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  1. Media Release: Pre-election Books – Avoiding False Impressions

    The Taxpayers’ Union has heard from sources that Nicky Hager is working on a book which is focused at the Taxpayers’ Union. We are aware of him approaching former members of staff asking them to breach confidences.Chairman of the Taxpayers’ Union, Laurie Kubiak said:“With elections often being the...

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  2. National MP Chris Bishop on the RMA replacement and National's alternative

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party MP, Chris Bishop, to discuss the Government's proposed replacement to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and what National would do with resource management if elected. Chris Bishop is National's spokesperson for RMA reform, Infrastructure and...

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  4. Casey Costello thanked for significant contribution to Taxpayers’ Union mission

    The Taxpayers’ Union recognises former chair and board member, Casey Costello and thanks her for the significant contribution she has made as a volunteer. Over the weekend, Ms Costello was announced as a candidate for NZ First. Taxpayers’ Union Chair, Laurie Kubiak, said:“Casey has been a long-time financial supporter...

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  5. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes NZ First recommitment to indexation but condemns ‘picking winners’ tax incentives

     Commenting on the tax announcements in New Zealand First’s campaign launch, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “Record levels of inflation have not only eroded Kiwis’ incomes, but have forced many to hand over a higher share of their wages to the Government each year. We already adjust...

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  6. National’s Minister for Barry Crump a Slap in the Face for Those Facing Financial Pressure

    The Taxpayers’ Union is telling the National Party not to waste money on a ridiculous “Minister for Hunting and Fishing”, which will add little, but cost a lot. Jordan Williams, a Spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“It’s all very well to have a hunting and fishing policy, but...

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  8. Taxpayers and Ratepayers Subsidizing Irresponsible Property Investors

    Responding to news that the Government has pledged $15 million towards the restoration of the St James Theatre in Auckland, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The Government’s offer to provide $15 million in funding towards restoring the St James Theatre - in addition to the $15 million...

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  9. Taxpayer Update: Wealth tax will hamper entrepreneurial growth 🤑📉 | Taxpayers footing bill for Pamū animal welfare fines 🐮😔 | Pūhoi to Warkworth blowout 🚗🥳

    More bad news on the cost of living frontThis week's slight dip in the inflation figures will not come as much consolation for families across New Zealand who are struggling with the cost of living. While the overall rate may have dropped, food price increases and domestic inflation...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Wealth tax will hamper entrepreneurial growth 🤑📉 | Taxpayers footing bill for Pamū animal welfare fines 🐮😔 | Pūhoi to Warkworth blowout 🚗🥳

  10. Revealed: Taxpayers Pay For Yet Another Film Commission Junket

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the New Zealand Film Commission spent over $73,000 sending staff to Cannes Film Festival.The Taxpayers' Union condemns the New Zealand Film Commission's (NZFC) recent excursion to the Cannes Film Festival. An Official Information Act request (OIA) has revealed that the NZFC sent a delegation...

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  11. Parker's Fuel Tax Comments Tone-Deaf During Cost-of-Living Crisis

    Responding to David Parker’s comments that hiking fuel taxes even further is not out of the question for Labour’s much-delayed transport budget, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Fuel taxes hit poor and rural households the hardest, and we are just a few weeks since Labour last hiked fuel taxes...

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  12. James Shaw called out for greenwashing with $90 million in corporate welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out James Shaw for greenwashing for wasting $90 million on corporate welfare for Fonterra which will not reduce one gram of New Zealand’s net emissions.Reacting to the announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The taxpayer-funded handout to one of the country’s largest companies won’t make a...

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  13. Revealed: Taxpayers Still Being Forced To Pay Animal Welfare Fines For Pamū Farmers

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that in the past three years, Pamū Landcorp has paid $2530 in fines on behalf of their employees for animal welfare offences.The Taxpayers’ Union is shocked this is still occurring having called this out three years ago and is renewing calls for the practice of using taxpayer...

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  15. Highway Hoedown: Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport throw $45k Party for Puhoi-Warkworth Highway Opening.

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport have spent $44,380.74 on the opening ceremony for the Puhoi to Warkworth highway. Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, commented: “Clearly Waka Kotahi still hasn’t learnt their lesson after last year’s Transmission Gully opening ceremony fiasco. It’s simply...

    Read more about Highway Hoedown: Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport throw $45k Party for Puhoi-Warkworth Highway Opening.

  16. Waka Kotahi's Office Splurge

    The Taxpayers' Union strongly condemns Waka Kotahi's overspending of nearly $4 million on a new office. Despite clear warnings about potential risks and high costs, the agency chose to spend $28.5 million on the new premises, raising serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of taxpayer funds.Callum...

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  17. Ineffective $1 million truancy awareness campaign simply unjustifiable

    Ineffective $1 million truancy awareness campaign simply unjustifiableCommenting on the $1 million advertising campaign to raise awareness about low school attendance, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Declining attendance rates were receiving media coverage throughout 2022. Kiwis didn't need a $1 million advertising campaign to tell them that New Zealand...

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  18. One in eight cigarettes now come from the black market

    New data from KPMG suggests organised crime will the biggest winner from new measures targeting cash-strapped smokers, warns the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.The share of tobacco consumption sourced from New Zealand's black market has increased to 12.1%, up from 9.2% in 2017, according to KMPG's latest regular inquiry into illicit tobacco...

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  19. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Hung Parliament, Māori Party up 📊😳 | Hipkins rules out wealth and capital gains taxes

    NEW POLL: Hung Parliament as Māori Party and ACT make gains 📊😳Exclusively for our supporters like you, here are the results of July's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll:National drops 2.4 points on last month to 33.3% while Labour drops 1.8 points to 31.1%. ACT is up 0.5 points to...

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  20. OCR freeze is little comfort to Kiwis already struggling with the cost of living

    OCR freeze is little comfort to Kiwis already struggling with the cost of livingCommenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to leave the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Today’s OCR freeze will be of little comfort to Kiwis who are already struggling with the...

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  22. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ruling out of wealth and capital gains taxes – but Hipkins must go further

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed today’s announcement from Chris Hipkins ruling out a wealth or capital gains tax under any future government he leads, but is calling on him to extend this commitment by promising no new taxes whatsoever.Reacting to the announcement, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“This is the announcement...

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  24. Education Mandarins Put Taxpayers Before Farming Lobby

    Education Mandarins Put Taxpayers Before Farming LobbyCommenting on the news that the Ministry of Education has chosen to use cheaper imported carpet rather than use more expensive alternatives made from domestically produced wool, Taxpayers' Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:"We commend the Ministry of Education for prioritising value for...

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  26. Green’s Plans to Drive Renters into Squalor Won’t Tackle Housing Crisis

    Responding to the Green Party’s proposal to cap rent increases to a maximum 3% per year, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“There have been countless attempts to introduce rent control in countries all over the globe, and the evidence is clear as day; rent control does not work.“Wishful...

    Read more about Green’s Plans to Drive Renters into Squalor Won’t Tackle Housing Crisis

  27. Taxpayer Update: Parker's planning power grab gets worse 🏘️⚖️ | MBIE's rocketing expenses 🚀💸 | David Farrar on New Zealand media bias 📰📺

    It has been another busy week in politics. While the Prime Minister has been away in China, his Ministers have continued to cause him problems at home. Having already lost three Ministers in the last few months, he will have been relieved to hear that the Privileges Committee found...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Parker's planning power grab gets worse 🏘️⚖️ | MBIE's rocketing expenses 🚀💸 | David Farrar on New Zealand media bias 📰📺

  28. Government must stop giving handouts to universities returning surpluses

    Government must stop giving handouts to universities returning surplusesResponding to news that a number of universities returned significant surpluses last year while still calling for government handouts, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Universities across New Zealand have been crying poverty for months, and in response this week the Government...

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  29. Taxpayers’ Union exposes hypocrisy of High-Tax Campaigners

    Taxpayers’ Union exposes hypocrisy of High-Tax CampaignersThe Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that none of the various wealthy people, celebrities, and former civil servants who signed a letter calling for higher taxes have put their money where their mouth is and contributed further from their own pocket to fuel Grant Robertson’s...

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  30. Farmers need less red tape, not taxpayer handouts

    Farmers need less red tape, not taxpayer handoutsThe Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to prioritise reducing unnecessary and costly regulations for those growers, farmers and businesses affected by North Island weather events rather than providing them with taxpayer-funded handouts.Commenting on today’s support package announced by the Government, Taxpayers’ Union...

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  31. Taxpayers' Union Exposes Outrageous Government Junket to Space Conference

    Taxpayers' Union Exposes Outrageous Government Junket to Space ConferenceThe Taxpayers' Union has uncovered that the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) indulged New Zealand's Space Agency in a recent trip to the USA, costing $36,760.07. An Official Information Request revealed that the NZ Space Agency flew business...

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  33. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National Party Commitment to repeal RMA replacement bill

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today welcoming the news that National is joining the ACT Party in its commitment to repeal the Government’s replacement to the Resource Management Act if it is passed before the election.The announcement comes as a Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll undertaken earlier this month showed strong opposition...

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  36. Taxpayer Update: Stop Central Planning 📰 ☭ | Future of Local Government 📜 | Tax Hikes 🛑

    Three Waters 2.0: Our ad in the Herald exposing David Parker's central planning "reforms"With the support of hundreds of supporters like you, we managed to secure a four-page lift-out in the NZ Herald this week to coincide with the final day on our 'Hands Off Our Homes: Stop Central Planning...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Stop Central Planning 📰 ☭ | Future of Local Government 📜 | Tax Hikes 🛑

  38. Future for Local Government Report focuses on the wrong issues

    Commenting on He piki tūranga, he piki kōtuku –The future for local government final report, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“New Zealand is one of the most highly centralized countries in the world. Just around a tenth of government expenditure is delivered through our councils. And those councils are extremely large...

    Read more about Future for Local Government Report focuses on the wrong issues

  40. ETS must be allowed to do its job of reducing net carbon emissions

     Responding to the publication of the Ministry for the Environment’s consultation document, New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The beauty of the Emissions Trading Scheme is that it ensures that we reduce net emissions and work towards our international climate commitments in the most...

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  42. Government’s high taxes and big spending are stunting economic growth

    Commenting on this morning’s GDP figures, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“While the impacts of the severe weather events earlier in this year will have damaged primary production, the Government needs to shoulder much of the blame for this economic contraction. Its spending addiction has driven inflation to record levels...

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  43. Te Pūkenga payout highlights why public sector golden goodbye culture must end

    Commenting on news that the former Te Pūkenga chief executive, Stephen Town, was paid out close to $200,000, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “The Government’s polytechnic merger was always a bad idea and one driven by their obsession with centralization. Far from delivering efficiencies, Te Pūkenga has simply created additional...

    Read more about Te Pūkenga payout highlights why public sector golden goodbye culture must end

  44. Tim Shadbolt's request for a ratepayer-funded statue of himself beggars belief

    Commenting on former Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt’s request for a ratepayer-funded statue of himself, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“It beggars belief that Tim Shadbolt thinks this is an appropriate use of Invercargill residents' money, especially considering that the public have already had to pay for his enormous ratepayer-funded mayoral...

    Read more about Tim Shadbolt's request for a ratepayer-funded statue of himself beggars belief

  45. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊🟢 | Parker's First RMA U-Turn ↩️⚖️ | ACT's plan to slash red tape ✂️🟡

    NEW POLL: Centre Right could form government while Greens see bump in support 📊🟢Exclusively for our supporters like you, here are the results of June's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll:National is unchanged from last month on 36% while Labour drops 1 point to 33%. ACT is also unchanged on 13%...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊🟢 | Parker's First RMA U-Turn ↩️⚖️ | ACT's plan to slash red tape ✂️🟡

  46. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACT policy announcement to reduce red tape

    Commenting on ACT’s ‘Policing Red Tape and Regulation’ policy announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Red tape and regulation are some of the biggest hand brakes on New Zealand’s prosperity. They make it more difficult for people to run businesses, hamper growth and investment, and ultimately drive up the...

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  47. Taxpayer Update: Stop Central Planning Committees 🛑🏘️ | Trustee tax rate hike 💰🔺 | It's time for tax cuts ✂️💵

    Taxpayers' Union on Tour: Stop Central Planning Committees 🛑🏘️On Monday, we kicked off our nationwide tour to Stop Central Planning Committees in Christchurch and the team are currently working their way down the South Island – tonight we are jointly hosting an event with Federated Farmers at 6pm at the Invercargill...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Stop Central Planning Committees 🛑🏘️ | Trustee tax rate hike 💰🔺 | It's time for tax cuts ✂️💵

  48. Taxpayers’ Union kicks off roadshow, first Government backdown on RMA reform

    On the same day the Taxpayers’ Union kicked off the Hands Off Our Homes: Stop Central Planning Committees roadshow, David Parker has shown his first backdown in relation to one of the most controversial aspects of his RMA reforms.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, says:“After contacting Minister Parker, informing him of our nationwide...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union kicks off roadshow, first Government backdown on RMA reform

  49. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director to lead World Taxpayers Associations

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union extends its congratulations to its Co-founder and Executive Director, Jordan Williams, who was elected Chair and President of World Taxpayers Associations (WTA) at this week's WTA General Meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, by the attending 22 taxpayer-protection organisations from 20 countries. The WTA is an international coalition of 47 taxpayer...

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  50. OCR hike demonstrates need to rein in Government spending

    Commenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to increase the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by a further 25 basis points, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Continuing high levels of inflation have clearly forced the Reserve Bank to hike up interest rates even more. This means that families will not only have to bear...

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  51. Taxpayers' Union launches nationwide Hands Off Our Homes! roadshow

    After the success of the Stop Three Waters roadshow last year, the Taxpayers’ Union is hitting the road once again for a four-week, nationwide roadshow to hear and highlight the concerns of ratepayers and councils threatened by the Government’s proposed replacement to the Resource Management Act.The itinerary will see Taxpayers’ Union team members visiting...

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  52. Hands Off Our Homes: Stop Central Planning Committees Roadshow Itinerary

    North IslandWellington @ 7 June, 6PMAcademy Galleries1 Queens Wharf, Wellington CBD, Wellington, 6011Lower Hutt @ 8 June, 10AM26 Laings Rd, outside the Council officesMasterton @ 8 June, 6PMCo-hosted by our friends, Federated FarmersLansdowne House15 Keir Crescent, Lansdowne, Masterton, 5810Palmerston North @ 9 June, 6PMCo-hosted by our friends, Federated FarmersPalmerston North Community Leisure...

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  54. Grant’s gaming gamble is corporate welfare for well connected friends

    The Taxpayers’ Union has condemned the Government’s decision to allocate $160 million in rebates to the gaming sector over the next four years – calling it ‘corporate welfare’.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“It was quite incredible to watch the gaming sector lobbyists in the budget lock up celebrate the ‘win’...

    Read more about Grant’s gaming gamble is corporate welfare for well connected friends

  55. Government is greenwashing: $182.5 million more in climate subsidies that won’t reduce net emissions by a single gram

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Government Greenwashing in its justification of spending at least $182.5 million of taxpayer dollars over the next four years on environmental subsidies that will fail to reduce net emissions. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“The Government loves to crow about the action it is taking...

    Read more about Government is greenwashing: $182.5 million more in climate subsidies that won’t reduce net emissions by a single gram

  56. So much for no new taxes. Government hikes trustee tax rates

    The Taxpayers’ Union has condemned the Government’s announcement that it will increase the trustee tax rate to 39 cents in the dollar to align it with the highest personal income tax rate.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Chris Hipkins’s ‘no new taxes’ pledge lasted about a week with today’s trustee tax...

    Read more about So much for no new taxes. Government hikes trustee tax rates

  57. Two tax hikes, and an LED light bulb. Nothing for middle New Zealand in this budget

    Commenting on today’s budget announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“With the exception of rolling out free ECE to two years and dropping prescription co-payments, there is almost nothing that the average taxpayer receives from today, except higher fuel taxes and a promise to increase trustee taxes next year.“The...

    Read more about Two tax hikes, and an LED light bulb. Nothing for middle New Zealand in this budget

  58. Cost of living be damned! Fuel tax hike from July will hit lower income and rural New Zealanders hardest

    The Taxpayers’ Union has slammed the Government’s decision to hike fuel taxes from July. The 25 cent reduction in petrol excise (29 cents with GST) and the equivalent reduction in diesel road user charges will be scrapped at the end of June.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Despite all the promises...

    Read more about Cost of living be damned! Fuel tax hike from July will hit lower income and rural New Zealanders hardest

  59. Labour should be stealing taxpayer-friendly policies from opposition parties

    Reacting to today’s policy announcements from National and the alternative budget from ACT, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Labour Party to copy the best parts of these proposals and show some fiscal restraint.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:“We congratulate the opposition parties for putting forward taxpayer-friendly policies and...

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  61. Taxpayers’ Union Launches Major New Campaign to Stop David Parker’s Central Planning Committees

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today launching a major new campaign to protect NewZealanders from higher building costs, more red tape, no local control and more co-governance that would result from the Government’s proposed replacement to the Resource Management Act.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“We never thought we’d be defending the Resource...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Launches Major New Campaign to Stop David Parker’s Central Planning Committees

  62. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Centre-Right can form government 📊🟡 | $420k for a new website 💻💸 | Axe the Inflation Tax 📈💵

    NEW POLL: ACT boost means Centre Right can form Government in latest poll 📊🟡Exclusively for our supporters like you, here are the results of May's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll:National drops one point this month to be on 36% but retakes the lead over Labour which falls back three points...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Centre-Right can form government 📊🟡 | $420k for a new website 💻💸 | Axe the Inflation Tax 📈💵

  63. Chucking millions of taxpayers’ money at 'green' banks will not reduce emissions

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union slams spurious claims by the Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw, that a $300 Million increase in New Zealand Green Investment Finance’s (NZGIF) funding will reduce emissions.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, says:“Once again, the Government doesn't seem to understand its own Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)....

    Read more about Chucking millions of taxpayers’ money at 'green' banks will not reduce emissions

  64. Taxpayers Liable for Second-Rate Development Risks

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union questions the Government’s decision to double down on exposing taxpayers to risky development schemes following the announcement that they plan to invest a further $159 million in projects at risk of failure.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, says:“We all recognize that the housing shortage is the...

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  65. Government ideology driving up house prices, increasing cost of living

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s plans to implement a cap on emissions from new buildings - a policy which will drive up house prices and put more pressure on Kiwi families during a cost of living crisis.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves says:“A cap on construction emissions...

    Read more about Government ideology driving up house prices, increasing cost of living

  66. Taxpayer Update: Nosey Parker's envy tax report 🤑💰 | Scrap the Ute Tax 🏹🛻 | Ruth Richardson on 'no solutions' budget 📰🎙️

    Nosey Parker's Pet Project: The envy tax report 🤑💰Last week, the IRD published its much anticipated report on high net wealth individuals. Their research project looked at the level of tax paid by just over 300 of the wealthiest New Zealanders. They carried out this project thanks to new...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Nosey Parker's envy tax report 🤑💰 | Scrap the Ute Tax 🏹🛻 | Ruth Richardson on 'no solutions' budget 📰🎙️

  67. Outrageous that ‘super rich’ getting winter energy payments to warm pools

    Outrageous that ‘super rich’ getting winter energy payments to warm poolsThe Taxpayers’ Union is accusing Government Ministers of crocodile tears about the so-called ‘super rich’ inequality given their defence of the winter energy payment going to those who clearly don’t need it.Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Jordan Williams, says:“Taxing those struggling with the...

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  69. Taxpayers’ Union Annual Review Released

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today released its annual review, covering the last 12 months of operations.The report is available online here. Hard copies are also available on request.Taxpayers’ Union Chairman, Laurence Kubiak, says:“Between the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union and our sister group, the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance, our campaigns in the last 12 months have...

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  70. Are the National Party serious about good fiscal management or not?

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the National Party’s commitment to continuing government contributions to the NZ Super Fund, despite growing public debt and economic headwinds.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says:“Let’s be very clear what this policy involves: the National Party are saying they will continue to borrow in...

    Read more about Are the National Party serious about good fiscal management or not?

  71. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ‘no new taxes’ budget pledge but devil will be in the detail

    Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ‘no new taxes’ budget pledge but devil will be in the detailCommenting on the Prime Minister’s pre-budget speech, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“While the cyclone recovery will be costly, hiking taxes on hardworking New Zealanders during a cost of living crisis would have been the...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ‘no new taxes’ budget pledge but devil will be in the detail

  73. Taxpayer Update: The $153,000 wallaby 🦘 | Co-governance, a Northern Ireland perspective 🇬🇧🇮🇪 | Welfare for airlines 🛫

    Hopping mad: COVID-19 funding to ‘destroy’ wallabies for $153,000 a pop 🦘🔫 After almost six months’ worth of excuses, transfers and extensions on an Official Information Act request sent back in November, your humble Taxpayers' Union has revealed that taxpayers and Otago ratepayers have forked out more than $2.76 million and employed...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: The $153,000 wallaby 🦘 | Co-governance, a Northern Ireland perspective 🇬🇧🇮🇪 | Welfare for airlines 🛫

  74. A lesson from Northern Ireland: Where co-government often means no government at all

    This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland. It ended a decades-long conflict between Irish Republicans and British Unionists.As a relative newcomer to New Zealand and someone who spent time working in Northern Irish politics, I have noticed political parallels...

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  75. ACT MP Simon Court on Three Waters and the Proposed RMA Reforms

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, sits down with ACT Party MP, Simon Court, to discuss the recent Three Waters rebrand, the proposed resource management reforms and what ACT is proposing to solve New Zealand's significant infrastructure and planning problems.Simon Court is ACT's...

    Read more about ACT MP Simon Court on Three Waters and the Proposed RMA Reforms

  76. Affluent Airline Assistance – Councils funnel millions into failing regional flight services

    The Taxpayers’ Union has revealed that several councils have forked out millions of ratepayer dollars to subsidise a private airline and the wealthy individuals using it.Across Kāpiti Coast, Whakatāne, and Whanganui, ratepayers have footed the bill for over $2 million in corporate (and middle-class) welfare to maintain regular...

    Read more about Affluent Airline Assistance – Councils funnel millions into failing regional flight services

  77. Misleading statements used to justify another $16 million in corporate welfare for big business

    Misleading statements used to justify another $16 million in corporate welfare for big businessThe Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Minister of Energy and Resources, Megan Woods, for her claim that the Government Investment in Industry Decarbonisation Fund (GIDI) will reduce New Zealand’s emissions.Announcing the Round Four recipients of the GIDI...

    Read more about Misleading statements used to justify another $16 million in corporate welfare for big business

  78. Waka Kotahi’s fee changes a blatant tax grab and additional barrier to upskilling

    Waka Kotahi’s fee changes a blatant tax grab and additional barrier to upskillingChanges to motor vehicle licensing and registration fees will whack productive New Zealanders with higher costs while Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency) continues to grow its backroom bureaucracy warns the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.When the proposed changes...

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  79. Give us a break: Inflation figures demonstrate need for tax relief and public spending restraint

    Commenting on today’s inflation figures announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The overall rate of inflation remains stubbornly high despite an aggressive tightening of monetary policy by the Reserve Bank. The fact that non-tradable inflation is at its highest level since the series began demonstrates that the problem...

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  80. Misleading comments by Biosecurity New Zealand on Otago wallaby cull called out

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Biosecurity NZ for what appear to be misleading statements suggesting that the Otago wallaby cull cost ($2.76 million for 18 animals or $153,000 per wallaby destroyed) is justified on the basis that the number “in no way represented the number killed”.John Walsh of Biosecurity...

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  81. Taxpayers should be hopping mad at $153,000 kill cost per wallaby in Otago

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that taxpayers and Otago Regional Council ratepayers have forked out $2.76 million and more than 26,000 hours of work for a wallaby control programme that killed just 18 wallabies.The Otago component of the National Wallaby Eradication Programme administered by Biosecurity New Zealand cost...

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  82. Local Government Minister yet to meet with Three Waters Critics

    The Taxpayer’s Union is still waiting for Local Government Minister, Kieran McAnulty, to respond to the invitation to meet and discuss improvements to the Government’s controversial Three Waters programme. The Minister agreed to meet with concerned mayors last month but has not responded to the Union’s request for ratepayers to...

    Read more about Local Government Minister yet to meet with Three Waters Critics

  83. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Māori Party holds balance of power 📊 | Henry VIII power grab ⚖️💥 | Time to end Beehive's lobbying revolving door 💼💰

    NEW POLL: Māori Party holds the balance of power 📊Available exclusively to supporters like you, we can reveal the results of our April Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll. Labour is up one point to 37% and National is up two points to 37%. ACT is up one point to 10% while the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Māori Party holds balance of power 📊 | Henry VIII power grab ⚖️💥 | Time to end Beehive's lobbying revolving door 💼💰

  84. Taxpayer Talk: Ray Chung on Wellington City Council's 12.3% Rate Hike

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, sits down with Wellington City Councillor, Ray Chung, to discuss Wellington’s shocking 12.3% rates rise and why this is being driven by inefficient, wasteful spending at the Council.Councillor Chung was elected just last year as the representative...

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  87. Access to information fundamental for accountability

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Te Whatu Ora to immediately prioritise republishing key health reporting data after it was revealed that it was taken down nearly three weeks ago.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves Says:“Easy access to key data and performance metrics are fundamental for ensuring accountability and...

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  88. Taxpayer Update: Manager numbers explode 👩🏻‍💼👨🏻‍💼🔺 | Virtue signalling over cutting net emissions 🌡️😔 | City Rail Link throws good money after bad 🚆🤑

    🔍 Taxpayer Investigation: Public sector managers growing at double rate of frontline workers 👩🏻‍💼👨🏻‍💼🔺While the Government has denied for years that Wellington's 'head offices' are getting bloated, your humble Taxpayers' Union has exposed that public sector managers have been growing at nearly twice the rate of frontline workers since the current Government came...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Manager numbers explode 👩🏻‍💼👨🏻‍💼🔺 | Virtue signalling over cutting net emissions 🌡️😔 | City Rail Link throws good money after bad 🚆🤑

  89. Access to information fundamental for accountability

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Te Whatu Ora to immediately prioritise republishing key health reporting data after it was revealed that it was taken down nearly three weeks ago.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves Says:“Easy access to key data and performance metrics are fundamental for ensuring accountability and...

    Read more about Access to information fundamental for accountability

  90. Ministerial power grab must be stopped

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union condemns the Government’s decision to allow only one day for written submissions on the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill.The proposed legislation would allow a minister to exempt, modify, or extend provisions of almost any piece of legislation without any form of democratic scrutiny.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves says:“This bill would...

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  91. ETS must be allowed to do its job of reducing net carbon emissions

    Responding to the Ministry for the Environment’s announcement of a review into New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, says:“While a review of New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme is long overdue, the Government’s prioritisation of reducing gross carbon emissions over net emissions is illogical and ill-informed. Such an...

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  92. Public sector managers growing at twice the rate of frontline workers

    Public sector managers growing at twice the rate of frontline workersFigures unearthed by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union reveal that the growth in public sector managers is almost twice that of frontline social, health and education workers.Since 2017, the frontline workforce for social services, health and education has increased by...

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  93. Government should not be spending taxpayer money to lobby itself

    The Taxpayers’ Union has slammed the revelation that government agencies and State Owned Enterprises are spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on lobbying firms as revealed by Radio NZ this morning.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Taxpayers’ money should not be used to pay for sock puppets to lobby the...

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  94. Local Government Minister should meet Taxpayers’ Union on Three Waters

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is pleased to hear that the Minister of Local Government, Kieran McAnulty, has invited concerned mayors to the Beehive to discuss the Three Waters reforms but believe he should meet with the country’s largest taxpayer and ratepayer organization too.The Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, has written to the Minister requesting...

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  95. Taxpayer Update: Planning Power Grab 🏠🛑 | Wellington must stop hoarding taxes 💰⚠️ | Avatar producers should pay back subsidies 🎥💸

    Time to stop Parker's planning power grab 🏠🛑Last week, we blew the whistle on the Government's planning reforms, which seek to replace the awful Resource Management Act with something even worse. It takes all the worst elements of Three Waters – like seizing powers from councils and introducing unelected...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Planning Power Grab 🏠🛑 | Wellington must stop hoarding taxes 💰⚠️ | Avatar producers should pay back subsidies 🎥💸

  97. Bigger doesn’t mean better – Canterbury and Waikato Supercities are a bad idea

    Bigger doesn’t mean better – Canterbury and Waikato Supercities are a bad ideaThe New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says that proposals from Hamilton and Christchurch City Councils to create new supercities are a bad idea that would increase costs for ratepayers, undermine local control and reduce democratic accountability.The Union is also calling on the Government to commission...

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  98. Avatar producers should pay back taxpayer subsidies

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union congratulates Wētā FX on their success at the Oscars with Avatar: The Way of Water but is disappointed that it is tainted by the millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies that franchise has received.Taxpayers have forked out over $140 million in subsidies for the Avatar sequels, the first of which grossed...

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  99. Hard-working Kiwi taxpayers deserve indexation too

    Today’s announcement that the Government is adjusting superannuation and main benefits for inflation highlights the need for a principled approach to income taxes.“While those receiving taxpayer support get an adjustment, hard-working New Zealanders are going backwards each and every day,” says Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves.“Indexing tax brackets for...

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  100. $1 billion savings welcome – but policy campfire doesn't go far enough

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of $1 billion of savings from dropping unpopular policies, including that ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme, but has said that this does not go far enough.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:"This $568 million 'cash for clunkers' scheme was simply classic middle class...

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