Union is...

    Read more about Remuneration Authority spin shows why taxpayers need a seat at the table

  13. Labour rule out new Bridge Tax, will National do the same?

    Labour leader Chris Hipkins today ruled out tolling the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Tory Relf said:“Tolling to pay for a new road is fair. Tolling a bridge that’s already been paid off is shamelessly raiding Aucklanders’ wallets.”“Even Labour, who are currently campaigning on an inflation-taxing,...

    Read more about Labour rule out new Bridge Tax, will National do the same?

  14. Government to splash $200m on Genesis shares while claiming the coffers are empty

    Responding to this morning’s announcement by the Minister of Finance that the Government will spend $200 million to buy half of Genesis Energy’s new share issue, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is an irresponsible use of money the Government simply does not have. If Genesis is such...

    Read more about Government to splash $200m on Genesis shares while claiming the coffers are empty

  15. Taxpayer Update: 3 new taxes in 3 weeks 🤦‍♂️ | Unscrambling Wgtn's spaghetti 🍝 | $550 subsidy per fan to bring Australians to Eden Park 🏉

    Dear supporter,For a "no new taxes" Government, the politicians in Wellington are sure making it hard to love 'em! This week, a new string of new taxes, sorry levies, emerged. But it's not all bad news in today's Taxpayer Update.Let's get into it.How many times can Wellington tax...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 3 new taxes in 3 weeks 🤦‍♂️ | Unscrambling Wgtn's spaghetti 🍝 | $550 subsidy per fan to bring Australians to Eden Park 🏉

  17. RBNZ comments show why the Government must cap council rates now

    The Taxpayers’ Union says today’s decision by the Reserve Bank to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25 percent shows inflation remains a serious problem and further interest rate relief is highly unlikely.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, James Ross, said:“Today’s decision makes it clear inflation pressures haven’t gone away. Too...

    Read more about RBNZ comments show why the Government must cap council rates now

  18. National's new tax is a bridge too far: Toll plan a betrayal of “no new taxes” promise

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s plan to toll the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge to help fund a new Waitematā Harbour crossing.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson Tory Relf says:“For a party that campaigned on ‘no new taxes’, the National-led Government is sure as hell departing from the script. In...

    Read more about National's new tax is a bridge too far: Toll plan a betrayal of “no new taxes” promise

  19. Government Borrows Millions to Play Cheerleader for Aussie Rugby League

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for using borrowed money to help bankroll an Australian sporting event, after this morning’s announcement that State of Origin will be coming to Auckland thanks to an A$5 million Government bid.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“Only days after preaching fiscal restraint...

    Read more about Government Borrows Millions to Play Cheerleader for Aussie Rugby League

  20. Untangling government key, but ACT’s ministerial cap needs to go further

    ACT announced plans during their State of the Nation address to cap the number of ministers at twenty. Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“New Zealand’s government is a jumbled mess, with no one knowing which bureaucrats report to which ministers at any given time. MBIE...

    Read more about Untangling government key, but ACT’s ministerial cap needs to go further

  22. IRD Ducks Responsibility as Kidnapping Allegation Ignored

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Inland Revenue for hiding behind tax secrecy laws instead of notifying Police after receiving an alleged kidnapping claim linked to a tax scam.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald says:“When someone alleges they’ve been kidnapped, the response is simple: call the Police. Instead, IRD hid...

    Read more about IRD Ducks Responsibility as Kidnapping Allegation Ignored

  23. REVEALED: Inland Revenue Spends $2 Million On Phone Campaign

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Inland Revenue spent $1.967 million on an outbound phone call campaign to encourage taxpayers to adopt two-factor authentication for their myIR accounts.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Too often government departments splash out on...

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  24. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes review of Reserve Bank’s COVID-era actions

    Responding to the Minister of Finance’s announcement today of an independent review into COVID-19 monetary policy, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson James Ross said the review is “long overdue”.“The Reserve Bank pumped far too much money into the economy. The result was a surge in asset prices and the kind...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes review of Reserve Bank’s COVID-era actions

  26. Tax or levy? The most self-destructive conversation National could choose

    The Taxpayers’ Union says Labour can scarcely believe its luck with the Government’s insistence that its proposed levy on electricity bills isn’t a tax because it’s a levy.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“We’ve been fielding calls and interview requests all day from people wanting to know whether...

    Read more about Tax or levy? The most self-destructive conversation National could choose

  28. Taxpayer Update: Shock Poll 😱 | Drag queen wigs for Samoa 🇼🇸 | Cow-sheds are now 'regional infrastructure' 🐄

    Happy Monday,A shock poll result, MBIE's secrecy on the costs of sending staff to do degrees off-shore, news that half the Provincial Growth Fund (yeah, that one...)'s loans are in default, and the Taxpayers' Union expose Creative New Zealand spending $25,000 of taxpayer money on drag workshops... in...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Shock Poll 😱 | Drag queen wigs for Samoa 🇼🇸 | Cow-sheds are now 'regional infrastructure' 🐄

  29. NEW POLL: Hung Parliament as cost-of-living concern soars to highest level since May 2024

    Neither the Centre-Right or Centre-Left blocs have enough seats to form a Government in the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.The poll shows Labour drops 0.3 points to 34.1 percent, while National drops 0.2 points to 31.3 percent.New Zealand First drops 1.4 points to 10.5 percent, while the Greens jump...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Hung Parliament as cost-of-living concern soars to highest level since May 2024

  30. Crown slush fund leaves taxpayers on the hook for bad bets

    With more than 50 percent of Crown Regional Holdings’ loan portfolio at risk of default or impairment, the Taxpayers’ Union says the Government is gambling with taxpayers’ money.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“When politicians start sloshing money around to butter up voters, you can guarantee they’re making bad bets...

    Read more about Crown slush fund leaves taxpayers on the hook for bad bets

  32. Taxpayer Update: Winston v Christopher 🥊 | Surprise results on India FTA 🇮🇳 | Govt logo bonanza 👨‍🎨

    Dear Supporter,For the politicians, it's all go up in Waitangi this week, and where the politicians go, your money is sure to follow – whether you like it or not. "We've done it for decades"                            —...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Winston v Christopher 🥊 | Surprise results on India FTA 🇮🇳 | Govt logo bonanza 👨‍🎨

  33. From Perth to Wellington: An Aussie Intern’s Time at the Taxpayers’ Union

    Declan Blaine interned at the Taxpayers' Union January 2025. He is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia. My name is Declan Blaine, and I’m currently completing an internship with the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union through the Mannkal Economic Education Foundation’s international scholarship...

    Read more about From Perth to Wellington: An Aussie Intern’s Time at the Taxpayers’ Union

  34. reset must not become a cash grab: Stop the slippery slope to a water tax

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is backing Federated Farmers’ alarm over draft resource management legislation that could open the door to effectively enabling a tax on water by stealth.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“This is exactly the kind of slippery, backdoor taxing power taxpayers have every right to...

    Read more about reset must not become a cash grab: Stop the slippery slope to a water tax

  36. REVEALED: Ministry Of Education Union Staff Paid With Taxpayer Time

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act requestthat staff at the Ministry of Education were paid $414,119.68 by taxpayers to do 8,528 hours of union work.This includes organising and advocating on behalf of the New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI), the Public...

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  38. Finance Minister Nicola Willis channels former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

    Responding to today’s reporting that Minister Willis expects the current rise in inflation to be "a blip", Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Minister Willis is sounding a lot like former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who dismissed rising inflation under the Biden administration and got it completely wrong. Minister...

    Read more about Finance Minister Nicola Willis channels former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

  40. Rates Pain, Pay Gain: New Councillor Salary Increase Dashboard exposes eye-watering pay rises for councillors and mayors

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched its Councillor Salary Increase Dashboard, exposing the staggering pay hikes many councillors and mayors across New Zealand are receiving while ratepayers struggle with a cost-of-living crisis.According to the latest dashboard data, local councillors have accepted an average 9.81 percent annual adjustment to...

    Read more about Rates Pain, Pay Gain: New Councillor Salary Increase Dashboard exposes eye-watering pay rises for councillors and mayors

  43. Election-year slush fund spending returns

    The Taxpayers’ Union says the Government’s $10 million Ringatū marae announcement is election-year pork-barrel politics, funded through loosely-governed slush funds with little accountability to taxpayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We heard the same excuses with the Murihiku Marae during COVID, when spending was dressed up as ‘job creation’. Now, in...

    Read more about Election-year slush fund spending returns

  44. Taxpayer Update: NEW Councillor Salary Dashboard 💰 | How much is your MP spending? 🤯 | Auckland Council’s wet mistake 🌳

    Happy Saturday! Welcome to the first Taxpayer Update of 2026. As you'll see, the team are back into it fighting for transparency and accountability of how taxpayer and ratepayer money is being spent.EXPOSED: Local councillors pocket HUGE pay hikes while rates explode 💸While many Kiwis struggled to afford...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW Councillor Salary Dashboard 💰 | How much is your MP spending? 🤯 | Auckland Council’s wet mistake 🌳

  46. NEW POLL: New Zealand First's record high result; country direction takes a hit

    New Zealand First rise to their highest ever result in a Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll (polling since January 2021). The Coalition also strengthen their lead.The poll shows Labour gain 2.8 points to 34.4 percent, while National gains 1.5 points to 31.5 percent.New Zealand First gain 3.8 points to 11.9...

    Read more about NEW POLL: New Zealand First's record high result; country direction takes a hit

  47. Hipkins Rewrites History on Deficit, Treasury Must Set the Record Straight

    Chris Hipkins’ election year has already gone off the rails, with the former Prime Minister falsely claiming New Zealand’s structural deficit was created by the current Government rather than being inherited from Labour.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Treasury’s own estimates show New Zealand has been in structural deficit...

    Read more about Hipkins Rewrites History on Deficit, Treasury Must Set the Record Straight

  48. Commerce Commission best placed to regulate council development levies

    Responding to reports that officials are floating an interim regulator for council development levies, despite the regime not coming into force until mid-2028, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said the Government should stick with the Commerce Commission from day one.“There’s no logic in inventing a temporary regulator when...

    Read more about Commerce Commission best placed to regulate council development levies

  50. REVEALED: RNZ’s Growing Bureaucracy With 1 Manager for Every 4 Journalists 

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that Radio NZ managers now make up nearly 30% of RNZ’s workforce, compared to just 60% for journalists. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said: “63 managers for 220 journalists is a worrying imbalance which explains RNZs sinking viewership at the start of the year.” “That...

    Read more about REVEALED: RNZ’s Growing Bureaucracy With 1 Manager for Every 4 Journalists 

  51. Taxpayers' Union 'Christmas Box' Summer Media Releases

    The Taxpayers' Union Christmas Box contains a media release for each day over the Christmas break. You can download the Christmas Box below.The media releases and their relevant embargoes are as follows:EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 ON DATE SPECIFIED: Mon 22 Dec – REVEALED: Creative New Zealand’s $255,000 Global Spending Spree Tue 23 Dec – REVEALED: Fonterra Milks...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union 'Christmas Box' Summer Media Releases

  52. REVEALED: Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet Caught With Its Tabs Down AGAIN

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that over eleven months the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) recorded 27 instances of staff attempting to access adult entertainment websites on government devices. Three more recorded access attempts than were recorded in the previous year. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations...

    Read more about REVEALED: Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet Caught With Its Tabs Down AGAIN

  53. REVEALED: NZ Police Misfuel Vehicles 45 Times, $20,000 In Damage

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that over the last three years there have been 45 instances of Police vehicles being filled with the wrong fuel, costing taxpayers $20,475.42 on avoidable repair costs.According to the Police’s response (IR-01-25-37668):2023: 18 incidents, costing...

    Read more about REVEALED: NZ Police Misfuel Vehicles 45 Times, $20,000 In Damage

  54. REVEALED: Tourism NZ’s Influencer Spend Hides Behind $9.4 Million

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal Tourism New Zealand has spent more than $9.4 million on social media influencers since 23/24, without providing any breakdown of this spending and citing commercial sensitivity. The response shows that 65 influencers across global markets were engaged to promote campaigns ranging from destination marketing...

    Read more about REVEALED: Tourism NZ’s Influencer Spend Hides Behind $9.4 Million

  57. REVEALED: $2.5 Million for Spin Doctors In The Demographic Ministries

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that up to $2,457,105.03 is being spent annually on 19 communications staff across the four demographic ministries. Among the ministries reporting their spending: Ministry of Disabled People spent $549,529.03 on salaries to employ four staff paid on average $137,382. Ministry for Ethnic Communities cost taxpayers up to...

    Read more about REVEALED: $2.5 Million for Spin Doctors In The Demographic Ministries

  58. REVEALED: E-Scooter Injuries Now Cost ACC More Than $14 Million a Year

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that ACC paid out $14,474,256 in e-scooter injury costs last year alone, nearly doubling the 2022 cost. ACC data shows the worst regions for e-scooter accidents are Auckland (1193), Canterbury (748), and Wellington (288). Besides losing balance, colliding or slipping, these accidents also include...

    Read more about REVEALED: E-Scooter Injuries Now Cost ACC More Than $14 Million a Year

  59. Taxpayers’ Union mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain

    The Taxpayers’ Union today mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain, widely regarded as New Zealand’s finest and most influential political cartoonist of the contemporary era.Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, said:"Garrick Tremain was a national institution. His intelligence, humour, and insight shaped political debate in this...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain

  61. Taxpayer Update: One Ministry to rule them all 👷🏻‍♂️ | The Fiscal Elephants plain to see 🐘 | Jacinda: The Untold Stories 🎙️

    Dear Supporter,As the country winds down for Christmas, the wheels of Government (waste) have continued to turn. This week, we’re bringing you the latest on the state of the Government’s books, breaking down Minister Bishop’s latest reforms (another mega-department, anyone?), and we’ve got a surprising Taxpayer Hero story...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: One Ministry to rule them all 👷🏻‍♂️ | The Fiscal Elephants plain to see 🐘 | Jacinda: The Untold Stories 🎙️

  62. REVEALED: Fonterra Milks Taxpayers For $3 Million in Corporate Welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that despite being New Zealand's largest company, Fonterra has accepted nearly $3 million in MBIE distributed corporate welfare payments relating to fellowships, careers and training grants for their workforce. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said: "You work hard, you pay your taxes, and the...

    Read more about REVEALED: Fonterra Milks Taxpayers For $3 Million in Corporate Welfare

  63. REVEALED: Creative New Zealand’s $255,000 Global Spending Spree

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Creative New Zealand spent $255,819.91 on overseas trips for 50 staff and Arts Council members between January 2024 and October 2025. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said: “The worst examples from this list, like 12 staff flying to Hawaii for an arts festival,...

    Read more about REVEALED: Creative New Zealand’s $255,000 Global Spending Spree

  64. Taxpayer Talk: Jordan Williams and David Cohen, author of Jacinda: The Untold Story

    Author David Cohen joins Jordan Williams for a no-holds-barred chat about his new book, Jacinda: The Untold Story. Billed as a refreshingly un-mushy take on Jacinda Ardern’s premiership, David drew on hundreds of interviews to cut through the PR gloss and media fawning. His verdict? Ardern was a...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jordan Williams and David Cohen, author of Jacinda: The Untold Story

  65. REVEALED: DOC $2 Million Campaign Shows Public Money Can Actually Make Money

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Department of Conservation’s “Always Be Naturing” campaign, which will cost $2.07 million, is projected to bring in revenue and savings of $16.4 million through private-sector partnerships, donations, and value-in-kind support over the campaigns three year timeframe.Always Be Naturing is...

    Read more about REVEALED: DOC $2 Million Campaign Shows Public Money Can Actually Make Money

  68. Tick tock goes the debt clock: $5,950 interest bill per household by 2030

    Government debt continues to grow as a share of the economy every year until 2029, confirmed by today’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update.By 2029, net core crown debt will be $8.245 billion worse than forecast in May’s Budget.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Each household’s share...

    Read more about Tick tock goes the debt clock: $5,950 interest bill per household by 2030

  69. No Surplus This Decade: Robertson-Willis fiscal strategy will lead to disastrous shock

    The Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update has confirmed taxpayers’ worst fears, as plans for a surplus have slipped back another year to 2030.In December 2023, a surplus was forecast for 2027.Budget 2024 pushed plans for a surplus out to 2028.HYEFU 2024 delayed surplus a further year to 2029,...

    Read more about No Surplus This Decade: Robertson-Willis fiscal strategy will lead to disastrous shock

  70. Update on the Mother of All Debates: Minister suggests Cabinet Colleague, Rt Hon Winston Peters to act as moderator.

    The Taxpayers’ Union has been informed by the Minister of Finance’s Office that her preference for the debate is for an event in the Legislative Council Chamber moderated by the Rt Hon Winston Peters.We thought that our idea of a roundtable for an hour chaired by economist Cameron...

    Read more about Update on the Mother of All Debates: Minister suggests Cabinet Colleague, Rt Hon Winston Peters to act as moderator.

  71. NZ needs fiscal course correction before crisis forces it, says Richardson

    The Taxpayers’ Union says New Zealand needs an honest discussion about alternatives to the Willis–Robertson approach to fiscal policy, before the country sleepwalks into the kind of crisis that produced the economic pain of the 1990s.Taxpayers’ Union Chair Hon. Ruth Richardson says the danger is not acting too...

    Read more about NZ needs fiscal course correction before crisis forces it, says Richardson

  72. Update on ‘Mother of All Debates: Are we on a realistic path to surplus?’

    Nicola Willis has reneged on her ‘any time, any place’ debate challenge to Ruth Richardson. However, given that these issues are important to all New Zealanders, the Taxpayers’ Union Chair is willing to debate Minister Willis so long as it is a substantive discussion, rather than performative theatre. The Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Update on ‘Mother of All Debates: Are we on a realistic path to surplus?’

  74. Wellington Mayors Push Towards Amalgamation

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is warning that Wellington region mayors are pushing ahead with council amalgamation without a clear mandate from residents or any transparency over what the changes would cost ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Wellington’s mayors seem eager to merge councils, but are pushing ahead of...

    Read more about Wellington Mayors Push Towards Amalgamation

  75. Minister fudging “any time, any place" challenge to Ruth Richardson

    Just like the surplus, Nicola Willis wants to postpone the "Mother of All Debates". Newstalk ZB report this morning that the Minister of Finances's office is walking back on the Minister's "any time, any place" challenge to the Taxpayers' Union chair, Ruth Richardson."The Finance Minister challenged the Taxpayers’ Union Chair to a debate...

    Read more about Minister fudging “any time, any place" challenge to Ruth Richardson

  76. Taxpayers’ Union Unwraps ‘Nicola’s Fudge’ to Expose the Government’s Fiscal Sweet-Talk

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a confectionary company – Nicola’s Fudge – to call out what it says is the Government’s growing habit of sugar-coating fiscal truths, front loading spending while pushing savings back into the future and ultimately failing to honour pre-election promises on fiscal responsibility.  Instead of cutting spending, rolling back Labour’s bloated bureaucracy, and restoring surplus discipline, the Union says the Government has delivered...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Unwraps ‘Nicola’s Fudge’ to Expose the Government’s Fiscal Sweet-Talk

  77. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Government still in, Labour largest party 📊 | RBNZ spend $850k on flights 🛫 | The schools spending $18.5k on trips for teachers 🗻

    📌 View Online | 🚀 Share on FacebookHi,Happy Wednesday. Today we've got the numbers from the last Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll of the year, the $218,000 of dodgy misspending by school principals, and the ridiculous amount of money the Reserve Bank are spending shuttling staff between offices.We’ve also got a few extra...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Government still in, Labour largest party 📊 | RBNZ spend $850k on flights 🛫 | The schools spending $18.5k on trips for teachers 🗻

  78. RMA replacement: Chris Bishop set to deliver New Zealand’s biggest ever tax cut

    For many of our supporters, the RMA is important. It is New Zealand's biggest regulatory tax and the most significant handbrake on our country's economic prosperity and living standards.I’m just back from a Beehive “lock-up” where about 100 journalists and analysts have been working through the Government’s just-released replacement to...

    Read more about RMA replacement: Chris Bishop set to deliver New Zealand’s biggest ever tax cut

  79. REVEALED: Reserve Bank Spent $852,000 Shuttling Staff Between Its Two Offices

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Reserve Bank spent $851,997.35 last financial year flying staff between its Wellington and Auckland offices and has since pored $56 million into an Auckland workspace that remains half-occupied.The Bank also confirmed that around 45 staff...

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  80. Campaign Victory: Nicola Willis to (finally) answer questions from the Taxpayers' Union

    The Taxpayers' Union is delighted Nicola Willis is going to front up for a debate on the country's fiscal pathway. All National Party Finance Ministers since Muldoon have had to tackle structural deficits inherited from Labour. Nicola Willis’ challenge is no different to what Ruth, then Sir Bill...

    Read more about Campaign Victory: Nicola Willis to (finally) answer questions from the Taxpayers' Union

  81. Government delivering huge regulatory tax relief with RMA reforms

    Commenting on the Government’s announcement today that the Resource Management Act is set to be replaced by the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill in 2026, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“The Resource Management Act has been the worst handbrake on New Zealand’s productivity bar none. Scrapping this regulatory tax...

    Read more about Government delivering huge regulatory tax relief with RMA reforms

  82. Taxpayers’ Union Calls On Principals Who Misused Trip Funding To Pay It Back

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the principals of schools identified by the Auditor-General as having used public money inappropriately to repay taxpayers in full.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“From a kura sending their principal to Turkey using $6,000 of 'well-being support funding' to multiple trips to Rarotonga,...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls On Principals Who Misused Trip Funding To Pay It Back

  83. Fed Up With National Ticketing Delays, Wellington Forced to Go It Alone

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is again slamming the long-delayed National Ticketing System (NTS) after Greater Wellington Regional Council announced it will introduce its own contactless payment system rather than continue waiting for the stalled national rollout.Taxpayers' Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“For once, Wellington’s got it right, and their obvious...

    Read more about Fed Up With National Ticketing Delays, Wellington Forced to Go It Alone

  84. Taxpayer Update: Govt want to Cap Rates LATER ⏰ | New dashboard of savings 🧮 | $837,000 of Golden Handshakes this week alone 🫲

    Dear Supporter,The silly season is well underway. It's the time for Christmas shopping, summer planning, last minute errands, and when Governments tend to 'take out the trash' – hoping bad news stories are buried in the Christmas rush. So while Christmas is right around the corner Santa's naughty...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt want to Cap Rates LATER ⏰ | New dashboard of savings 🧮 | $837,000 of Golden Handshakes this week alone 🫲

  85. How Much Would You Have Saved? New Dashboard Exposes Thousands in Lost Savings

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched the Rates Cap Dashboard, revealing the staggering financial relief households across New Zealand are being denied by the Government delaying rates caps. The new dashboard uses average residential rates data to calculate how much ratepayers could have saved over the last three years if...

    Read more about How Much Would You Have Saved? New Dashboard Exposes Thousands in Lost Savings

  87. Just in time for Christmas: IRD announce retrospective tax grab that will brutalise farmers and SMEs

    The Taxpayers' Union is slamming yesterday’s quiet announcement on the IRD's Policy website that that the Government intends to treat company loans to shareholders as income, resulting in a double taxation and the most dramatic tax grab on SMEs since the Muldoon era.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“This...

    Read more about Just in time for Christmas: IRD announce retrospective tax grab that will brutalise farmers and SMEs

  90. Long Overdue: Taxpayers’ Union Blasts Coster Exit After Costly Delay

    The Taxpayers’ Union says the resignation of former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is long overdue and should never have required weeks of costly garden leave.Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“This resignation should never have been necessary; Coster should have been fired as soon as the damning IPCA report was...

    Read more about Long Overdue: Taxpayers’ Union Blasts Coster Exit After Costly Delay

  91. Christchurch Advisers Out of Line: Amalgamation Must Come From Locals, Not Bureaucrats

    The Taxpayers’ Union is pushing back at Christchurch City Council advisers calling for a Greater Christchurch “super city”, saying amalgamation must only ever come from the community, not from policy staff.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“It’s completely inappropriate for advisers to be pushing for large-scale amalgamation. These sorts...

    Read more about Christchurch Advisers Out of Line: Amalgamation Must Come From Locals, Not Bureaucrats

  93. REVEALED: Public Servants’ Risk Aversion to 'Free and Frank' Advice

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that risk aversion is undermining the principle of free and frank advice within the public service.Internal comments from the Public Service Commission’s Public Service Census 2025 has shown senior leaders are becoming increasingly hesitant to provide...

    Read more about REVEALED: Public Servants’ Risk Aversion to 'Free and Frank' Advice

  96. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Fiscal Focus – But Words Must Be Matched With Spending Cuts

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Finance Minister Barbara Edmonds’ comments over the weekend that she will prioritise fiscal consolidation and getting the Government’s books back in order.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“New Zealand can’t keep running the country on the credit card. It’s an encouraging sign to hear a possible...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Fiscal Focus – But Words Must Be Matched With Spending Cuts

  97. Taxpayer Update: How to Cap Rates Now 🧢 | The difference between a toll and a tax 🚙🤑 | Porirua City Council our ratepayer heroes 🦸

    Dear Supporter,This week we've got a new briefing paper for you, an update on that Ngāi Tahu story, Porirua as our Ratepayer Heroes, and more.This is How to Cap Rates Now 🧢📘Back in June, we launched the Cap Rates Now campaign and more than 31,000 ratepayers answered the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: How to Cap Rates Now 🧢 | The difference between a toll and a tax 🚙🤑 | Porirua City Council our ratepayer heroes 🦸

  98. REVEALED: Health NZ’s $3.5 Million spent on Non-Jobs – and that's just the beginning

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Health NZ have spent up to $3,475,054 on the annual salaries of 13.7 full time roles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental causes.With titles such as “Diversity and Inclusion Lead”, “Clinical Sustainability Liaison” and “LGBQTIA+ Lead”, the 13.7 roles...

    Read more about REVEALED: Health NZ’s $3.5 Million spent on Non-Jobs – and that's just the beginning

  99. $535/hour consultant, yet National Ticketing still delayed

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the revelation that Waka Kotahi NZTA has so far spent $24.2 million on consultants, including a $535-an-hour consultant as part of the ever-delayed National Ticketing System.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“17 years in and the National Ticketing System is barely off...

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