News

All news

  1. Government applauded for turning off the tap for KiwiRail’s doomed ferries

     Reacting to the announcement from Finance Minister Nicola Willis that KiwiRail’s request for additional funding to replace the InterIslander ferry fleet, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“We applaud the government for turning off the tap for this KiwiRail project that has gone well off track. With costs ballooning from...

    Read more about Government applauded for turning off the tap for KiwiRail’s doomed ferries

  2. Taxpayers’ Union backs ACT’s calls to scrap Climate Change Commission

    Responding to the Climate Change Commission’s latest report providing advice on the direction of policy for the Government’s second emissions reduction plan, the Taxpayers’ Union is backing the ACT climate change spokesperson, Simon Court, in his calls for the Commission to be scrapped.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The latest...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union backs ACT’s calls to scrap Climate Change Commission

  5. Bay of Plenty Paves Way for Councils to Sell Off Their Assets as Rates Soar

     Responding to reports that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council plans to sell half of its shares in the Tauranga Port, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This is a sign that Bay of Plenty regional councillors have their finger on the pulse and are putting ratepayers first. Councils all...

    Read more about Bay of Plenty Paves Way for Councils to Sell Off Their Assets as Rates Soar

  7. Government Must Let Film Subsidies Fall Off Fiscal Cliff - Taxpayers’ Union

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to let film subsidies come to an end as the corporate welfare programme hits its fiscal cliff next year.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Film subsidies are a sad legacy of the Key government that saw the pockets of wealthy elites being...

    Read more about Government Must Let Film Subsidies Fall Off Fiscal Cliff - Taxpayers’ Union

  8. Taxpayers’ Union calls for outcomes-focused mental health spending rather than a cash splash

     Responding to reports that a landmark $2 billion investment in New Zealand’s mental health system by the Ardern government has had little effect on services and delivery, Connor Molloy, Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, says:“We warned at the time that the incredible amount of taxpayer funds that were being invested...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls for outcomes-focused mental health spending rather than a cash splash

  9. Taxpayer Update: National’s App Tax U-turn📱🤑 | The cost of COP 🌬️💸 | Brooke vs. The Blob 🩷👾

    Nicola Willis adopts 'App Tax' policy previously slammed by Nicola Willis 👀📱Well, that didn't take long, did it? The new Government's backsliding has begun in earnest. Despite comments as recently as last week that "except for" the changes made in the coalition agreements, the National Party was sticking to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: National’s App Tax U-turn📱🤑 | The cost of COP 🌬️💸 | Brooke vs. The Blob 🩷👾

  12. $700k "Adult Toy Store" Bus Stop Stretching Hamilton City Council’s Budget Hole

    Responding to Hamilton City Council’s decision to spend $700,000 moving and re-developing a bus stop due to its location outside an adult toy store, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Only a couple of weeks ago, Hamilton City Council advised that they were looking to make savings to slash debt and finally...

    Read more about $700k "Adult Toy Store" Bus Stop Stretching Hamilton City Council’s Budget Hole

  13. Emission Impossible: MFAT's Pricy Climate Trip Defies Eco-Logic

    The Taxpayers' Union is dismayed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) outrageous expenditure on its delegation to the COP 27 climate conference. New information revealed under the Official Information Act shows that the total travel and accommodation cost to the taxpayer was an eye-watering $201,496.59. The kicker? All New...

    Read more about Emission Impossible: MFAT's Pricy Climate Trip Defies Eco-Logic

  14. Wellingtonians Lumped with the Bill for Exorbitant Heritage Pet Projects

    Responding to Wellington city’s earthquake-strengthening crisis, which sees the city on track to upgrade just 20% of vulnerable buildings, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Hundreds of millions of dollars are being burnt upgrading earthquake-prone buildings, whether the owners want to keep the building or not. Heritage status binds...

    Read more about Wellingtonians Lumped with the Bill for Exorbitant Heritage Pet Projects

  15. One Human Rights Commission for the Price of Two

    Commenting on the Human Rights Commission’s appointment of a second “shared leader” to work alongside the existing Chief Executive, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “The cushy jobs-for-lefties culture at the top of the public service is well documented, but even by the incredibly low standards of Wellington bureaucrats this...

    Read more about One Human Rights Commission for the Price of Two

  16. Taxpayers’ Union Launches Book in Celebration of 10-Year Anniversary

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, in celebration of its ten-year anniversary, is releasing a book entitled “The Mission – The Taxpayers’ Union at 10”, edited by prominent political author and journalist David Cohen. Among David's other recent works is a book on former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.The book features a foreword by...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Launches Book in Celebration of 10-Year Anniversary

  17. Government must Remove Price Controls from Carbon Credits to Ease Cost of Living

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to remove all price controls from carbon credits following today’s auction failing to clear the minimum reserve price for the fourth quarter in a row.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The government already sets the quantity of credits available, so they should...

    Read more about Government must Remove Price Controls from Carbon Credits to Ease Cost of Living

  18. Public Service Te Reo Bonuses Should be Resigned to the Scrap Heap

    Commenting on the incoming Government exploring plans to scrap Māori language bonuses for public servants, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“If a role requires proficiency in te Reo Māori, then of course fluent speakers should be hired. But when proficiency isn’t relevant to the role in question, it...

    Read more about Public Service Te Reo Bonuses Should be Resigned to the Scrap Heap

  19. Cash Splashed, Scores Crash: New Zealand's PISA Predicament

    The Taxpayers’ Union is expressing deep concern over New Zealand’s declining education standards as revealed by the latest OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Oliver Bryan, said:“If education funding were a maths problem, it seems we’ve got the equation wrong – more dollars...

    Read more about Cash Splashed, Scores Crash: New Zealand's PISA Predicament

  21. Human Rights Commission Demonstrate How They’ve Lost Their Way

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming today’s release by the so-called Human Rights Commission of a previously secret work programme to undermine New Zealander’s freedom of speech online. The HRC announced today that it has created a so-called “Independent Accountability Group” (IAG) to review the NZ Code of Practice...

    Read more about Human Rights Commission Demonstrate How They’ve Lost Their Way

  22. Brooke Already Battling the Blob Just 10 Days into New Government

    Responding to the leaking of information suggesting that Workplace Relations Minister, Brooke van Velden, is having to battle her own officials to deliver on the manifesto pledge of scrapping Fair Pay Agreements, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Ministers are elected representatives with a democratic mandate, and the...

    Read more about Brooke Already Battling the Blob Just 10 Days into New Government

  23. Barbara McKerrow’s $50,000 Pay Rise is an Embarrassment to Wellington Ratepayers

     According to Wellington City Council’s 2022/23 annual report, Barbara McKerrow received a $46,216 pay rise from 2021/22 to 2022/23. Her total renumeration now sits at $513,970.Responding to this revelation, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“At a time when Wellington City Council’s financials are in disarray, and with ratepayers set...

    Read more about Barbara McKerrow’s $50,000 Pay Rise is an Embarrassment to Wellington Ratepayers

  24. App Tax U-Turn will Punish Uber Drivers, Airbnb Hosts and Consumers

     Responding to reports that the National-led Government has decided to scrap its plans to reverse the previous Government’s app tax, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“We don’t have a tax problem in New Zealand, we have a spending problem. The new Government is proving to be gun-shy about making...

    Read more about App Tax U-Turn will Punish Uber Drivers, Airbnb Hosts and Consumers

  25. Nicola Willis Heeds Taxpayers’ Union’s Calls for Public Finance Reform

    Responding to Nicola Willis’ post-cabinet announcement that strengthening of the Public Finance Act is being considered, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“Earlier today, the Taxpayers’ Union wrote to Nicola Willis calling for precisely what has been announced.  We need to know how Ruth Richardson’s pioneering Fiscal Responsibility Reform...

    Read more about Nicola Willis Heeds Taxpayers’ Union’s Calls for Public Finance Reform

  26. Government must not be held hostage by film sector lobbyists

    Responding to reports that film sector lobbyists are crying out for even more corporate welfare, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy said:“Time and time again successive Governments have been warned about falling into the trap of becoming hostage to the film sector. Threats of leaving or fear-mongering of job losses...

    Read more about Government must not be held hostage by film sector lobbyists

  27. Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but the Government Can Always Do More

    Responding to reports that the Government has issued a stop-work notice on the $16 billion Lake Onslow Hydro-Electricity Scheme, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This project was always a white elephant that would never pass the sniff test of fiscal responsibility, costing more than $8000 for every...

    Read more about Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but the Government Can Always Do More

  28. Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but The Government Can Always Do More

     Responding to reports that the Government has issued a stop-work notice on the $16 billion Lake Onslow Hydro-Electricity Scheme, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This project was always a white elephant that would never pass the sniff test of fiscal responsibility, costing more than $8000 for every...

    Read more about Taxpayers Win by Scrapping White Elephant Lake Onslow Hydro Scheme, but The Government Can Always Do More

  29. Taxpayer Update: Grant's World Cup holiday 🥂🛫 | Media Independence 🤑⚖️ | Agency Rebrands 💸 | MP Pay 🧐

    Surprise! 💥 Grant Robertson's bombshells for the incoming government 💣 👀 It's out with the old in with the new at Parliament this week. The new ministers are madly hiring new staffers for their Beehive offices, and the 'BIMs' (briefings to incoming ministers) are being worked through.Our spies tell us that...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Grant's World Cup holiday 🥂🛫 | Media Independence 🤑⚖️ | Agency Rebrands 💸 | MP Pay 🧐

  30. Hastings Councillor Damon Harvey a ratepayer hero, Mayor Hazlehurst is the villain

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for Hastings District Councillor Damon Harvey to be reinstated in his committee chair role and the councillors to instead hold a vote of no confidence in the Mayor following revelations that he was stripped of his role after acknowledging the existence of a...

    Read more about Hastings Councillor Damon Harvey a ratepayer hero, Mayor Hazlehurst is the villain

  31. Taxpayers’ Union Offers to Design Government Department Logos for Free

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is offering to redesign logos for any renamed government departments for free in an effort to save taxpayers money following concerns that requiring a name change of government departments will give them an excuse to undergo an expensive rebrand.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Taxpayer-funded organisations will...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Offers to Design Government Department Logos for Free

  32. MPs in Depth: Todd Stephenson

    This week marks the return of our MPs in Depth series where we get to know some of Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Taxpayers' Union  Investigations Co-ordinator, Oliver Bryan, sits down with newly elected ACT Party MP, Todd Stephenson. Todd grew up in the South Island and obtained a law degree...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Todd Stephenson

  33. REVEALED: Grant Robertson’s Rugby World Cup jaunt sets taxpayers back almost $40,000

    The Taxpayers’ Union can today reveal that Grant Robertson’s attendance at the Rugby World Cup final in Paris cost taxpayers $39,605. Included in the cost was more than $32,000 in business class flights and more than $5000 in accommodation costs for the Minister and his staffer.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns...

    Read more about REVEALED: Grant Robertson’s Rugby World Cup jaunt sets taxpayers back almost $40,000

  34. Winston Peters is bang on with media trust

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing the Deputy Prime Minister’s criticism of the media’s acceptance of so-called “public interest journalism” funding and is calling on all profitable media outlets to pay the money back via a petition at www.taxpayers.org.nz/pay_it_backTaxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“The issue was never about bribing...

    Read more about Winston Peters is bang on with media trust

  37. Serious allegations from Nicola Willis require Government Inquiry

    Taxpayers will be alarmed that the Minister of Finance has said the new Government has discovered “nasty financial surprises” despite Ruth Richardson’s Fiscal Responsibility Act that was specifically designed to avoid the exact situation the new Government appears to be in.“Ms Willis is not prone to Winston Peters-style...

    Read more about Serious allegations from Nicola Willis require Government Inquiry

  38. Taxpayers’ Union - Hamilton City Council Should Target the Pencil Pushers Before Cutting Maintenance

     Responding to reports on Hamilton City Council’s cost-cutting measures ahead of threats of massive rates rises, with notable reductions to spending on road maintenance, landscaping and storm water drain cleaning, Connor Molloy, Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, says:“It is commendable to see a council which, faced with rising costs...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union - Hamilton City Council Should Target the Pencil Pushers Before Cutting Maintenance

  39. National Party U-Turn Will See Kiwi Families Punished by Stealth Tax Hikes

    The National Party’s admittedly soft touch promise to index income tax brackets to inflation every three years has failed to make it into either of their coalition agreements.Indexation would ensure that working New Zealanders keep paying the same in tax in real terms, and the abandonment of this...

    Read more about National Party U-Turn Will See Kiwi Families Punished by Stealth Tax Hikes

  40. Christchurch Ratepayers Ought to be Appalled by Council Overspend at Three Waters Department

    Responding to news that Christchurch City Council’s Three Waters department has overspent by $6.5 million on staffing positions since July of 2019, while the council is warning of double-digit rates hikes in the next Long-Term Plan, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“The Christchurch City Council needs to regain the...

    Read more about Christchurch Ratepayers Ought to be Appalled by Council Overspend at Three Waters Department

  42. Environment Canterbury Decides to Retain Democratically Unaccountable Councillors

    Regional council Environment Canterbury has voted against introducing Māori wards for the 2025 elections. Instead, they have opted to retain the current system featuring two unelected appointed councillors with full voting rights.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, commented:“Whether a council has Māori wards or not...

    Read more about Environment Canterbury Decides to Retain Democratically Unaccountable Councillors

  43. Christchurch Council Won’t Reveal Whether it’s Covering Up Failures at Ratepayers’ Expense

    Christchurch Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale is leaving her role without working a contractual 6-month notice period. This follows a period of poor performance marked by rock-bottom resident satisfaction and high staff turnover.A UK Government-ordered report shows that Baxendale’s tenure at Birmingham City Council was marked by similar council...

    Read more about Christchurch Council Won’t Reveal Whether it’s Covering Up Failures at Ratepayers’ Expense

  45. RNZ Chief Executive should be taking a pay cut, not a massive bonus

    According to RNZ’s latest annual report, Chief Executive, Paul Thompson, received a $65,538 bonus and a $13,628 pay rise for the 2022/23 financial year despite RNZ failing to meet its key performance targets and running an operating deficit of $739,000.Responding to this news, Campaigns Manager Connor Molloy said:“By...

    Read more about RNZ Chief Executive should be taking a pay cut, not a massive bonus

  46. Wellington Council Officials Must Face Consequences for Concealing Information

     Responding to revelations that Wellington City Council officials withheld an in-depth KPMG report into Wellington’s financial positions for months, giving councillors just 2 days to review the document before the Long-Term Plan meeting, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Yet again we have Wellington City officials getting too...

    Read more about Wellington Council Officials Must Face Consequences for Concealing Information

  47. All Flake and No Filling – Taxpayers’ Union Finds Mt. Messenger ‘Pieday Friday’ Scheme Half-Baked

     Responding to reports that Waka Kotahi is estimated to be spending up to $500,000 on a ‘Pieday Friday’ scheme for workers on the Mount Messenger Bypass, Connor Molloy, Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, says:“Waka Kotahi is yet again splashing taxpayers’ hard-earned cash as much as it pleases at a...

    Read more about All Flake and No Filling – Taxpayers’ Union Finds Mt. Messenger ‘Pieday Friday’ Scheme Half-Baked

  48. Rau Paenga Needs to be Upfront with Documents, Not Play Cloak-and-Dagger with Christchurch Residents

     Responding to news that crown infrastructure delivery agency, Rau Paenga, is yet again opposing the release of documents concerning their legal battles over the money pit Metro sports centre project in Christchurch, Connor Molloy, Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, says:“It’s bad enough that the Government is pursuing this white...

    Read more about Rau Paenga Needs to be Upfront with Documents, Not Play Cloak-and-Dagger with Christchurch Residents

  49. Taxpayer Update: MPs' big pay rise 💰📈 | Health system failures 👩🏼‍⚕️🤢 | Proposed land grab 🏝️🤏

    With both Callum and Jordan away today, the mantle of leading the fight on behalf of taxpayers has been left to me. As we play the waiting game for coalition negotiations, the Taxpayers' Union is still hard at work exposing extravagant waste and demanding accountability. In this week's edition, we...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: MPs' big pay rise 💰📈 | Health system failures 👩🏼‍⚕️🤢 | Proposed land grab 🏝️🤏

  50. Brand Over Budget: Hastings Council's $70,000 Logo Splurge

     The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that the Hastings District Council has spent over $70,000 on its recent rebranding initiative. A staggering $46,512 was allocated to "Strategy & Creative" for the logo's design and development, with an additional $19,850 for signage guidelines development."It's both startling and disheartening to witness such...

    Read more about Brand Over Budget: Hastings Council's $70,000 Logo Splurge

  52. All Revved Up with No Trucks to Show: Hydrogen Project Gaslights Taxpayers

     The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that a $6 million taxpayer-funded hydrogen truck initiative has failed to deliver a single truck, despite promises that they would be on the road by 2022.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers’ Union, expressed dismay, stating, "It's an affront to taxpayers that a project...

    Read more about All Revved Up with No Trucks to Show: Hydrogen Project Gaslights Taxpayers

  53. Transparency Test Failed: Key Ministries Yet to Embrace Ombudsman's Tool

     Taxpayers’ Union OIA's reveal that despite the Chief Ombudsman's introduction of a self-assessment tool in July, aimed at enhancing public sector transparency and adherence to official information protocols, prominent ministries and agencies including Waka Kotahi, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Justice have yet to utilize it as of September. Oliver...

    Read more about Transparency Test Failed: Key Ministries Yet to Embrace Ombudsman's Tool

  54. Taxpayers’ Union calls for prosecution of person who played campaign song at polling booth

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Electoral Commission to prosecute and fine the individual or organisation responsible for playing Te Pāti Māori’s campaign song at a polling booth on Election Day under s 197 of the Electoral Act 1993.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Electoral Commission must come...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls for prosecution of person who played campaign song at polling booth

  55. Western Bay of Plenty Land Grab proposal an affront to the right to property

     The Taxpayers' Union is slamming the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's suggestion that the Government forcefully take ownership of private property from its residents without compensation and lease it back to them as part of a climate change managed retreat framework.Taxpayers’ Union National Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:"While coastal erosion...

    Read more about Western Bay of Plenty Land Grab proposal an affront to the right to property

  56. Further headaches for floundering public health system demonstrate the failures of centralisation

     Responding to two different reports published in the last week lambasting the struggles that the new Public Health Authority and National Public Health Service (Te Whatu Ora) are experiencing daily, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“Taking health matters out of resident’s hands has proven to be a massive mistake, with the...

    Read more about Further headaches for floundering public health system demonstrate the failures of centralisation

  58. Chlöe Swarbrick’s pork barrel politics deserves criticism

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Green Party MP for Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick, for engaging in pork-barrel politics in relation to her calls for regulation and subsidies for the Waiheke Island’s ferry services.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Waiheke Island is home to some of the wealthiest communities...

    Read more about Chlöe Swarbrick’s pork barrel politics deserves criticism

  59. NEW POLL: National/ACT/NZ First hold Governing position, Luxon shoots ahead to become easily the preferred PM

    National is down 1 point to 37% and Labour is up 1 point to 28% when compared with the election result. ACT is down 1 point to 8%, the Greens are up 2 points to 14% and NZ First remains unchanged on 6%.The smaller parties are the Māori...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National/ACT/NZ First hold Governing position, Luxon shoots ahead to become easily the preferred PM

  60. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊💥 | $200k Golden Goodbye for CEO 💸 | Adrian Orr's Bonus 💰 | The change that is needed

    Callum is taking a post election break this week (and he surely deserves it!), so I've taken the helm to fight for taxpayers as we wait and see what the new government will look like (and, more importantly, what pre-election promises are actually followed through on!).In this week's...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊💥 | $200k Golden Goodbye for CEO 💸 | Adrian Orr's Bonus 💰 | The change that is needed

  61. Taxpayers’ Union willing to work with Greens on member’s bill to end Beehive to Lobbyist revolving door

     Following revelations that Ministry of Justice officials are concerned that “[m]ovement between roles in government and lobbying agencies can result in misuse of privileged information and unfair access”, the Taxpayers’ Union is reaffirming its commitment to work with any MP, regardless of their party, to end the business...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union willing to work with Greens on member’s bill to end Beehive to Lobbyist revolving door

  62. Taxpayers’ Union calls on opposition to focus on good policy, not politics

     Responding to news that a range of new taxes, including wealth and capital gains tax, are back on the table as potential Labour Party policies, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling on them to focus on good policy, not politics.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Taxes on wealth and capital are...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls on opposition to focus on good policy, not politics

  64. Taxpayers’ Union celebrates Taxpayer Appreciation Day

     The Taxpayers’ Union is today celebrating Taxpayer Appreciation Day to recognise the hard work of taxpayers who pay the bills of politicians and bureaucrats each and every day.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This year’s Taxpayer Appreciation Day is bittersweet for the team at the Taxpayers’ Union. We admire and...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union celebrates Taxpayer Appreciation Day

  65. Taxpayers' Union Calls for Probe into Commission's Favouritism for 'SenateSHJ'

    The Taxpayers’ Union’s Investigations Coordinator, Oliver Bryan, strongly condemns the recent revelations regarding the Commerce Commission’s engagement with SenateSHJ, a public relations and lobbying firm. “The Taxpayers’ Union finds it utterly unacceptable that the Commerce Commission, a regulatory body entrusted with ensuring fair play in the market, has seemingly allowed...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Calls for Probe into Commission's Favouritism for 'SenateSHJ'

  66. Pipes Not the Only Thing Failing at Wellington City Council

     Commenting on the news that upgrading Wellington’s ageing and leaking pipe network could cost a billion dollars a year, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“After years of financial mismanagement, Wellington City Council claims that it cannot afford to maintain core services such as water infrastructure. Why then...

    Read more about Pipes Not the Only Thing Failing at Wellington City Council

  67. New Parliament must deliver comprehensive reform for a more prosperous future

    The Taxpayers’ Union congratulates the members of the new Parliament and is calling on them to immediately begin delivering on the mandate from voters by slashing spending, cutting red tape, and unwinding the damage of big, inefficient, and high-cost government.Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“Scrapping Three Waters,...

    Read more about New Parliament must deliver comprehensive reform for a more prosperous future

  68. Taxpayers’ Union congratulates former Chair on election into Parliament

    The Taxpayers’ Union congratulates former Chair, and businesswoman, Casey Costello on her election to Parliament as a NZ First MP today.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Those who have worked with Casey will know that she is an extraordinary woman. Hardworking, ethical, and principled, we are are delighted to...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union congratulates former Chair on election into Parliament

  69. Bureaucracy bloat continues – managers growing three times as fast as frontline staff

    The Taxpayers' Union is reiterating it's earlier calls for the need to slash the size of the Public Service following newly released workforce data from the Public Service Commission showing the number of public servants at its highest ever number and managers growing at three times the rate of frontline...

    Read more about Bureaucracy bloat continues – managers growing three times as fast as frontline staff

  70. Taxpayer Update: We need to talk about Wellington 😕 | Bureaucracy blowout 🤓 | Grant Robertson's new job 🤫

    Things might have been a bit quiet in the world of politics as we await tomorrow's release of the final election results, but like rust, the waste and rot at town halls and in Wellington unfortunately never sleeps! In this week's Taxpayer Update, we tackle some town halls, and...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: We need to talk about Wellington 😕 | Bureaucracy blowout 🤓 | Grant Robertson's new job 🤫

  71. Dr Oliver Hartwich on how the incoming Government should reform the public service

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with the Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative, Dr Oliver Hartwich, to discuss how the incoming Government should reform the public service. Despite a mandate for change and a desire to unwind many of the policies of the...

    Read more about Dr Oliver Hartwich on how the incoming Government should reform the public service

  73. Competition to win All Blacks Tickets launched: Guess the cost of sending Grant Robertson to Rugby World Cup Final

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is launching a competition to win tickets to a 2024 All Blacks game with the winner being the person who makes the closest correct guess to the total cost to taxpayers of sending outgoing Sports Minister, Grant Robertson, to the Rugby World Cup final in Paris.A generous...

    Read more about Competition to win All Blacks Tickets launched: Guess the cost of sending Grant Robertson to Rugby World Cup Final

  74. Adrian Orr’s priorities demonstrate he is no longer fit for the job

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor, Adrian Orr, to resign or be sacked following revelations of yet another engagement focused on issues completely outside of his responsibility of price stability.Orr’s speech on Friday at the Chapter Zero NZ breakfast will focus...

    Read more about Adrian Orr’s priorities demonstrate he is no longer fit for the job

  75. Councils Living Beyond Their Means Need to Stop Punishing the Ratepayer

    Commenting on news that Hutt City Council rates could jump by as much as 19.9%, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“When councils present the choice of either massive rates rises or swingeing cuts to frontline services, they are presenting a false dichotomy. Over the last decade, council...

    Read more about Councils Living Beyond Their Means Need to Stop Punishing the Ratepayer

  76. Government Overregulation Sees Latest Attempt to Lower Food Prices Crash and Burn

    Commenting on the collapse of grocery delivery start-up Supie, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“In a surprise to absolutely no-one, a company attempting to break the grocery duopoly’s iron grip over New Zealand has collapsed. As it stands, there is just no way for competitors to succeed,...

    Read more about Government Overregulation Sees Latest Attempt to Lower Food Prices Crash and Burn

  77. Taxpayers' Union Calls for Genuine Public Participation in Māori Wards Debate

     The Taxpayers' Union is pressing the Greater Wellington, Hauraki, and Whanganui Councils, and all other councils considering Māori Wards, to uphold the spirit of democracy by initiating referenda. Even if such polls cannot be legally binding under the outgoing government’s legislation, they provide an invaluable opportunity for local...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Calls for Genuine Public Participation in Māori Wards Debate

  78. Taxpayers' Union Welcomes Chief Ombudsman's Report on Council Workshops

     The Taxpayers' Union endorses the recommendations made within the Chief Ombudsman’s report on council workshops. This investigation underscores serious issues, notably the confusion arising from varied terminology and the trend of workshops seemingly shrouded in secrecy.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers’ Union, said, "The findings of this...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Welcomes Chief Ombudsman's Report on Council Workshops

  79. Taxpayers the real losers from Grant Robertson’s Rugby World Cup final attendance

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the decision of outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to send Grant Robertson gallivanting across the world to attend the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris, a decision that was also endorsed by incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“While taxpayers are...

    Read more about Taxpayers the real losers from Grant Robertson’s Rugby World Cup final attendance

  80. Tail Wagging the Dog Again in Wellington City Council, Chief Executive Must Resign or Be Sacked

    Responding to news that Wellington City Council Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow had known for months that the town hall restoration project was $147 million over budget but decided to forego passing this information on the elected Councillors, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “For over 6 months, Wellington...

    Read more about Tail Wagging the Dog Again in Wellington City Council, Chief Executive Must Resign or Be Sacked

  84. Auditor General report highlights need for tough action from new Government on public service

     Responding to the Auditor General's comments in his 2022/23 annual report that “It is still too hard to to tell what New Zealanders are receiving for about $160 billion of central government expenditure each year, and whether or not this is value for money", Taxpayers' Union Head of Campaigns, Callum...

    Read more about Auditor General report highlights need for tough action from new Government on public service

  85. Christchurch City Council should look to trim the fat first before cutting key public services

     Responding to reports that Christchurch City ratepayers are staring down an 18% rate rise or significant cuts to key services so the Council can pay down $2 billion in debt, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“As with many other councils across the country, Christchurch City Council’s excessive spending...

    Read more about Christchurch City Council should look to trim the fat first before cutting key public services

  87. Michael Reddell on the declining standards in New Zealand public life

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with economist Michael Reddell. Michael is a former Head of Financial Markets at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, has worked for central banks of a number of other countries and has been an Alternate Executive Director...

    Read more about Michael Reddell on the declining standards in New Zealand public life

  88. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer-funded, anti-National 'sock-puppet' campaign | Cost of living poll | Winston Peters' right of reply

    With the final week of the election campaign nearly over, the race seems to be tightening. Two of this week's three major polls have the Centre Left bloc ahead of the Centre Right. So get your popcorn out; Saturday night could be a bumpy ride!Exposing sock-puppet electric car industry...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer-funded, anti-National 'sock-puppet' campaign | Cost of living poll | Winston Peters' right of reply

  90. Wellington’s water crisis highlights the need for councils' wasteful spending to be reeled in

    Responding to news from Wellington Water that the Wellington region is losing the equivalent of 30 Olympic-sized pools in water every day due to decaying pipes, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves said:“Historical failure to invest in key infrastructure may have led to this current water catastrophe, but unfortunately,...

    Read more about Wellington’s water crisis highlights the need for councils' wasteful spending to be reeled in

  91. NEW POLL: Kiwis oppose Government’s plans to strip planning powers from councils

    A new Taxpayers Union – Curia poll has found that 47% of Kiwis want planning powers to remain with local councils rather than be transferred to new regional planning committees made up of council, Government, and iwi and hapū appointees. With only 24% in favour of the Government’s RMA reforms and...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Kiwis oppose Government’s plans to strip planning powers from councils

  92. Charities Commission should deregister sock puppet group lying about benefits of EV subsidies

    The Taxpayers’ Union is raising the alarm about greenwashing by the Better NZ Trust – a taxpayer-funded charity – to promote the interests of the EV industry. The Trust is running a deceptive six-figure campaign across social media and billboards claiming – falsely – that the removal of...

    Read more about Charities Commission should deregister sock puppet group lying about benefits of EV subsidies

  93. NEW POLL: Kiwis overwhelmingly support inflation-adjustment of income tax brackets

    A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has revealed that 63% of New Zealanders support inflation adjustment of income tax brackets compared to just 14% who are opposed.There was majority support across every demographic (gender, age, area, economic status, and preferred political party).The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a new...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Kiwis overwhelmingly support inflation-adjustment of income tax brackets

  95. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National’s commitment not to hike fuel taxes

    Commenting on National’s fuel tax commitment, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“In the middle of a cost of living crisis, hiking fuel taxes – as Labour is still proposing – is morally wrong. Fuel taxes disproportionately hit rural and the poorest communities – such as shift workers – the hardest."Ruling out further hikes is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National’s commitment not to hike fuel taxes

  96. NEW POLL: Kiwis don’t believe Winston when he says he would not work with the Labour Party again

    A new Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll has found that most New Zealanders don't believe Winston Peters when he says that New Zealand First would not be willing to put the Labour Party back into Government. The poll asked: Do you believe Winston Peters when he says he would not work with the...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Kiwis don’t believe Winston when he says he would not work with the Labour Party again

  98. Pharmac Chief Executive Lacks Respect for Public Scrutiny, Unsuitable for Public Office

    Responding to news that Pharmac Chief Executive Sarah Fitt took part in a series of personal attacks against journalist Rachel Smalley, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “The strength of our democracy depends on the media being able to hold the government to account, and no public employee...

    Read more about Pharmac Chief Executive Lacks Respect for Public Scrutiny, Unsuitable for Public Office

  99. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊⚫️ | Hipkins: Our no. 1 fan ❤️🏆 | 'ESC' WellingtonNZ's NYC IT/PR bungle ⌨️🛫🍎

    There are eight days left until polls close, and we have a chockablock update for you this week.Your humble Taxpayers' Union has been travelling the length of the country towing the Debt Clock to highlight the high levels of Government debt. Right now Grant Robertson's borrowing amounts to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊⚫️ | Hipkins: Our no. 1 fan ❤️🏆 | 'ESC' WellingtonNZ's NYC IT/PR bungle ⌨️🛫🍎

Sign up here to find out how your tax dollars are really being spent