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  2. Taxpayers’ Union celebrates slashing of housing red tape in Wellington

    Reacting to today’s vote on the District Plan and the recommendations of the Independent Housing Panel, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Housing, like any market, is a simply a matter of demand and supply but unfortunately red tape and regulation has effectively made it illegal to build an affordable...

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  3. Ruapehu bailout throwing good money after bad, after bad, after bad, after bad

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s announcement to give Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) another $7 million in corporate welfare bringing the total value of taxpayer-funded handouts they have received to $27.35 million in just the past two years.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This is the fifth time the...

    Read more about Ruapehu bailout throwing good money after bad, after bad, after bad, after bad

  4. Climate Change Commission insistent on making emissions reduction expensive

    Reacting to today’s release of the Climate Change Commission’s advice on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Taxpayers’ Union climate policy spokesperson, Connor Molloy, said:“The advice, if accepted, would continue to keep carbon prices arbitrarily high, pushing up prices for consumers and making it more expensive to reduce net...

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  5. New Zealand should follow Australia’s lead and abolish tariffs

    The Taxpayers’ Union is renewing its calls to abolish all tariffs following reports that Australia plans to unilaterally abolish nearly 500 of its tariffs.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“With the stroke of a pen, the Government could help households struggling with the cost of living by eliminating tariffs that...

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  6. Taxpayers’ Union slams unbelievable rates hike from Greater Wellington Regional Council

    Responding to Greater Wellington Regional Council's proposal to hike its rates by 19.8% for the 2024/25 financial year, Taxpayers Union spokesman, Alex Murphy, said:"Time and again we see councils come up with these ludicrous rates hikes to scare ratepayers into thinking that this is just the way it...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union slams unbelievable rates hike from Greater Wellington Regional Council

  7. National’s changes to Labour Trust Tax Bill pathetic and kicks farmers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s recommended changes to the proposed trust tax hike saying they barely touch the sides. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“The recommended $10,000 income de minimis amount is pathetic. Many of those people who legitimately use trusts for asset...

    Read more about National’s changes to Labour Trust Tax Bill pathetic and kicks farmers

  8. Department of Conservation must conserve taxpayer money

    Responding to claims from the Department of Conservation (DoC) that they are ‘spread too thin’ and are unable to perform their functions, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The only reason DoC is spread too thin is because they are spreading their resources across an ever-growing backroom bureaucracy rather than on delivering...

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  10. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL bad news for major parties 🔵🔴 | Government proposes more fuel tax hikes!?!⛽ ⬆️ | Nicola Willis’ inbox gets flooded 📱📩

     NEW POLL: Labour hits record low but warning signs for Luxon and new Government 📊Not good news for the two big parties in this month's hot-off-the-press Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll.For National, it was bad luck that our pollsters were in the field during the brouhaha over Christopher Luxon's decision to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL bad news for major parties 🔵🔴 | Government proposes more fuel tax hikes!?!⛽ ⬆️ | Nicola Willis’ inbox gets flooded 📱📩

  12. MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Ollie sat down with ACT Party MP Laura Trask. Laura is one of eleven ACT MPs elected at the 2023 General Election. Prior to entering...

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  15. 15.8% rates hike shows Tauranga Long Term Plan must be delayed until after democracy returns

    Responding to news that Tauranga City Council is proposing a 15.8% rates hike, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“With the Taxpayers’ Union’s latest Ratepayers’ Report revealing Tauranga City Council had 190.5 FTE Managers on a median salary of $263,700 and an annual spend on consultants and...

    Read more about 15.8% rates hike shows Tauranga Long Term Plan must be delayed until after democracy returns

  16. Greens’ threat straight out of Trump’s playbook

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Green Party co-leader James Shaw’s extraordinary threat to investors in regional and national projects of significance under the proposed new fast-tracking consent process announced by the Government earlier today.1News are reporting: Any companies taking advantage of the fast-track process would be exposed to scrutiny...

    Read more about Greens’ threat straight out of Trump’s playbook

  17. Coalition Sticking Plasters Over New Zealand’s Infrastructure Crisis

    Responding to the Coalition Government’s announcement of a fast-track consenting process for major infrastructure projects, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Clearly red tape is holding New Zealand back, and the Government should be commended for recognising that out-of-date consenting regulations are choking the economy....

    Read more about Coalition Sticking Plasters Over New Zealand’s Infrastructure Crisis

  18. Peter Williams: The Nats are locking in co-governance of fresh water

    This email is longer than usual, but is the most important email I've sent in a long time.It relates to what many of us would consider the critical issue facing New Zealand: which direction the Government takes in terms of ‘Treaty principles’, democratic accountability, and so-called ‘partnership obligations’. It...

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  20. Taxpayers’ Union urges Masterton District Council to prioritise ratepayers over legacy projects

     Commenting on Masterton District Council’s plans to demolish the town hall and municipal building to build a new hall, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Council’s plan to spend a combined cost of $49 million on demolishing and rebuilding the town hall, municipal building and expanding Waiata House is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union urges Masterton District Council to prioritise ratepayers over legacy projects

  21. Councils can save money on LGOIMA responses by being more transparent

     NztuReacting to reports that New Plymouth District Council is establishing a dedicated Local Government Official Information Act (LGOIMA) officer as part of a restructure, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“While putting transparency and accountability to ratepayers front of mind in the council should be applauded, the Council...

    Read more about Councils can save money on LGOIMA responses by being more transparent

  22. Taxpayers’ Union supports Wayne Brown’s call for rates on Government buildings

    Responding to calls by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown for rates to be charged on Government buildings and to share GST on new-build houses, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Government-owned properties require the same infrastructure as privately-owned properties. There’s no reason why local ratepayers should be forced to pay the...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union supports Wayne Brown’s call for rates on Government buildings

  23. Nicola Willis needs to explain which coalition partner vetoed reversing the App Tax

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Nicola Willis to front up and explain which coalition partner vetoed National’s pre-election policy to reverse Labour’s App Tax after her comments on Newstalk ZB yesterday that the U-turn on the policy was “one of those ones that has really just been sacrificed at...

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  24. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes scrapping of ineffective Road to Zero campaign

     Responding to the Government’s proposal to replace the Road to Zero campaign with new safety objectives, Acting Social Media and Field Operations Coordinator, Alex Murphy said:“From the beginning, it was clear that the Road to Zero campaign was nothing more than another vanity project with unrealistic targets"“What’s worse,...

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  25. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes draft Transport GPS, warns against overzealous tax hikes

    Reacting to the Government’s release of the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Reducing road user subsidies of walking and cycleway improvements and capping funding for rail at the level of revenue from Track User Charges should be welcomed. For too long,...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes draft Transport GPS, warns against overzealous tax hikes

  26. Scrap the App Tax: more than 3,300 taxpayers contacted Nicola Willis over the weekend

    The Taxpayers’ Union is delighted that more than 3,300 New Zealanders over just two days have asked Nicola Willis to stick to her pre-election promise and Scrap the App Tax via emails sent at AppTax.nz.Campaign Spokesman, James Ross, said:“The App Tax is unfair, unworkable, and a broken promise from...

    Read more about Scrap the App Tax: more than 3,300 taxpayers contacted Nicola Willis over the weekend

  27. Bigger is not better or more efficient when it comes to local councils

    The Taxpayers’ Union is cautioning against Wellington rushing into its own version of a ‘Super City’, pointing to the lack of evidence that bigger councils reduce cost.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross said:“The annual Ratepayers’ Report - an annual league table of local government performance...

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  28. Taxpayers’ Union (re)Launches National Party’s Campaign to Scrap the App Tax

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today launching a campaign to stand up for Kiwi taxpayers facing tax hikes on accommodation, takeaways, and rideshare trips provided over digital platforms.Policy Manager at the Taxpayers' Union, James Ross, said:“National campaigned hard against Grant Robertson’s App Tax when they were the Opposition and specifically promised to...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union (re)Launches National Party’s Campaign to Scrap the App Tax

  29. Taxpayer Update: Hipkins' 3 Waters confession 💦 | Min of Ed staff bonanza 💥 | Climate disinformation 🚨

    📺 WATCH: Chris Hipkins let's slip Three Waters truth bomb 💣💦After two-and-a-half-years of Labour politicians lying about Three Waters stripping local water assets from local communities and councils, poor old Chris Hipkins let slip a truth bomb this week...The statement came as Hipkins was being grilled about where...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Hipkins' 3 Waters confession 💦 | Min of Ed staff bonanza 💥 | Climate disinformation 🚨

  30. Taxpayers’ Union slams Let’s Get Wellington Moving Zombie Bureaucracy

    Reacting to news that Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) still has almost all of it’s staff on the payroll as a zombie bureaucracy, despite the project being killed months ago, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “It is no wonder that LGWM has failed to deliver any projects...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union slams Let’s Get Wellington Moving Zombie Bureaucracy

  33. Punishing Rates Hike from Environment Canterbury Unjustified

    Reacting to Environment Canterbury’s proposal to hike rates by 24%, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Hiking rates by almost a quarter is simply inexcusable when there’s still so much waste in the council. “Environment Canterbury has 722 staff, a third of which are paid more than $100,000 per...

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  35. Christchurch City Council’s New Monstrous Rates Hike Unacceptable

    Responding to Christchurch City Council’s (CCC) proposed rates rise of 13.24% for the 2023/24 financial year, Taxpayers’ Union Researcher, Alex Murphy, said:"Over the last several years, Christchurch City Council has developed a shambolic reputation for its poor leadership and wasteful spending."Time and again, CCC have failed to deliver even the most basic...

    Read more about Christchurch City Council’s New Monstrous Rates Hike Unacceptable

  36. Potential Changes to Trust Tax Hike shows Government is Lawmaking on the Hoof

    Responding to reports that the Finance Minister wants to exempt some trusts from paying the new 39% trust tax rate, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“What is clear is that this tax hike has never been properly thought through and as a result we are seeing bad policy that is rushed, unfair and frankly...

    Read more about Potential Changes to Trust Tax Hike shows Government is Lawmaking on the Hoof

  37. Wellington Council’s $5 Million Spin Doctor Spend Papering Over the Cracks

     Responding to news that Wellington City Council has 54 members in its comms team, with a total annual budget of over $5 million, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Pipes are bursting, roads are crumbling, and rates are rising. To try and convince ratepayers that...

    Read more about Wellington Council’s $5 Million Spin Doctor Spend Papering Over the Cracks

  38. Taxpayer Update: NZTA latest money grab 📸🚙 | Wasteful rebrand #9842 🔥📺 | Bye, Grant; hi, Barbara 👋

     Remembering Efeso Collins 🕊️Like those across the political spectrum, we were very saddened to learn of the untimely passing of former Auckland Labour Councillor and Green Party MP, Efeso Collins. One of Efeso's strengths was that he tended to reject the polarised politics of the modern age. Our thoughts...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZTA latest money grab 📸🚙 | Wasteful rebrand #9842 🔥📺 | Bye, Grant; hi, Barbara 👋

  39. Highest Public Sector Wage Growth on Record Despite Lagging Productivity

     Responding to a report showing that public sector wage growth is the highest on record, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Despite a Government elected to trim the bureaucratic fat, public sector wage growth continues to far outstrip wage growth in the private sector.“Government employees...

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  41. MPs in Depth: Dan Bidois

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with newly re-elected National Party MP, Dan Bidois. Dan first became an MP after winning the 2018 Northcote by-election before losing the seat...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Dan Bidois

  42. Three Waters Chief Execs’ Golden Handshakes Equal to Almost 11x Median Salary

     Responding to news that two Three Waters Chief Executives have received a combined $710,000 in redundancy payments, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Golden handshakes worth almost 11 times the annual median wage combined after just 10 months of work are just one example of a...

    Read more about Three Waters Chief Execs’ Golden Handshakes Equal to Almost 11x Median Salary

  43. Taxpayers' Union Pays Tribute To Efeso Collins

    Taxpayers' Union pays tribute to Efeso CollinsCommenting on the news of the death of Green MP, Efeso Collins, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams said:“While we may have had different politics, Efeso was always a councillor I - and the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance - could call and have a constructive conversation with. One of...

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  44. REVEALED: Local Government Commission wastes $100,000 on rebrand right as agencies told to cut back on wasteful spending

     According to information obtained under the Official Information Act, The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Local Government Commission – the body responsible for overseeing the structure of New Zealand's councils – has spent $99,000 on a new logo and website rebrand despite the Government having recently told agencies...

    Read more about REVEALED: Local Government Commission wastes $100,000 on rebrand right as agencies told to cut back on wasteful spending

  47. Taxpayer Update: Govt locking-in Labour's spending legacy? 😳 | RIP 3Waters 🪦 | $1,400 secret dinner deal 🤤

    New Government locking-in Labour's mega-spending? 😳🔒💸In the lead up to the election, all three Coalition partners campaigned strongly against the astronomical increase in public spending under the previous Government, and promised they would rein in the public service departments to cut out waste.On the campaign trail, Christopher Luxon...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt locking-in Labour's spending legacy? 😳 | RIP 3Waters 🪦 | $1,400 secret dinner deal 🤤

  49. Whanau and McKerrow's $1,400 secret dinner deal makes a mockery out of Wellington ratepayers

     Commenting on a lavish $1,400 seafood dinner between Wellington City Council Mayor Tory Whanau, Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow, and the heads of Reading Cinema - Ellen and Margaret Cotter - which was part of a secret business meeting for the Council to purchase the land under the Reading...

    Read more about Whanau and McKerrow's $1,400 secret dinner deal makes a mockery out of Wellington ratepayers

  50. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Three Waters announcement

     Commenting on the Government’s three-stage legislation plan to replace Three Waters and the appointment of a Technical Advisory Group, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“We welcome the clarity on how exactly the new coalition proposes to repeal and replace Three Waters with an alternative that retains democratic accountability...

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  51. Wellington Council’s Refusal to Scrap Pet Projects Puts Frontline Services at Risk

    Commenting on Wellington City Council preparing to vote on a number of cost-cutting measures, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Councils have a favourite little trick. When it comes time to justify enormous rates hikes, they start hacking away at frontline services to plead poverty....

    Read more about Wellington Council’s Refusal to Scrap Pet Projects Puts Frontline Services at Risk

  53. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Big boost for ACT 🟡📈 | Taxpayer funding of suspected militants paused ⏸️💰 | Wellington in chaos ✂️

    In this week's Taxpayer Update, we celebrate another Taxpayer Victory that ensures your money isn't being spent on creating conflict and reveal, yet again, more issues at Wellington City Council. But first, after a post-election Summer break, our exclusive Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll is back!NEW POLL: Big boost for...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Big boost for ACT 🟡📈 | Taxpayer funding of suspected militants paused ⏸️💰 | Wellington in chaos ✂️

  58. New Zealand Must Advocate for Tobacco Harm Reduction at COP10

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on New Zealand’s delegates to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to oppose dangerous calls for further regulation and taxation of reduced-harm alternatives to smoking.Speaking from Panama, where the Tenth Session Conference of Parties (COP10) to the WHO FCTC is...

    Read more about New Zealand Must Advocate for Tobacco Harm Reduction at COP10

  60. MPs in Depth: Greg Fleming

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Jordan sat down with newly elected National Party MP, Greg Fleming. Greg tells us about his journey into politics and how he formed his political ideology,...

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  63. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes New Zealand Joining EU & International Partners in Pausing UNRWA Funding

     The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement that New Zealand’s latest round of UNRWA funding is being suspended pending the results of a UN inquiry.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“Overnight reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest that 10% of UNRWA staff have connections...

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  64. New Zealanders elected a Government to cut waste, not have Ministers take lazy route and delegate to CEOs

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the approach of Government Ministers asking public sector CEOs to find just 6.5% of savings and is telling Ministers to do what they promised: go through their departments’ spending with a fine tooth comb and ensure value for money.“The Government is asking the...

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  65. Wellington Ratepayers Reliant on Leaks for Info on Leaky Pipes

     Responding to news that Wellington Water has requested $2.5 billion in funding from Wellington City Council, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“When even elected Councillors are treated like children and only allowed to see snippets of a ratepayer-funded secret report into Wellington Water’s failures, Wellington’s closed-shop bureaucracy...

    Read more about Wellington Ratepayers Reliant on Leaks for Info on Leaky Pipes

  66. Taxpayers’ Union calls on NZ Government to follow international counterparts and pull UNRWA funding

    The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a petition calling for the Government to scrap continued funding of UNRWA, following revelation in recent weeks about connections to terrorism in the Isreal-Palestine conflict. Jordan Williams, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“New Zealanders should not be forced to fund any aid organisation where there are...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls on NZ Government to follow international counterparts and pull UNRWA funding

  68. Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Public Service Cuts to go Further, Faster

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the government to go further and faster with its demands for reductions in spending by government departments.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Demanding a 7.5% spending reduction from departments that have ballooned by over 50% in the last six years is laughable. These departments...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Public Service Cuts to go Further, Faster

  69. Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑

    If you're in Auckland for their long weekend – come along and meet the team on Monday at Mission Bay (see details at the end of this email). Thanks to Connor for holding the fort. Sadly while I have been away, the examples of waste and excess have just...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑

  70. Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑

    If you're in Auckland for their long weekend – come along and meet the team on Monday at Mission Bay (see details at the end of this email). Thanks to Connor for holding the fort. Sadly while I have been away, the examples of waste and excess have just...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Inflation dips 📉 | Mayor Mauger's Commonwealth Fantasy🏅 | More NZTA’s budget blowouts 🤑

  73. Mayor Mauger’s Christchurch Commonwealth Games Plan a Swing and a Mis

    Commenting on Christchurch City Council’s plans to bid to host the Commonwealth Games, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Mayor Phil Mauger wants to show the world that Christchurch is back on its feet. But he’d be better off proving this to Christchurch residents first. “With the Council group...

    Read more about Mayor Mauger’s Christchurch Commonwealth Games Plan a Swing and a Mis

  74. NZTA’s $2 million ‘clip-on’ footbridge wasteful and disruptive

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the government to direct the New Zealand Transport Agency to reassess expensive projects that are overly disruptive following the commencement of construction of a clip-on footbridge in Waikanae that is set to cost almost $2 million and disrupt traffic for five months.Commenting...

    Read more about NZTA’s $2 million ‘clip-on’ footbridge wasteful and disruptive

  76. Small-Fry Grocery Pricing Investigation Won’t Stop Spiralling Food Prices

    Responding to a Commerce Commission investigation into promotions and pricing in the grocery sector, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Unclear pricing at grocery chains is of course an issue, but it is small fry compared to the anti-competitive regulations which allow grocery chains to charge extortionate prices...

    Read more about Small-Fry Grocery Pricing Investigation Won’t Stop Spiralling Food Prices

  77. Taxpayer Update: Kainga Ora's Failures 🏠🔥 | Auckland Tramway Scrapped 🚆✖️ | Our Own Misinformation Project 🇦🇷🤥

    As you'll see that while many politicians (and just about all the Wellington bureaucrats!) are enjoying long holidays, our team are back at work exposing waste, fighting for more more taxpayer victories, and promoting sensible improvements for how your money is spent.Thousands of Brand New State Houses Sitting Empty 🏠🔥Despite...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Kainga Ora's Failures 🏠🔥 | Auckland Tramway Scrapped 🚆✖️ | Our Own Misinformation Project 🇦🇷🤥

  78. Spending Time with the Taxpayers’ Union: An Aussie Summer Intern’s Inside Scoop

    Rhys Budge interned at the Taxpayers' Union from November 2023 until January 2024. He is currently finishing his Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Finance at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. For the past 10 weeks, I have had the pleasure of joining the Taxpayers’ Union out on...

    Read more about Spending Time with the Taxpayers’ Union: An Aussie Summer Intern’s Inside Scoop

  79. $2 Million Cost Blowout for Senseless Development Demonstrates Everything Wrong with Kāinga Ora

    The Taxpayers’ Union is dumbfounded by the endless examples of failure at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities that continue to come to light. Ruapehu District Council and Kāinga Ora’s $5.2 million housing development has blown out by over $2 million to $7.5 million according to a Crown Infrastructure...

    Read more about $2 Million Cost Blowout for Senseless Development Demonstrates Everything Wrong with Kāinga Ora

  80. Kāinga Ora failings on display once again with thousands of vacant properties

    The Taxpayers’ Union is astounded at the failure of Kāinga Ora to deliver for Kiwis with reports of more than 1000 empty new homes sitting empty for four months last year.Commenting on Kainga Ora’s vacant properties, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“At a time when tens of thousands of applicants are...

    Read more about Kāinga Ora failings on display once again with thousands of vacant properties

  81. Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Government to Ban Bureaucrats from Using the Word ‘Free’

    Hot on the heels of Argentinian President Javier Milei insisting on honesty from Argentinian officials, the Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a petition calling on the Government to ban public servants from using the word free when referring to taxpayer-funded public services.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Describing public services as ‘free’...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls on Government to Ban Bureaucrats from Using the Word ‘Free’

  83. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Calls for Further Taxpayer Funding of Political Parties

     Responding to today’s release of the Final Report of the Independent Electoral Review, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The recommendation from the Review to increase funding for political parties is morally wrong, and erodes grassroots democracy.“No taxpayer should be forced to fork out money to fund parties they find...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams Calls for Further Taxpayer Funding of Political Parties

  84. Taxpayers’ Union Celebrates Scrapping of $15k-per-Household White Elephant

    Responding to the announcement that the Government is finally pulling the plug on Auckland Light Rail, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Nearly a quarter of a billion dollars has been burnt without a single metre of track being laid. Auckland Light Rail has been a failure from...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Celebrates Scrapping of $15k-per-Household White Elephant

  85. Taxpayer Update: NZTE's Yoga classes + kids games 🧘🎲| More Uni Waste 🚧 🏗️ | The Tax on Your Summer Road Trip 🔥⛽

    We hope you've had a relaxing summer break. Unfortunately, Government waste doesn't pause for summer and while Callum is still in Scotland visiting family, the rest of the Taxpayers' Union team have kept up the effort to find and expose government waste while standing up for taxpayers.This week's...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZTE's Yoga classes + kids games 🧘🎲| More Uni Waste 🚧 🏗️ | The Tax on Your Summer Road Trip 🔥⛽

  86. Accountability Needed over Disastrous Failure to Care for Te Urewera

    The Taxpayers’ Union is demanding accountability from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Te Urewera board following a ruling by the High Court that the burning and removal of the huts in Te Urewera was unlawful.According to information obtained under the Official Information Act, The Department of Conservation...

    Read more about Accountability Needed over Disastrous Failure to Care for Te Urewera

  87. Wellington Water Must Sack Employee Caught Bragging about Wagging Work Amidst Water Crisis

    Commenting on a Wellington Water employee posting footage of themselves on social media bragging about ‘slacking off’, doing no work whilst still getting paid, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“In November alone, of over 3,800 leaks in the region, around 3,050 were left unattended. 44% of the...

    Read more about Wellington Water Must Sack Employee Caught Bragging about Wagging Work Amidst Water Crisis

  88. Taxpayers’ Union Calls on NZ COP10 Delegates to Reject Misguided WHO Vaping Call to Action

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on New Zealand’s delegates to the Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to reject the latest WHO call to action on e-cigarettes which ignores scientific evidence and will see more people suffering from smoking related...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Calls on NZ COP10 Delegates to Reject Misguided WHO Vaping Call to Action

  89. Otago Uni’s Lack of Transparency Reveals Much Deeper Problem

    Responding to the Chief Ombudsman's comments that the University of Otago initially refusing to release information regarding the cost of commissioning a sculpture was unjustified, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Otago Uni refusing until pressured to share how it spent over $110k on a sculpture clearly shows...

    Read more about Otago Uni’s Lack of Transparency Reveals Much Deeper Problem

  90. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Extension of Corporate Welfare for Gaming Industry Fat Cats

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the National-led government for giving in to well-connected gaming lobbyists and continuing to subsidise the gaming sector to the tune of tens of millions of taxpayer dollars each year.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Subsidising an infant industry doesn’t help it to grow up. Instead, you end...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams Extension of Corporate Welfare for Gaming Industry Fat Cats

  91. Ministry of Health vaporises $250,000 after incorrectly threatening retailers

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Ministry of Health spent $249,267.50 on legal fees for a court battle against a vaping retailer who they wrongly threatened for selling non-compliant products.The issue arose from the Ministry of Health incorrectly interpreting their own regulations in relation to maximum nicotine salt levels, eventually leading...

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  92. New Zealand Sending Millions in Foreign Aid to Countries with Space and Nuclear Programmes

    The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning why New Zealand taxpayers are forking out millions of dollars in foreign aid to countries that have state-sponsored space and nuclear weapons programmes.A recent Taxpayers’ Union OIA reveals that in the past year, India has received $1,178,000 from Kiwi taxpayers, Indonesia has been granted a...

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  94. Police have no idea how many people downloaded $634,000 app

    The Taxpayers’ Union is shocked to discover that the New Zealand police have no idea how many people downloaded their $634,000 ‘Virtual Cop’ app intended for recruiting new police officers.The costs of the app included $315,000 on concept creation and development, $265,000 on the development of new experiences and $54,000 on gear...

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  95. Kiwis urged to get away for one last holiday before National’s app tax kicks in

    The Taxpayers’ Union is encouraging Kiwi’s to get away for one last holiday before National’s app tax kicks in this year.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Kiwis better make the most of their stay in an Airbnb or bach rental because it is about to get a lot...

    Read more about Kiwis urged to get away for one last holiday before National’s app tax kicks in

  96. Relief at last: Taxpayers’ Union celebrates end of the regressive, ‘reverse Robin Hood’ ute tax

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today celebrating the end of Labour’s ute tax and tesla subsidy that saw money being taken away from hard-working farmers and tradies and given to Wellington champagne socialists buying Teslas.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy said:“At last this costly, ineffective and unfair tax has...

    Read more about Relief at last: Taxpayers’ Union celebrates end of the regressive, ‘reverse Robin Hood’ ute tax

  97. New Year’s Resolution: Taxpayers’ Union calls for more transparency in the New Year

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on politicians and public servants to commit to increased transparency and accountability as we head into the new year by reforming the Official Information Act and improving proactive release policies.Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“The Government must start the new year delivering...

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  98. Tuning into Waste: NZ Police's $320K Podcast Gamble Falls Flat

    The Taxpayers' Union is questioning the rationale behind the New Zealand Police's extravagant expenditure of $320,000 on their 'Offbeat' podcast series. The series has garnered a mere 15,400 downloads since its launch, costing taxpayers approximately $21 per download.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers' Union, said:“The $320,000 would be far better...

    Read more about Tuning into Waste: NZ Police's $320K Podcast Gamble Falls Flat

  99. ACC's 'Have a Hmm' Campaign: Patronizing, Inefficient and a Lavish Expenditure

    A Taxpayers’ Union Official Information request can reveal that ACC's 'Have a Hmm' campaign has cost taxpayers an astounding $2.4 million from January to July 2023. The campaign's primary objective is to encourage individuals to exercise caution before engaging in potentially risky activities in order to prevent injuries.Oliver Bryan, Investigations...

    Read more about ACC's 'Have a Hmm' Campaign: Patronizing, Inefficient and a Lavish Expenditure

  100. New year tobacco tax hike will pile more costs onto smokers and increase crime

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning of the social costs and impacts on crime of this years’ 5.64% increase in tobacco excise tax.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The goal of reducing smoking and preventing smoking-related illnesses is a laudable one but this latest tax hike will do little...

    Read more about New year tobacco tax hike will pile more costs onto smokers and increase crime

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