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Winston Peters' flagship policy an unwanted handout
It appears that Mr Peters wants to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a NorthPort rail link, but hasn't even spoken to the Port's management.The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that Winston Peters has never visited, nor spoken to the management of the port company his key Northland by-election promise is...
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Northland Bribe-O-Meter update
Today we have released updated figures for our Northland by-election edition of the election costing Bribe-O-Meter. The figures show that National is catching up with NZ First in the amount of taxpayer funding pledged to the electorate.We have updated our figures to take account of Simon Bridges' Akerama...
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GST and online sales
The Government has announced that it is currently investigating ways to ensure New Zealanders are charged GST on purchases they make online from foreign vendors. Netflix was one of the first companies to state that they do not intend on charging New Zealanders GST to use their service.Just...
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Ratepayer-funded fashion advice at Auckland Council
Back-office Council staff have been receiving chic stylist advice courtesy of Auckland ratepayersDespite the Council cutting services and library hours, the council seemingly has money for make-up and fashion advice for back-office accounting staff.Material we’ve just released us show that the Council accountancy team hired image consultants Fox...
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Northland Bribe-O-Meter
While the by-election is a show-down in Northland, the cost of politicians’ pork-barrel politics will impact upon the pockets of all New Zealand taxpayersToday we are proud to relaunch our election Bribe-O-Meter to keep track of the pork-barrel promises being announced on the Northland campaign trail. The Bribe-O-Meter...
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Public sector pay rises a tax on private earners
When the Prime Minister announced an overhaul of the way that MPs’ pay would be calculated, after an embarrassing 5.4% pay rise form the Remuneration Authority, we at the Taxpayers’ Union were cautiously optimistic.While it was reassuring to see politicians from across the political spectrum admit that the...
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Massive cost blowout at IRD
In what is the largest example of government waste the Taxpayers' Union has exposed so far, we can this morning reveal that the Government is about to blow $163 million on back peddling 2013 changes to the IRD's child support system.In 2013 the Government passed significant reform of...
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Politicians pontificating on pay-rise policy
This morning we called the bluff of MPs, some of who are crying crocodile tears in the media about their pay hike. We wrote to each asking whether they will be accepting the backdated pay increase.We asked each MP the following: Dear Member,Given various public comments that yesterday’s determination...
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No one fighting for taxpayers
The Remuneration Authority has approved another five and a half percent pay rise for backbench MPs, backdated to July last year.With inflation close to zero this 5.4 percent boost is a slap in the face to taxpayers. In what other profession do you get paid an allowance for your family’s travel expenses?For...
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Auckland Council's ten very expensive tickets
This morning we have released documents we've obtained from the Auckland Council revealing that ATEED, Auckland Council's economic development agency, has gifted $50,000 of ratepayers' money to the prestigious Remuera Golf Club for the Holden PGANZ Championship.Auckland Council claims to have no money, but finds $50,000 of 'spare' ratepayers' money...
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We did it!
You spoke and they listened!Steven Joyce has announced that no taxpayer money is going to be used to support SkyCity’s convention centre. Instead, SkyCity are going back to the drawing board to come up with a cheaper design. Fantastic.In just a few days more than fifteen hundred people signed...
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Overwhelming opposition to taxpayer support of SkyCity
Following yesterday's poll (94% said NO to SkyCity getting taxpayer money), and the even stronger result on last night's Campbell LIVE we've just launched an online petition to tell John Key not to give our taxpayer money on SkyCity.Click here to sign the SkyCity petition.
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SkyCity look set to hit the jackpot
The NZ Herald is reporting that Prime Minister John Key is not ruling out taxpayer money being used to subsidise the controversial SkyCity convention centre. Despite the deal being finalised in May 2013, it is reported that negotiations between the Crown and SkyCity are ongoing and nothing has been...
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Ratepayer Funded Art (with poll)
In light of Auckland Council’s decision to spend $200,000 on a sculpture many are saying in symbolic of the treatment of its ratepayers, I wanted to highlight how lucky we are in Wellington to have the Wellington Sculpture Trust. Why is it that Auckland Council seems to keep...
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Coverage of LGNZ's efforts to impose new taxes
Coverage of the Taxpayers' Union response to LGNZ's efforts to impose new council taxes such as local fuel, sales and even income taxes.Taxpayers' Union fuming over council plan (3 News, 2 February 2015)A ratepayer-funded plan which suggests imposing more taxes to raise cash for councils has the Taxpayers'...
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Local councils want ability to impose regional income, fuel and sales taxes
Local Government New Zealand, is spending considerable ratepayer money on a campaign promoting local income taxes, regional fuel taxes and regional GST-style regimes to increase the tax burden of local councils. LGNZ today launched a review document on various options for new taxes. You can download the paper here.This diagram illiterates well the growth...
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HPA now giving away taxpayer funded surfboards and fishing rods
A few weeks ago we went public with our concerns about the ’No Beersie' campaign by the Health Promotion Agency. To recap:* the campaign cost taxpayers $1.2 million;* it doesn’t target those most likely to be affected by alcohol related harm; and* even the HPA’s own focus groups...
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Taxpayer support of Eleanor Catton
The Taxpayers’ Union is releasing figures obtained from Creative NZ showing that author-turned-policy-critic, Eleanor Catton, has received tens of thousands of dollars worth of grants courtesy of New Zealand taxpayers.Some might question why Ms Catton would have a go at New Zealand when it's Kiwi taxpayers who have largely funded...
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HPA spends $1.2 million on "Not Beersies" campaign
Today we released documents which detail the cost and focus group feedback on the ridiculous “Not Beersies” campaign by the Health Promotion Agency.The documents show that:the campaign had the least positive impact on entrenched, high-risk drinkers;it instead targets those least likely to face harm from alcohol consumption;the HPA spent at...
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Survey on Police zero tolerance policy
We're running a poll on whether the Police's zero tolerance speed policy is just about road safety or also has an element of revenue gathering. To vote, click here.We had 478 votes and here are the final results: Do you agree? Join the discussion on our Facebook page.
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SkyCity handout: Letter to the editor nails it
A letter to editor published in today's NZ Herald nails the problem with SkyCity trying to strong-arm the Government for a handout for the National Convention Centre.Corporate parasites cashing inCommenting on its convention centre proposal, SkyCity says it is “working on a solution with the Government to bridge the...
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Len Brown's rates
Today we released information showing that while Aucklanders have been facing hefty rates increases, rates for Len Brown’s seven bedroom mansion have been falling.Information obtained by the Taxpayers’ Union show that Mr Brown’s annual rates bill has fallen by several hundred dollars since becoming Mayor – from $3,994.05...
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Guest Post: Larry Mitchell on Auckland Council’s “Elephant in the Room”Guest Post: Larry Mitchell on Auckland Council’s “Elephant in the Room”
In the last year there has been a lot of discussion regarding efforts by Auckland Council to fund its yawning funding gap, a gap that mostly relates to its transportation (roading) budgets. New tolls for existing motorways are a possibility, as well as distorying the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust so...
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Daniel Hannan MEP on David Cunliffe & Trickle Down Myth
Daniel Hannan, a Conservative Member of the European Parliament, has written an article for CapX on the myth of “trickle down economics”. He quotes former Labour Party leader David Cunliffe and seeks to dispel the myth surrounding free market economics.In the run-up to the recent New Zealand election,...
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SkyCity convention centre bailout? NBR readers say no
Just before the Christmas break we were aghast to learn that SkyCity was looking to a government bailout after cost overruns with the National Convention Centre project.It looks as though NBR readers agree with us.An overwhelming number of NBR poll participants say the government should not pitch in $130 million...
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Sky City corporate welfare
Fairfax has picked up our comments on SkyCity's recent comments to prompt taxpayer funding of the controversial convention centre.Auckland Councillors blast Sky City 'corporate welfare' Stuff 22/12/2014Auckland ratepayers should not have to pay for a blow-out in the cost of the Sky City National Convention Centre, councillors say.Economic...
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Cruisin' on the taxpayer
New Zealand taxpayers have forked out $9 million to pay for a four-day UN conference in Samoa that included hiring the luxury P&O Pacific Jewel cruise liner. New Zealand covered the accommodation and operating costs, of September’s Small Island Developing States.We not aware of New Zealand taxpayers having ever chartered such...
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State Services Commission staff the highest paid
The average salary for staff at the State Services Commission is higher than at any other government department, according to figures released by the Taxpayers’ Union. This morning’s Dominion Post reported the Commission staff earn an average of more than $113,000 a year - $45,000 more than the public...
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Annual Review
The Taxpayers’ Union has today released its annual review, covering the first 12 months of operations.We’re proud of the document, and what we’ve achieved to date, but there is still plenty to be done.There are hundreds of organisations that campaign for more government spending and a higher tax burden....
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'Trickle down economics' doesn't exist
This morning's Radio NZ's Morning Report interviewed Labour's Finance Spokesperson Grant Robertson on the OECD report on inequality released today. In the interview, Mr Roberson referred a number of times to 'trickle-down economics' and reiterated the point Green Party co-leader Russel Norman made in an earlier interview that...
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Time for recall elections for local government?
On Sunday we suggested that New Zealanders should be given the ability to recall their representatives after the latest of a series of scandals involving Auckland Mayor Len Brown was revealed. The NZ Herald picked up our suggestion:'Secret room' spending shows need for recall electionsA lobby group says...
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Is bigger better for local councils?
That's the question facing the Wellington region with the Local Government Commission releasing it's proposal for a "Super City" stretching from the Wairarapa to the Cook Strait.A TDB Advisory report, commissioned last year by the Hutt City Council, reviewed the international literature on the relationship between size and cost-effectiveness...
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First birthday
A year ago today the Taxpayers’ Union launched with the aim to become a loud voice fighting for lower taxes, less government waste, and to put pressure on politicians to cut corporate and union welfare. Today's anniversary is a good chance to look back on some of the campaign highlights...
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Clarification of council debt in Hawke's Bay
The Hawke's Bay today is referencing our Ratepayers' Report - local government league tables, in correcting what appear to be mistaken information about the indebtedness of Hastings District and Napier City councils. Local debate is raging in Hawke's Bay as the twin cities prepare for the release of...
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Joyce responds to corporate welfare analysis
Steven Joyce has provided a response to Jim Rose's Monopoly Money report - but appears to focus just on R&D tax credits, rather than address the bulk of corporate welfare identified in the report.Joyce disputes corporate welfare analysisEconomic Development Minister Steven Joyce is disputing the Taxpayers’ Union analysis...
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NBR on 'Monopoly Money'
Crony capitalism undermines sustainable growth National Business Review - 14/10/2014 On Friday we launched our hardest hitting report to date,Monopoly Money. The report includes forewords by Labour's Napier MP, Stuart Nash, and the Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Michael Barnett, ONZM.This morning the NBR published Mr Nash's foreword as...
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Waikato Times editorial on corporate welfare
The Waikato Times has picked up our Monopoly Money report and recent comments by Trade Me founder Sam Morgan.
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Taxpayers' Union lends voice to international coalition
Today the Taxpayers’ Union has joined a large international coalition of taxpayer groups with the intention of opposing supranational taxation schemes, including ‘harmonising’ tax rates across borders and levying taxes on behalf of international bodies. The 22 signatories represent groups from 15 different counties.International efforts to subject New...
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New report on corporate welfare
The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched new a report, Monopoly Money, which examines the cost and case for New Zealand’s extensive corporate welfare programmes. The report, which examines the cost of corporate welfare since the 2007/2008 budget, shows:Since National took office, corporate welfare has cost taxpayers $1-1.4 billion ($600 - $800 per household) per yearIf corporate welfare...
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Serious questions for Wananga
This morning's lead story in the NZ Herald will no doubt leave a bad taste in taxpayers' mouths, with reports that the Whakatane-based Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi has received $6 million in payments it wasn't entitled to.The Warriors are caught up in an investigation into a Maori tourism...
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Time for Fed Farmers to be weaned
In yesterday’s NBR it was revealed that the Federated Farmers lobby group had received $228,000 of taxpayers’ money in the past five years.“It shows Federated Farmers received many payments via three Sustainable Farming Fund projects – a contestable fund investing up to $8 million a year in applied...
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Pie in the sky
This morning we released advice on the cost to taxpayers of three of Internet-Mana’s education policies. At a total cost of $17.6 billion they are higher than the entire policy package of the three main political parties combined.Labour leader David Cunliffe is right when he reportedly said that...
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Final results of Bribe-O-Meter published
Yesterday we published the final update of our election costing 'Bribe-O-Meter' in the lead-up to Saturday’s election.The Bribe-O-Meter now reflects the costs of all policies announced. It shows that of the main parties:the Greens have promised to spend the most, $6.54 billion, or $3,857.77 per household during the...
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Free Tertiary Education on the Taxpayer
Internet-Mana promises free tertiary study Stuff.co.nz - 12/09/2014Free tertiary education and a universal student allowance could be delivered immediately if they were prioritised over tax cuts, the Internet-Mana Party says.…Taxpayers' Union spokesman Ben Craven said writing off student debt would benefit professionals such as lawyers and doctors who had...
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Cost of forgiving student debt
Yesterday the Internet-Mana Party announced that it wants to forgive existing student loan debt.NBR: Internet Mana says it will forgive student debt, currently totaling $14.2bInternet Mana has today today confirmed it would make tertiary education free — but added a new wrinkle: a pledge to "Develop a comprehensive loan...
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NZ First still won't front up
With just over a week to go until the general election, and with much chatter of Winston Peters riding high in the polls. New Zealand First still won't front up with details of the cost of its election policies for inclusion in the 'Bribe-O-Meter'. This morning we issued a media...
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Dr Michael Dunn on relationship between unemployment and minimum wage
Minimum wage policy was quite a feature on last night's TV3 leaders' debate between John Key and David Cunliffe. Stuff reports:The first half of the televised TV3 debate was dominated by the economy, with Key on the attack over Labour’s plan to raise the minimum wage by $2.Key...
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Are the Greens still an environmental party?
Analysis of the spending promises by the Green Party shows that only 9% of the Party’s committed spending so far this election relates to environmental priorities. According to the ‘Bribe-O-Meter' of the $4.9 billion in new spending the party is promising, only $443 million relates to the environment.Unlike the Green Party...
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Expert costing of Green Party wage policy
The Taxpayers’ Union is today releasing independent research from former NZIER Principal Economist, Dr Michael Dunn, which raises significant questions about the Green Party’s election costings.Dr Dunn’s analysis of the Green Party’s “Fairer Reward for Fair Effort” policy document shows that the Party’s taxation forecasts are incorrect and instead of...
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Dr Michael Gousmett on shifting the burden
According to an article in The Press, the Christchurch City Council is to approach the government regarding the ownership costs of the city’s proposed major facilities. That then shifts the burden from the city’s ratepayers to the country’s taxpayers.Council trying to lighten load for city ratepayers“The city council...
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Taxpayers’ Union has attacked National more often than any other party
Since the Taxpayers’ Union launched a number of left wing critics have claimed that we are just a front for the National Party, and are biased in its favour. The critics are wrong and their politically motivated criticisms are just nonsense.We have always maintained that our stand is...
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Minor parties added to Bribe-O-Meter
We've added the Green, ACT, United Future and Conservative Parties to the ‘Bribe-O-Meter’ election costing page launched last month. Excluding ACT and New Zealand First, the total election ‘bribes’ - that is new spending not already in the budget covering the next parliamentary term, equals $12.7 billion, or $7,486...
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Inciting violence, but @peace with taxpayers’ money
Music has always been a tool of free expression. Particularly from the 1960s onwards, artists began politicising their messages through music, voicing their opinions about war, famine and other hardships. The Beatles, Bob Geldof, The Exploited and Pussy Riot music has not just been a tool of expression, but...
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Dunedin City Council Loses 152 Cars!
The Taxpayers' Union is calling for Dunedin City Council to disclose more details after it was revealed 152 Council vehicles have been sold without the Council recouping a cent. It is estimated that the Council is out of pocket to the tune of $1.5 million.Dunedin City Council criticised...
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Taxpayers' Union launch 2014 Bribe-o-meter
This morning we launched our 2014 election costing project to calculate the total cost of promises politicians make in the lead up to the 2014 General Election. The “Bribe-o-meter” allows Kiwis to judge for themselves the political bribes as parties vie for votes.The Bribe-o-meter will hold the politicians...
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Porky presents troughing award to CEO of Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Introducing Porky, our new mascot and aspiring list MP!Porky loves identifying troughing MPs and bureaucrats. The crème de la crème, he surprises with an awards ceremony. After all, when you’ve turned troughing on the taxpayer into an art, it would be rude to get no recognition!This morning Porky...
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Fair Tax for Savers
This afternoon in partnership with Age Concern, Consumer NZ and the Financial Services Council, we launched the 'Fair Tax for Savers' campaign in Wellington. What is the Fair Tax for Savers Campaign asking for?We're calling on politicians to remove the over-taxation of long term savings, specifically:the effective tax rate paid...
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Radio LIVE interview on Senior Citizens brouchure
Earlier today Jordan Williams joined Marcus Lush on RadioLIVE about the Office Senior Citizens brochure on common sense.
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NZ Herald on patronizing brochures
Backlash over costly brochure Herald on Sunday - 27/07/2014The Herald on Sunday included comments from Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams in coverage of the recent "No car? No problem!" brochure from the Office for Senior Citizens which cost approximately $37,000 excluding staff time. "A brochure telling senior citizens they can...
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Ministry of Health's Taxi Spending Raises Eyebrows
Ministry says walk's silly, we'd rather take a cab Stuff.co.nz - 27/07/2014When it comes to walking the talk, it seems Ministry of Health staff would rather just take a cab.Last year ministry staff took more than 1000 taxi rides for less than $10 - at the same time as...
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Getting around without a car
The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning the merits and costs of the “No car? No problem! Getting around your community without a car” brochure, released by the Office for Senior Citizens. The brochure’s purpose is to explain to senior citizens transport options when they can no longer drive.The primary purpose...
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When someone else is paying, why walk?
A few months ago a Ministry of Health official contacted us regarding the use of taxi charge cards within the Ministry, and suggested we look at the number of 'micro-trips' taken by managers, often between the Ministry's Wellington offices and Parliament.Details of the Ministry's taxi charges show its Wellington...
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Letter to the Speaker
News broke on Wednesday that Mana Party leader Hone Harawira had erected hoardings for the election which displayed the crest of the House of Representatives. This led to questions about how the hoardings had ben funded – had taxpayers’ money been used?When we questioned if taxpayers’ money had ben...
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Taxpayers Union plays part reducing foreign aid waste
In May the Taxpayers' Union revealed that $116,000 of NZ Aid money, intended for economic development, was used to buy Cook Island Prime Minister, Henry Puna a new boat and outboard motor. The Cook Islands Government initially denied the claims, which were later found to be well founded following a 3 news investigation. Two...
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When burritos become sandwiches
In recent days we have heard how NZ First leader Winston Peters wants to take GST off some foods, but not others. While any reduction in the tax-burden should be welcomed, this picking and choosing of which items should include a sales tax causes unnecessary confusion for suppliers,...
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Winston playing favourites with gst
Tax dodgers, GST on food top NZ First hit list The New Zealand Herald - 21/07/2014New Zealand First would take GST off basic food items and rates bills and would target tax dodgers to fund the expensive policies, leader Winston Peters said yesterday.But both proposals have already been tagged...
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Party, Party, Politics and the Taxpayers' Purse
Political parties often engage musicians to drum up support during the election season. It’s the time of year when party hacks attempt to swell their numbers by using musicians as Trojan Horses for their political ideals. We all remember The Feelers’ song used in National Party adverts last...
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Like Russian nesting dolls Auckland Council secretaries need secretaries
That’s right – the Auckland Council’s CEO has a secretary that is advertising for a secretary.We have all heard about stories of politicians looking to empire build courtesy of the taxpayers’ pocket, but this really takes the cake.No wonder Auckland Council now has more bureaucrats on living off...
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Allegations over Clayton Mitchell's Double Dipping
Candidate’s campaign on city debt Sunlive - 16/07/2014Allegations made by the NZ Taxpayers Union yesterday that Clayton will be “double-dipping” if he remains a councillor if elected are rubbished by the councillor.“It's not about double-dipping I didn't get into council for the salaries that you got – I'm...
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Taxpayers Union on Greens Economic Policy: 3 News
Greens announce $1B economic policy 3 News - 16/07/2014Meanwhile, the Taxpayers' Union says the Greens' policy is the "lesser of two evils" and is taking a cautiously optimistic approach."Although the Greens' policy still leaves room for picking winners, on balance it is better than the existing corporate welfare scheme...
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Taxpayers' Union Response to MP Claudette Hauiti charging Australian holiday to the taxpayers.
National MP charged Australia holiday to taxpayers The New Zealand Herald - 16/07/2014National Party MP Claudette Hauiti has given up her parliamentary charge card after she used it to pay for a personal trip to Australia.Ms Hauiti entered Parliament in May 2013, replacing disgraced list MP Aaron Gilmore.Taxpayers' Union...
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Would performance pay justify paying MPs more?
Stephen Franks blogs:Incentive pay for MPsThe moot for the New Zealand Initiative's youth debate semi-final this year in Wellington is a good one -"Should New Zealand tie MPs' and Ministers' salaries to a multiple of the average national income?"When the Remuneration Authority was asking MPs about reform of the system...
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Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce publicly responds to Taxpayers' Union criticism
Joyce slams Taxpayers’ Union attack The National Business Review - 11/07/2014Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce has slammed the Taxpayers’ Union’s attack on the minister as a “fundamental misunderstanding” by its executive director Jordan Williams.Mr Williams described the $31 million worth of grants to eight new company incubators –...
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Guest Post: Larry Mitchell on Auckland Council's finances
Auckland Ratepayers “Wake Up” at lastBernard Orsman's analysis last week of Auckland Council's financial trouble got right to the heart of the matter. The section headed "Hey Big Spender you’re in a deep financial hole" accurately nails the central issue facing Auckland’s overtaxed ratepayers. With a new 2015-2025...
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Waste Watch: Auckland Council spends 100k on a curtain
Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction - the Devonport Flagstaff reports:$100,000 curtain raiser for DevenportA $100,000 budget has been set aside for a space-dividing, silk curtain in Devonport’s new library.But the public art piece will be mostly invisible during the day.Creator of the curtain, Judy Millar, was...
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Good intentions not enough for good policy
Science and Innovation Minister, Steven Joyce hit back at us regarding our recent criticism of the Government's corporate welfare efforts, such as the millions of taxpayer dollars going into ‘company incubators’. The NBR reported on Thursday:Eight new company incubators are to receive funding under Callaghan Innovation’s incubator support programme.Callaghan, the...
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Guest blog post: Tony Joyce - KPMG Tax Partner
About two weeks ago Labour released its tax policy programme that it intends to implement if elected Government come 20 September. Predictably the increase in personal tax rates by 3% to 36%, and the confirmation of a capital gains tax, was widely criticised by senior National ministers as...
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Seven Sharp: How much gas do you really get for your dollar
How much gas do you really get for your dollar: Seven Sharp - 01/07/2014Yesterday we headed down to Z Energy Vivian Street where TVNZ's Seven Sharp filmed us refunding people's petrol tax. Not a single motorist guessed that for every dollar spent at the pump only 57 cents goes in the car!The Government...
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New problems at BNZ Harbour Quays building
We've received confidential minutes and a briefing via the tip-line relating to CentrePort’s problematic BNZ building which suggests the building will not be fully reoccupied until the end of October.What should be one of Wellington’s most modern and safest buildings looks to be still plagued with problems eleven...
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Taxpayer's money spent on 'junket' - Taxpayers' Union
Taxpayer's money spent on 'junket' - Taxpayers' Union ONE news - 29/06/2014The Department of Conservation has spent over $100,000 to send staff overseas to learn how to conduct controlled burn-offs, despite the practice not being used by DoC, a taxpayers' lobby group claims.The Taxpayers' Union says 47 DoC staff...
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Waste Watch: DoC sending staff to australia to burn taxpayer cash
Documents we've obtained show that the Department of Conservation has spent over $100,000 to send staff overseas to learn a skill not applicable in New Zealand. 47 staff have traveled to Australia to learn how to conduct controlled burn-offs, despite the practice not being used by DoC.Included in...
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Auckland public transport campaign hypocrisy
$356,000 for train campaign The New Zealand Herald - 28/06/2014 Public transport bosses in Auckland spent $356,000 to improve their public image - even as they lined up a special shuttle so staff don't have to travel on buses and trains.The marketing campaign came with the introduction of the new...
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'Do as I say, not as I do' attitude from Auckland Transport
News that Auckland Transport forked out $122,000 of ratepayers’ money for a six month trial of an employee shuttle service has gone down in Auckland like a lead balloon.Auckland Council has been left scrambling in an attempt to save face.We are concerned by the prevalence of the cavalier...
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101 ways for councils to cut rates
The Taxpayers’ Union has today published a new report by Jono Brown that suggest ways local councils can save money and reduce the rates burden on New Zealanders. Rate Saver Report: 101 Ways to Save Money in Local Government is a guide for local authorities on how they can cut waste, save money,...
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When phones go down, Dyson knows who to call
A fault caused telephones in Parliament to be temporarily blocked from making long-distance calls yesterday, prompting long-serving Labour MP Ruth Dyson to suggest Right-leaning lobby group the Taxpayers’ Union might have been behind the problem.‘‘No toll calling available from Parliament,’’ Dyson tweeted.‘‘Saw ‘taxpayers’ ‘union’ in the building earlier. Money-saving...
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Margaret Thatcher Conference on Liberty: Live streaming
While in the UK seeing family, I'll be pausing my vacation to fly the Taxpayers’ Union flag at the Margaret Thatcher Conference on Liberty. The conference will be hosted for the Centre for Policy Studies, a UK-based independent think tank advocating for greater economic liberalism. The event will...
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Greater Wellington loses $43million on one building
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the property management skill at Greater Wellington Regional Council which has lost 95% of the purchase price of the building it used to occupy.Information released to the Taxpayers’ Union under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act show that ‘Pringle House’ in Wakefield Street, also known as the 'Regional Council Centre',...
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Cera has enormous public relations team
Cera has enormous public relations team
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Ratepayers' Report
The Taxpayers’ Union, in collaboration with Fairfax Media, this morning launched "Ratepayers’ Report” hosted by Stuff.co.nz. Ratepayers’ Report builds on the work of local government expert and financial analyst, Larry Mitchell and his work in previous years comparing New Zealand’s 67 territorial authorities. The data was pulled together by...
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Leaked report shows efforts LGNZ making to protect poor performing councils
The Taxpayers’ Union has been provided a copy of a leaked report Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) commissioned. The report was prepared in response to work by the Taxpayers’ Union to improve transparency in local government. Earlier today Ratepayers’ Report – interactive local government league tables – launched at...
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Herald covers Taxpayers' Union outrage taxpayer funding joke party
Civilian's gain major parties' loss Herald - 11/06/2014The Civilian, a satirical website, has been allocated taxpayers' money to fund election policies such as 'free icecream' and a 'llama for each child'. The Herald covers Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams on the wasteful allocation of taxpayers' money. Mr Uffindell, the...
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How not to reform GST: Changing the rules with a Friday press release
Robin Oliver and Mike Shaw, a former Deputy Commissioner at IRD and former Deloitte tax partner respectively have provided a guest post on the changes to GST relating to bodies corporate announced by Revenue Minister, Todd McClay this morning.GST and Bodies CorporateWhat is proposed?All Body Corporate supplies under...
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Waste watch: Auckland Council funds conference on polyamory
Yesterday afternoon we received a tipoff that Auckland Council recently funded a one day conference to explore the practice of engaging in multiple sexual relationships with the consent of all the people involved, also known as polyamory. Last month the gaynz.com website reported that among the first recipients of Auckland Council’s first...
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Are our priorities right in Tonga?
This morning we received the following press release from the Government:NZ to contribute to the upgrade of Teufaiva StadiumJohn Key4 JUNE, 2014Prime Minister John Key has today announced New Zealand will contribute around $2 million towards upgrading Tonga’s national stadium in Nuku’alofa ahead of the 2019 Pacific Games.Why are Kiwi...
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Happy Tax Freedom Day
Today is Tax Freedom Day – the first day of the year when Kiwis stop paying for the state and start working for themselves. The Taxpayers’ Union believe that it is high time ordinary people saw the rewards of hard work going into their pockets, not the taxman’s.Congratulations...
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Taxpayers' Union calls for changes to the Official Information Act to include trusts
Trust investigates 'irregular payments' claim The New Zealand Herald - 27/05/2014A taxpayer-funded South Auckland disability support provider which received $30 million last year is investigating its own accounts, after claims from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters of "irregular payments".… The Taxpayers' Union called for changes to the Official Information...
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Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust shows need for OIA reform
The NZ Herald has picked up our comments in response to the recent scandal surrounding "irregular payments" at the taxpayer-funded South Auckland disability support provider, Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau TrustTrust investigates 'irregular payments' claim NZ Herald 27 May 2014Trust investigates 'irregular payments' claimA taxpayer-funded South Auckland disability support provider...
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Oops - $2 billion mistake in budget appropriations
We’ve spent most of this week immersed in the budget documents and making notes of potentially questionable spending or unusually large increases.To our great surprise yesterday we noticed that one of the primary growth partnerships (PGPs) that the Government is funding appeared to have undergone a massive growth in spending....
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London return for the money written-off on rail since 2008
We’re currently working though the budget announcements and stack of material released last week. What’s caught our eye are the unbelievable amounts taxpayers are forking out for KiwiRail. On Budget day the Government announced a further $198 million of funding for KiwiRail’s Turnaround Plan. That brings the total cost to...
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Wairoa responds to Taxpayers' Union rates claim
Further to our questioning of the use of a rates figure that does not include new targeted rates, the Wairoa District Council has issued a media release:Wairoa District Council Defends Against NegativityWairoa is transforming into a vibrantly energetic part of New Zealand and will no longer accept spin-driven...
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$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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Taxpayers’ Union launches briefing paper calling for $49 a week tax relief
The Taxpayers’ Union is today releasing its latest briefing paper, entitled “$49 Dollars a Week – What Treasury Owes the Average Kiwi.”This paper explains how much extra income tax a New Zealander on the median salary of $66,196 is paying thanks to bracket creep, compared to when their tax brackets were...
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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...
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Hamilton City Council’s Never-Ending Rate Hikes are Unjustifiable
Responding to Hamilton City Council's proposed increase of 25.5% for the 2024/25 financial year, and subsequent 14.1% rate hikes for the following four years, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“While Hamilton City Council might be trying hard to sell the idea that there is no other...
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Taxpayers’ Union calls for an end to marine fuel tax
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the government to give boaties a break and bring fairness to how they are taxed by ending road-related taxes on marine fuel.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Boaties enjoying their time out on the water this summer are being hit twice by...
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Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National’s commitment not to hike fuel taxes
Commenting on National’s fuel tax commitment, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“In the middle of a cost of living crisis, hiking fuel taxes – as Labour is still proposing – is morally wrong. Fuel taxes disproportionately hit rural and the poorest communities – such as shift workers – the hardest."Ruling out further hikes is...
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NEW REPORT: The Pitfalls of a Tax-Free Threshold for Income Tax
A new report by Taxpayers’ Union Research Fellow, Jim Rose,analysing the impacts of implementing a tax-free threshold concludes that the policy would be an expensive and poorly targeted way of reducing the tax burden and increasing after-tax incomes of New Zealand families.Key findings of the report include:> The introduction...
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