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  1. MP expense information leaked to the Taxpayers’ Union – will be made public tomorrow

    The Taxpayers’ Union has been leaked five years of MPs expense information up to early 2021 following a public request for data on how taxpayers’ money is being spent, reportedly available to alleged Chinese-backed hackers, but not to New Zealanders. “We don’t know who used a secure channel to anonymously provide...

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  2. Taxpayer Update: Book your Airbnb before Monday 🗓️ | Robertson's Regrets 🤦‍♂️ | Handout #5 for ski field ⛷️💸

    Click here to subscribe to the Taxpayers' Union newsletterReminder to book your 2025 holiday before Monday! App Tax delivered in 36 hours 📲🏠This April Fool's Day, don't let the joke be on you! The App Tax (Labour's idea that National promised to scrap) will see the cost of...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Book your Airbnb before Monday 🗓️ | Robertson's Regrets 🤦‍♂️ | Handout #5 for ski field ⛷️💸

  3. Taxpayers’ Union make formal request to Chinese Government for MP spending information

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today made a formal request under the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Open Government Information (中华人民共和国政府信息公开条例) for information held about how New Zealand Members of Parliament are spending taxpayer money.Union Spokesman, Jordan Williams said, “We don’t know whether hackers – allegedly connected to the...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union make formal request to Chinese Government for MP spending information

  4. Government must not continue Labour legacy of special treatment for DJs

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the investigation into the Department of Internal Affairs after it was revealed that the Department’s Chief Executive personally reached out to expedite a DJs passport application.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“No one can forget the irrational and unfair treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw DJs...

    Read more about Government must not continue Labour legacy of special treatment for DJs

  6. Government must cut spending and provide permanent tax relief

    Responding to the release of the 2024 Budget Policy Statement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“We welcome today’s commitments to fiscal responsibility and reduced spending, but it must be backed up by real action.“At the very least the Government must deliver its promised tax relief, funded by cutting back...

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  7. If the CCP can see politicians' expenses, so should taxpayers

    Responding to reports of a cyberattack on the Parliamentary Counsel Office and Parliamentary Service by an organisation with links to the Chinese Government, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“It’s a sad day when overseas hackers know more about how taxpayers’ money is being spent than taxpayers themselves.“Currently, there is...

    Read more about If the CCP can see politicians' expenses, so should taxpayers

  8. Lack of warning signs at speed camera locations is dishonest and dangerous

    Commenting on reports that out of 10 permanent speed cameras installed by the Government late last year, only one will have warning signage, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Alex Murphy, said:"The Transport Minister has time and again assured us that his Government's proposed speed camera empire will be built strictly in...

    Read more about Lack of warning signs at speed camera locations is dishonest and dangerous

  9. Small Wellington businesses punished by swipe at drivers for no gain

    Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has proposed scrapping car parking spots on Cuba Street with misguided claims it will reduce emissions. This will reduce parking revenue by $200,000, plus damage already struggling local businesses. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: “Whanau wants to scrap car...

    Read more about Small Wellington businesses punished by swipe at drivers for no gain

  10. Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

    Reacting to reports that Worksafe is rehiring for back-office roles it disestablished in November, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“What we are seeing here is the bureaucracy making non-existent ‘pseudo-savings’. By disestablishing roles, they get to claim the credit and good favour with the responsible Minister, only to reinstate...

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  11. Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

    Reacting to reports that Worksafe is rehiring for back-office roles it disestablished in November, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“What we are seeing here is the bureaucracy making non-existent ‘pseudo-savings’. By disestablishing roles, they get to claim the credit and good favour with the responsible Minister, only to reinstate...

    Read more about Pseudo-savings must be called out and halted

  13. MPs in Depth: Cameron Luxton

    This week's Taxpayer Talk presents another installment of our "MPs in Depth" podcast series, delving into the backgrounds of Parliament's newest members. In this episode, Jordan sits down with Cameron Luxton, the recently elected ACT Party MP.Cameron Luxton is unique in that he is New Zealand's only Licensed...

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  15. Government needs to stop tinkering and pop the ballooning bureaucracy

    Reacting to the recent announcement that the Government plans to reduce staffing levels at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “This fat-trimming goes nowhere near far enough. Since 2017, MPI’s bureaucracy has grown by 52%, forcing taxpayers...

    Read more about Government needs to stop tinkering and pop the ballooning bureaucracy

  18. Disposable vape ban will drive people back to smoking

    Reacting to the Government’s announcement that they plan to ban disposable vapes, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman for Lifestyle Economics, Connor Molloy, said:“Current issues with youth vaping, although they are on the decline according to the latest ASH survey, are a failure of enforcement not of policy. We welcome the proposed changes in...

    Read more about Disposable vape ban will drive people back to smoking

  20. Taxpayer Update: $800,000 taxpayer-funded Jacinda Blockbuster💰🎥 | Longer wait for interest deductibility ↩️ | Australia cut border taxes! 💥

     COMING SOON: Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Kind 🎬 Not content with paying for feature-length documentaries about Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, the creative minds at the NZ Film Commission have decided in their infinite wisdom to funnel $800,000 of taxpayer money to prop up the production of a new documentary about...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: $800,000 taxpayer-funded Jacinda Blockbuster💰🎥 | Longer wait for interest deductibility ↩️ | Australia cut border taxes! 💥

  22. Luxon must rule out new taxes, not adopt Labour’s approach

    Reacting to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s refusal to rule out introducing new taxes at the budget, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Today’s refusal to rule out new taxes suggests the Government is nothing more than Labour lite. After hounding the previous Government for increasing spending by 67%...

    Read more about Luxon must rule out new taxes, not adopt Labour’s approach

  23. Grant Robertson interview demonstrates why he should never have been finance minister

    Responding to Grant Robertson’s recent admission on a Q+A with Jack Tame that his only regret from his time in office was that he didn’t take on more debt, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Alex Murphy, said:“Grant Robertson has now admitted that he would rather have spent more, borrowed more, and cranked...

    Read more about Grant Robertson interview demonstrates why he should never have been finance minister

  24. MPs in Depth: Catherine Wedd

    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 National Party MP for Tukituki, Catherine Wedd. Catherine speaks about how, as a kid, she wanted to be a lawyer, journalist...

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  25. Kāpiti Council Living Wage will do more harm than good

    Commenting on the introduction of the living wage for all employees and contractors at Kāpiti Coast District Council, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The problem with blanket living-wage policies is that they put ideology before evidence and actually lead to increased poverty. This is because when wage rates increase,...

    Read more about Kāpiti Council Living Wage will do more harm than good

  26. Expedia’s exit from market shows App Tax will reduce competition and raise prices

    The Taxpayers’ Union is urging the National Party to reconsider its decision to implement the App Tax it campaigned to repeal following reports that Expedia will remove thousands of accomodation providers from its platform when the new tax comes into force.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“New Zealanders are already...

    Read more about Expedia’s exit from market shows App Tax will reduce competition and raise prices

  27. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new bill to remove unfair union privileges

    The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating the lodging of ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar’s Member’s Bill to remove the obligation on employers to automatically deduct fees from union members’ pay.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This bill will level the playing field between trade unions and other advocacy groups that do not...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new bill to remove unfair union privileges

  29. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union celebrates slashing of housing red tape in Wellington

  30. 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

  31. 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...

    Read more about Climate Change Commission insistent on making emissions reduction expensive

  32. 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...

    Read more about New Zealand should follow Australia’s lead and abolish tariffs

  33. 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

  34. 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

  35. 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...

    Read more about Department of Conservation must conserve taxpayer money

  37. 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 📱📩

  39. 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...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Laura Trask

  42. 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

  43. 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

  44. 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

  45. 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...

    Read more about Peter Williams: The Nats are locking in co-governance of fresh water

  47. 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

  48. 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

  49. 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

  50. 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...

    Read more about Nicola Willis needs to explain which coalition partner vetoed reversing the App Tax

  51. 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,...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes scrapping of ineffective Road to Zero campaign

  52. 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

  53. 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

  54. 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...

    Read more about Bigger is not better or more efficient when it comes to local councils

  55. 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

  56. 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 🚨

  57. 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

  60. 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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  62. 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

  63. 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

  64. 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

  65. 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 👋

  66. 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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  68. 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

  69. 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

  70. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Pays Tribute To Efeso Collins

  71. 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

  74. 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 🤤

  76. 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

  77. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Three Waters announcement

  78. 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

  80. 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 ✂️

  85. 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

  87. 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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  90. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes New Zealand Joining EU & International Partners in Pausing UNRWA Funding

  91. 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...

    Read more about New Zealanders elected a Government to cut waste, not have Ministers take lazy route and delegate to CEOs

  92. 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

  93. 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

  95. 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

  96. 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 🤑

  97. 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 🤑

  100. 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

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