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

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

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

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

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

  7. Election-year slush fund spending returns

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

    Read more about Election-year slush fund spending returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  12. Commerce Commission best placed to regulate council development levies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  23. Taxpayers’ Union mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  38. Wellington Mayors Push Towards Amalgamation

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

    Read more about Wellington Mayors Push Towards Amalgamation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read more about REVEALED: Reserve Bank Spent $852,000 Shuttling Staff Between Its Two Offices

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

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

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

  45. Government delivering huge regulatory tax relief with RMA reforms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  63. $535/hour consultant, yet National Ticketing still delayed

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

    Read more about $535/hour consultant, yet National Ticketing still delayed

  66. Scrapping Regional Councils: Reform must also deliver rates relief

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s plan to remove regional councils but warns that any reform must genuinely cut bureaucracy, and focus must remain on the  ultimate cost to ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Tory Relf, said:“With regional councils on the way out, there’s a real chance to cut...

    Read more about Scrapping Regional Councils: Reform must also deliver rates relief

  67. NEW POLL: Voters calling for growth, Government needs to answer

    New Zealanders were asked which policies they supported to boost New Zealand's economic prospects in this Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll, conducted between 01 and 05 October 2025,Voters are supportive for tax cuts, spending cuts, and boosting openness to foreign students and investment, while being more sceptical of selling commercial shares and evenly...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Voters calling for growth, Government needs to answer

  68. Wellington City Council showed up by Porirua City Council

    Responding to The Post article published today revealing that Porirua City Council spent less than a fifth on their inauguration compared to Wellington City Council, the Taxpayers’ Union says fiscal management like this should be compared and commemorated.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“Porirua City Council spent $8,000 compared to...

    Read more about Wellington City Council showed up by Porirua City Council

  69. No more hidden MP spending: Parliament must Open the Books

    In response to the latest story about Maruameno Kapa-Kingi’s expenses, the Taxpayers’ Union is repeating its call for proper transparency over MPs’ expenses by asking Parliament to Open the Books.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“When MPs expenses aren’t subject to Official Information Act requests, it leaves them effectively marking...

    Read more about No more hidden MP spending: Parliament must Open the Books

  70. Taxpayers' Union-Curia November poll: capital gains 'inflation tax'

    New Taxpayers’ Union-Curia polling shows significant public opposition to Labour’s decision to tax nominal capital gains, including from Labour voters themselves. 61 percent of New Zealanders think any Capital Gains Tax (CGT) should be based only on real, inflation-adjusted gains, not nominal increases. Only 39 percent support taxing nominal gains....

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union-Curia November poll: capital gains 'inflation tax'

  71. Nicola Willis tasks foxes to guard the hen house for Budget 2026

    Responding to the Newsroom piece published today revealing that Nicola Willis has, again, requested public service bosses to examine their spending to see where savings can be made, the Taxpayers’ Union says Ministers need to do their job and 'take back control' for the sake of taxpayers.The Union's Executive Director,...

    Read more about Nicola Willis tasks foxes to guard the hen house for Budget 2026

  72. Taxpayer Update: Coster on a pretty penny, while sacking takes forever ⏳ | Win for democracy in Palmy 🗳️ | Parliament attendance a state secret 🤫

    Hi,Andrew Coster pockets $15,000 while Public Service Commissioner slow walks inevitable sacking... 🤑Last week, we shared the then-breaking news that New Zealand’s former top cop Andrew Coster tried to bury allegations relating to his former Deputy, and sex offender, Jevon McSkimming. My initial response was to say: As an...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Coster on a pretty penny, while sacking takes forever ⏳ | Win for democracy in Palmy 🗳️ | Parliament attendance a state secret 🤫

  73. Coster's garden leave racks up $15k while the Public Service Commissioner slow-walks sacking

    The time taken to deliver Andrew Coster's dismissal letter, has cost taxpayers $15,000 (and counting) according to a new real-time cost calculator launched by the Taxpayers' Union at https://costlycoster.nz/.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams said:"We all know the public service takes its time, but given the context, Public Service Commissioner...

    Read more about Coster's garden leave racks up $15k while the Public Service Commissioner slow-walks sacking

  74. Media report reveals that Nicola Willis harpooned own pre-election commitments to cut spending

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Nicola Willis to publicly explain why she has continued Labour's trajectory of increased government spending despite the $3 billion of proposed savings from her Associate Minister of Finance, David Seymour, as revealed by Stuff today.Nicola Willis tasked David Seymour to find savings, to get what Willis...

    Read more about Media report reveals that Nicola Willis harpooned own pre-election commitments to cut spending

  75. Masterton puts transparency first, other councils must follow

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is praising the Masterton District Council for following the Ombudsman’s advice and opening council workshops to the public and live streaming these sessions online.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“The days of closed-door meetings excluding ratepayers from key debates and decisions should be...

    Read more about Masterton puts transparency first, other councils must follow

  76. RATEPAYER HERO: Mayor Right to Demand Transparency on $1.36m Consultancy Spend

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s push for more information on the Council’s $1.36 million spend on a Māori consultancy firm, saying it is a positive step toward transparency but warns the public still hasn’t been shown the documents that matter.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“It’s good...

    Read more about RATEPAYER HERO: Mayor Right to Demand Transparency on $1.36m Consultancy Spend

  77. Christchurch Dodges a Lemon as Te Pae Struggles to Pay Its Way

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Christchurch City Council for refusing to buy Te Pae, as new reporting shows the convention centre continues to run at a $3.4 million loss, leaving taxpayers exposed.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“Christchurch Council deserves real credit for not getting dragged into owning a convention...

    Read more about Christchurch Dodges a Lemon as Te Pae Struggles to Pay Its Way

  79. $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is calling out the 15.53 percent salary increase for councillors at Tauranga City Council at a time when rates bills continue to spiral. Councillors will now be paid an average of $163,000 a year, while Mayor Mahé Drysdale receives $193,402.Taxpayers Union spokesperson Rhys Hurley said:“From $200,000...

    Read more about $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

  80. REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that millions of dollars in business start-up grants handed out by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have resulted in large numbers of recipients returning to a benefit within two years.MSD spent $38,512,555.69 on Flexi-Wage Self-Employment support...

    Read more about REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

  82. Prime Minister: Now is the time to start the conversation on asset recycling

    Responding to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments in the Sunday Star Times that New Zealand needs a more mature conversation about asset sales, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Hanging on to underperforming assets makes no sense. Why put off conversations we need to start having now?”“Treasury’s latest Investment Statement makes the need...

    Read more about Prime Minister: Now is the time to start the conversation on asset recycling

  83. REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Christchurch City Council has paid $1,359,152.83 (GST exc.) to Mahaanui Kurataiao over the past three financial years under an ongoing funding arrangement with the six Ngãi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga within the area.Council has...

    Read more about REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

  86. Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

    Commenting on today’s release of the Review of Retirement Income Policies 2025 by the Retirement Commission, James Ross of the Taxpayers’ Union said: “This is another warning shot across the Government’s bow.”“Continued deficit spending means current policies are shifting more of the costs of supporting pensioners on to future generations....

    Read more about Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

  87. FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says the latest job cuts at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are the inevitable result of years of executive-level overspending affecting the frontline.The Taxpayers’ Union revelealed in September that FENZ employed:A Chief Executive being paid $503,0007 Deputy Chief Executives, for a total $2.37 million800 managers...

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  89. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

     Hi,The breaking news re Andrew Coster / McSkimming's cover-up: another golden handshake must be ruled out.Last night, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) dropped its report on the Police cover up of the allegations related to disgraced former Commissioner, Jevon McSkimmings.As an organisation whose primary purpose is accountability...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

  90. NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

    NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boostGood news for the Coalition as they regain the lead in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, conducted between 02 and 06 November – the first major national poll since Labour's capital gains tax policy announcement.Despite the lead for the coalition, the poll...

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  91. Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to immediately sack the Social Investment Agency's CEO, Andrew Coster and rule out a golden handshake or exit payout. This follows revelations that the former Police Commissioner “lacks integrity” and “lacks leadership”, according to current Police Commissioner Richard Chambers....

    Read more about Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

  92. $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for more than quadrupling its Auckland lease costs under former Governor Adrian Orr’s 10-year Britomart lease.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Even after he’s gone, Taxpayers are once again forced to underwrite Orr’s empire-building at the...

    Read more about $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

  93. Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is praising Palmerston North City councillors who signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge for successfully removing unelected representatives from two council committees and is urging the full council to finish the job at Wednesday’s vote.Between the first draft and current proposed committee structure, unelected appointees have been...

    Read more about Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

  94. Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

    On Friday, Treasury’s latest Investment Statement delivered yet another warning that the Government’s current fiscal path isn’t sustainable. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Treasury saying the Government’s balance sheet is heading for deterioration is not-so-subtle code for living well beyond our means. Spending will keep growing far faster...

    Read more about Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

  98. Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

      Entrepreneur and Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton joins Taxpayer Talk to discuss his extensive academic career, including his 11 degrees, and to offer a strong policy critique advocating for replacing the NCEA high school qualification with a more rigorous, globally standardized system. 

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

  99. Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

    Responding to David Seymour’s comments on selling down the Government’s stake in major electricity companies, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Seymour is asking the right questions. Why should the Crown own billions in shares in major electricity companies? We accept the Government doesn’t need to own fuel or telco...

    Read more about Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

  100. Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Minister Willis to deliver full capital expensing to boost the economy following today’s figures showing unemployment at an eight-year high, with youth unemployment at 15%.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“More New Zealanders out of work is not a sign of a healthy...

    Read more about Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

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