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  1. Revealed: Nearly three quarters of Kiwis oppose an asset tax

    Polling released today by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union reveals that 72 percent of New Zealanders oppose an asset tax or “wealth tax”.Exclusive polling by Curia Market Research commissioned by the Taxpayers’ Union asked respondents, “Do you think there should be a tax that people pay on assets such as houses, cars and KiwiSaver...

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  2. Public Service Commissioner intervenes over Oranga Tamariki video

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is welcoming intervention from the Public Services Commissioner over a video produced by Oranga Tamariki which appeared to endorse Hon Tracey Martin.In a response to a complaint from the Union, Commissioner Peter Hughes explained, "In this situation, in my view the content of the...

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  8. Taxpayer Talk: Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections

    In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews Tauranga City Councillor Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections. They discuss the COVID-19 Government assistance Tauranga Council is hoping to receive for future infrastructure projects.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...

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  11. Decade of deficits revealed as Treasury opens the books

    Dear Supporter,I’m writing to you from the media and analyst “lock-up” where Treasury just presented its Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update.The Update, which the Public Finance Act requires of Treasury just prior to every election, lays bare the Government’s books and include the latest projections on debt, spending,...

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  12. Taxpayer Update: Politicians kill jobs | MP's office rort | Goodie bags

    New paper reveals how 'job creation' projects destroy jobsToo often, our politicians fall into the trap of thinking they can create jobs by piling on more and more government taxpayer spending. But if that were true, high-spending countries like Greece and Spain wouldn't be facing a decades-long employment...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Politicians kill jobs | MP's office rort | Goodie bags

  13. Complaint laid with Broadcasting Standards Authority re Labour Party TV ad

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has laid a complaint with the Broadcasting Standards Authority regarding the Labour Party’s first television advertisement for the 2020 election campaign.In the advertisement, Jacinda Ardern misleadingly claims that her Party will “make apprenticeships free”. In reality, these apprenticeships are not free – they...

    Read more about Complaint laid with Broadcasting Standards Authority re Labour Party TV ad

  15. Under Labour everyone who earns up to $300,000 a year will pay more tax in NZ than Australia

    Labour have just announced a new tax rate of 39% on incomes over $180,000. This is in contrast to Australia that has legislated to cut taxes.Of course the 39% new tax rate is just the beginning. If they have a Labour/Green Government then they could strike a deal...

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  16. 105 police line: callers waiting longer, hanging up during lockdown

    Documents released to the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union under the Official Information Act revealed that during lockdown, almost 40% of callers to the non-emergency 105 police number abandoned calls rather than wait for an answer. Further, the average wait-time appeared to increase significantly during this period.For the period of 1-17...

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  19. Revealed: Taxpayer-funded ‘wellbeing’ goodie bags during Level 4 lockdown

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the NZ Super Fund spent over $15,000 on “COVID-19 well-being parcels” from designer supermarket Farro Fresh for the Fund’s highly-paid staff over lockdown. Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Louis Houlbrooke says: “At a time when global markets were plummeting, and the fund’s...

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  21. Taxpayer Talk: Tourism NZ and its new $10m international ad campaign

    Despite our closed borders, Tourism NZ is spending $10 million on a new campaign meant to bring overseas travellers to New Zealand. The campaign is supposed to bolster New Zealand’s international brand of “kaitiaki, manaakitanga, and integrity”. In the latest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Louis questions Tourism NZ...

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  22. Taxpayer Talk: Michael Reddell on Unemployment, Negative Interest Rates and a Temporary Cut to GST

    In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews economist Michael Reddell on monetary and fiscal policy. Michael Reddell's blog, Croaking Cassandra, can be found here.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.

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  24. Taxpayer Update: Damning report | Green manifesto | Debt Monster selfie

    Damning report on Provincial Growth Fund confirms pork barrelling, conflicts, and worseA damning new report from the Auditor-General has confirmed what your humble Taxpayers' Union has been saying about the Provincial Growth Fund all along. He found failing processes with regards to the approval of grants, managing conflicts of interests,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Damning report | Green manifesto | Debt Monster selfie

  26. Lawrence Yule billboard found to be an election ad

    Taxpayer-funded billboards promoting National MP Lawrence Yule have now been deemed candidate advertisements by the Electoral Commission.The Commission's decision was made in response to a complaint by the Taxpayers' Union, which understood the large billboards were recently erected and therefore could not be considered part of Mr Yule's...

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  27. Taniwha taxes adding 8% to cost of infrastructure builds

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that councils are allocating up to eight percent of total build costs for iwi engagement for COVID-19 response projects.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, "While trawling through council applications for 'shovel-ready' funding, we came across a proposal from the Waipa District Council that...

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  30. Taxpayer Talk: Runners and Riders – Who will take over from Todd Muller?

    The Taxpayers’ Union’s Jordan Williams and Neil Miller, sit down with political commentator and Stuff columnist Damian Grant discuss the runners and riders of the sudden National Party leadership race.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Runners and Riders – Who will take over from Todd Muller?

  31. 'Aroha' posters deemed to be Labour Party ads

    The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the 'Aroha' posters of Jacinda Ardern, promoted by artists Weston Frizzell and advertiser Phantom Billstickers, does indeed constitute a party advertisement for the Labour Party.This judgment comes after the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union laid a complaint regarding the posters. The Commission's response to...

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  32. Blog: Why alternative monetary policy may not lead to investment spending in the economy

    This blog post is written by Taxpayers' Union Economist Karan Menon.Facing the biggest economic shock in our lifetime, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr is signaling his support for the use of “alternative monetary policy” to jog the Kiwi economy.He is currently holding the Official Cash Rate at 0.25%,...

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  33. Taxpayer Talk: Chris Penk - Flattening the Country

    In our newest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan sits down (in-person!) with Helensville MP Chris Penk who has written a book investigating the claim that the Government had "gone early and hard" in its fight against COVID-19. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)Flattening the Country is available at https://chrispenk.national.org.nz/flattening_the_country.You can subscribe...

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  34. Tool launched for Christchurch ratepayers to submit against rate hike

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has launched a tool for Christchurch ratepayers to submit against Christchurch City Council’s proposed rate hike options.The official consultation form for the Council’s updated budget is frankly a scam. Ratepayers are asked to choose between three different rate hikes – 3.5 percent, 4.65 percent, and...

    Read more about Tool launched for Christchurch ratepayers to submit against rate hike

  36. Taxpayer Update: Statue madness | Taxpayer-funded propaganda | $4000 for tea

    Statue controversy is patheticWe are currently facing the economic fallout of a literal pandemic. But our country's media and politicians have decided the biggest issue affecting New Zealanders is whether or not our statues are racist.On Thursday, Hamilton City Council removed a statue of the city's namesake, John Hamilton, after...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Statue madness | Taxpayer-funded propaganda | $4000 for tea

  37. Taxpayers’ Union lays complaint over ‘Unite for the recovery’ ads

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has laid a formal complaint with the Auditor General regarding today’s full-page advertisements placed in a number of newspapers, including the NZ Herald and the Dominion Post, by the Government (pictured below).These advertisements are not primarily informative or educational, unlike earlier Government COVID-19 advertisements. Today’s ads have...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union lays complaint over ‘Unite for the recovery’ ads

  38. MPs in Depth: A Generation of Losers, Racism and Hard Work — Melissa Lee MP

    We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Melissa Lee MP. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.

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  39. Formal complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner from Taxpayers’ Union

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has lodged a formal complaint regarding the recent Capital and Coast District Health Board’s decision to move Māori and Pacific patients to the front of their elective surgery queues. We welcome Race Relations Commissioner Dr Meng Foon’s recent comments on radio that on the basis...

    Read more about Formal complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner from Taxpayers’ Union

  41. Taxpayer Update: Race-based hospital waiting lists | Chch rates U-turn | Public health follies

    DHB prioritises patients according to raceWe were amazed to find out this week that Wellington's DHB now has a policy which moves Māori and Pacific patients to the front of their elective surgery queues.We all pay tax into the health system with the expectation that we will receive help...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Race-based hospital waiting lists | Chch rates U-turn | Public health follies

  43. Taxpayer Update: What will PM Muller do | Race-based funding | Pork 🐷

    The National Party has a new LeaderThis afternoon, Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller successfully challenged Simon Bridges for the National Party Leadership.While we don't endorse political parties, we watch National very closely as a party of 'limited government'. Even if they fail to take back the Beehive...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: What will PM Muller do | Race-based funding | Pork 🐷

  44. Revealed: Covid-19 funding for GPs is race based

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that COVID-19 support funding for general practice clinics was allocated significantly on the basis of enrolled patients’ ethnicities. Information obtained under the Official Information Act 1982 showed that organisations received $4.50 in funding per Māori or Pacific patient with any other ethnicities worth only $1.50...

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  45. MPs in Depth: Reform priorities, time in the private sector and long-held political aspirations — Todd Muller MP

    This morning it was reported that Todd Muller is making a challenge for the National Party Leadership. Prior to these reports, Islay Aitchison sat down with him to hear more about his political philosophy, his goals and his background.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio...

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  46. Taxpayer Update: Debt clock launched | Tram shelved | Rock bottom journalism

    Watch Government debt tick up in real timeFollowing the Budget’s eye-wateringly high debt forecast, the team have been thinking about how to best illustrate what it looks like to borrow $200.8 billion by 2024 (or $109,700 added to the mortgage of every New Zealand household).A couple of the staff put together...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Debt clock launched | Tram shelved | Rock bottom journalism

  47. MPs in Depth: The National Party Divide, Modern Conservatism and Fencing - Simon O'Connor

    We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Simon O'Connor MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

    Read more about MPs in Depth: The National Party Divide, Modern Conservatism and Fencing - Simon O'Connor

  48. Taxpayer Talk: Out of the Budget 2020 lock-up – Joe Ascroft and Neil Miller on the economics and politics of the biggest budget of our lifetime.

    The Taxpayers' Union's Consulting Economist Joe Ascroft, and former Treasury (now Taxpayers' Union) Analyst Neil Miller, sits down with Jordan Williams to discuss Budget 2020, the economic and political risks, and what it says about the Government's election strategy.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Out of the Budget 2020 lock-up – Joe Ascroft and Neil Miller on the economics and politics of the biggest budget of our lifetime.

  52. Taxpayer Talk: Tim Hazeldine and Eric Crampton on Auckland's CBD Rail Loop and post-COVID economic recovery

    On this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan Williams interviews Tim Hazeldine and Eric Crampton. They discuss Auckland's CBD Rail Loop, incentives for infrastructure spending and Thursday's Budget.Prof Hazledine’s opinion pieces referred to are here:https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/2020/05/11/1162413/tank-the-tunnelhttps://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12327344The NZ Initiative paper referred to is here:https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/media/media-release-new-zealand-cant-afford-any-boondoggles-in-the-post-covid-19-recovery-new-report-says/You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google...

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  53. Taxpayer Update: What to look for on Thursday | 18 days of reading about rock lobster

    This will be a big week for taxpayers.Thursday is Budget Day, when Grant Robertson will decide how to spend around $100 billion of your money.As usual, we're sending staff to the Budget Day lock-up briefing. This event gives economists, sector groups, and unions a chance to read through...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: What to look for on Thursday | 18 days of reading about rock lobster

  54. Taxpayer Talk: Jami-Lee Ross on his rates freeze SOP, the Botany electorate and China

    Should Parliament step in to enforce a nationwide rates freeze, what's happening in Botany and should our relationship with China change? Islay Aitchison interviews Jami-Lee Ross.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jami-Lee Ross on his rates freeze SOP, the Botany electorate and China

  55. MPs in Depth: Tough economic questions, Muldoon and PR — Paul Goldsmith

    We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Paul Goldsmith MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

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  56. Taxpayer Update: More pay cut victories | Business loan bonanza | Where's Heather? | Where's David?

    State Services Commissioner throws his weight behind our pay cut campaign! 🎉We've had another major win in our campaign for the public sector to share the financial burden of COVID-19.Last month, we wrote to the State Services Commissioner and all major state sector agencies (including councils), asking if they would...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: More pay cut victories | Business loan bonanza | Where's Heather? | Where's David?

  57. Taxpayer Talk: Reserve Bank Reservations with David Seymour

    Taxpayer Talk is back. This week Jordan and Joe interview Act MP David Seymour on the worrying signs of the politicisation of the Reserve Bank, and Grant Robertson's suggestion of monetising the Government's debt. You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Reserve Bank Reservations with David Seymour

  58. MPs in Depth: Police, the campaign trail and proud socialism — Ginny Andersen MP

    We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Ginny Andersen MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Police, the campaign trail and proud socialism — Ginny Andersen MP

  59. MPs in Depth: Shameless liberalism, the Wellington bubble and opening a pub — Chris Bishop MP

    We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Chris Bishop MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate) 

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Shameless liberalism, the Wellington bubble and opening a pub — Chris Bishop MP

  60. “Where’s David?” – the fun nationwide search for David Clark

    Observers of politics were shocked this week when the Hon Dr David Clark was reportedly spotted in Wellington. Dr Clark, who during the COVID-19 crisis has provided Acting Minister of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield with long distance intangible moral support from his opulent Dunedin bubble, apparently broke his...

    Read more about “Where’s David?” – the fun nationwide search for David Clark

  61. Taxpayers' Union reveals donation fund for COVID-19 relief

    After inquiries with Treasury, the Taxpayers' Union has confirmed that New Zealanders can voluntarily donate to a Crown receipts account to assist with COVID-19 relief, reduce the burden of debt for taxpayers, and avoid the need for new taxes.The bank number is 03-0049-0000327-25, and a copy of the deposit clip can be viewed here. Treasury...

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  65. Campaign launched: Public sector pay cuts for COVID-19 relief

    Today we have launched a new campaign to temporarily reduce the remuneration of politicians, senior bureaucrats, and council bosses to match those voluntary and involuntary efforts in the private sector where pay is being slashed. We’re asking the public sector to fairly share the burden of the economic crunch...

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  66. Taxpayer Talk: Economic relief spending: is it worth the cost?

    Spending of taxpayer money has gone through the roof as the Government helps businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. How concerned should New Zealanders be? And how does our response compare to other countries? Louis interviews local Economist Joe Ascroft and Daniel Bunn of the Tax Foundation (based in Washington DC)...

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  67. Statement on COVID-19 Wage Subsidy

    As confirmed by the Government today, the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is one of the many employers that have accepted the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy. This decision was made on the basis of our ethical obligations to staff during the government-mandated economic shutdown.The decision to accept this subsidy was not...

    Read more about Statement on COVID-19 Wage Subsidy

  69. Taxpayer Talk: NZ Initiative on COVID-19 - Dr David Law and Dr Eric Crampton

    In this episode, Jordan talks to Dr David Law (Research Fellow) and Dr Eric Crampton (Chief Economist) at the New Zealand Initiative thinktank. Dr Law has just published a paper, Policy Point: Short-time work to maintain employment and Dr Crampton a Research Note: Effective Treatment: Public policy prescription for...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: NZ Initiative on COVID-19 - Dr David Law and Dr Eric Crampton

  71. Pandemic response: Campaign for nationwide rates freeze launched

    The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a campaign aiming to force New Zealand’s mayors and regional council chairs to commit to a 12-month rates freeze in light of current economic challenges.While the Government prioritises economic relief for struggling families and employers, most local councils are still planning significant rate hikes in...

    Read more about Pandemic response: Campaign for nationwide rates freeze launched

  72. Exclusive: Ministry of Health hasn't asked where staff have traveled

    The Ministry of Health has not been asking staff returning from overseas where they traveled, the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has learned.An information response from the Director-General's office confirms that "The Ministry has not actively recorded or captured personal travel of staff and Ministry staff have not been required...

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  74. COVID-19: Taxpayers’ Union release recommendations for New Zealand’s immediate economic response

    Responding to the developing threat of COVID-19 to the New Zealand economy, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has released a paper outlining its recommendations in advance of the Government’s package being announced tomorrow. As fiscal conservatives, it does not come naturally to call for a dramatic expansion of the...

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  75. Picture of wasteful spending: taxpayers coughing up for arty Italian holiday

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that Creative New Zealand and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa are providing nearly $900,000 in taxpayer money for artists and curators to attend the Venice Art Biennale in 2021.Showing off to Italian art collectors might be glamorous and good fun, but taxpayers shouldn't...

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  76. Revealed: Former Quitline operators hoard millions in taxpayer funds

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that The Quit Group – the charity originally commissioned to run Quitline – continue to hold $2.8 million in taxpayer funds, despite having lost their government contract in 2015.The Quit Group promised to hand the funds over to anti-smoking initiatives. They have failed...

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  79. Wuhan Virus: New Zealanders left high and dry as Embassy staff holiday – Kiwis told to call WHO

    Kiwi taxpayers in China have no one to turn to with New Zealand Embassy Officials having remained on holiday despite the Wuhan Virus turning New Zealanders’ lives in the province upside down.  The Embassy in Beijing remains closed for Chinese New Year.This afternoon the Taxpayers’ Union received a...

    Read more about Wuhan Virus: New Zealanders left high and dry as Embassy staff holiday – Kiwis told to call WHO

  80. Taxpayers’ Union submits design proposal for Beehive artwork

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has formally submitted its design proposal for a 3.5-metre artwork in the Beehive entrance, pictured below.The Union will refuse the $15,000 commission fee should its submission be chosen.Perfectly placed to greet MPs and Ministers arriving for work, Don’t Waste It serves as a...

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  81. Christchurch City Council Hands Out $96,000 in Goody Bag Perks

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that the Christchurch City Council spent $96,459 on induction perks for new and returning councillors and community board members following the 2019 local election.One of the items included in the goody bags was a brand-new $2,407 Dell tablet. Councillors could choose to swap...

    Read more about Christchurch City Council Hands Out $96,000 in Goody Bag Perks

  85. Rubbish tax is set to cost families – and the environment

    This op-ed is written by Louis Houlbrooke, Communications Officer at the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.The wistful days of Jacinda Ardern’s “no new taxes” pledge are long gone.Last week, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage proposed lifting landfill levies from the current $10 per tonne to $60 per tonne by...

    Read more about Rubbish tax is set to cost families – and the environment

  86. Wellington City Council’s “living wage” badge is a waste of money

    The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning why the Wellington City Council pays $4,000 a year to the left wing “Living Wage” campaign.According to an official information response, the price includes $2,500 in annual accreditation fees, plus $1,500 in administration fees.The only thing the City Council gets for this spending...

    Read more about Wellington City Council’s “living wage” badge is a waste of money

  88. Op-ed: For the centre-right to win elections, they have to turn up

    The following op-ed is written by Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams and is also available on the NZ Herald website (Premium) here.Conventional wisdom says oppositions don't win elections – those in power lose them.So much for conventional wisdom. If ever someone in power had set themselves up...

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  89. Mike Tana should pay the money back

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on former Porirua Mayor Mike Tana to repay money clocked up on his ratepayer-funded fuel card for personal travel.The Ernst and Young report released yesterday reveals that, within less than three months, former Porirua Mayor Mike Tana used his ratepayer-funded fuel...

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  90. Revealed: ‘Indigenous procurement' proposal will punish taxpayers

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to veto Cabinet’s proposal to give special preference to iwi and ‘indigenous firms’ during procurement processes.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “Buried in MBIE’s briefing to Phil Twyford [para. 27] as incoming Minister for...

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  91. BREAKING: Government finally pulls pin on controversial Clinton Foundation funding

    We can reveal that the Government has halted its funding of Clinton Foundation subsidiary the “Clinton Health Access Initiative” following nearly three years of campaigning on the issue by the Taxpayers’ Union.New Zealand taxpayers, to date, have shovelled more than $10 million to the Clinton Health Access Initiative....

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  92. 2019 Jonesie Awards celebrate the worst of government waste

    Today at Parliament, the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union hosted the 2019 Jonesie Awards, an Oscars-style ceremony celebrating the best of the worst of government waste.The Jonesie Awards are our annual celebration and lamentation of the weird and wackiest ways taxpayer money has been wasted in the last 12 months.The Jonesie...

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  93. Revealed: New Zealand's army of ratepayer-funded council staff

    Figures obtained as part of the 2019 Ratepayers’ Report league tables reveal that local councils across New Zealand employ 30,497 staff – 5,376 of whom earn salaries north of $100,000.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: "The sheer scale of council bureaucracy is stunning. Ratepayers are forking out salaries for...

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  94. 2019 Ratepayers’ Report released, methodology explained

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, in partnership with the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance, has today published this year's Ratepayers' Report  – online local government league tables – at www.ratepayersreport.nz.With these league tables, New Zealanders can easily compare their local council performance and financial position for 2017/18 against similar-sized councils and types.Setting out more than two thousand data points,...

    Read more about 2019 Ratepayers’ Report released, methodology explained

  95. CRUSTACEAN CONTROVERSY: Council spends $6,000 on man in crayfish suit

    After putting some feelers out, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Wellington regional ratepayers have paid almost $6,000 for “Frank the Crayfish”, a man in an elaborate crayfish suit who scolds ratepayers for their environmental habits. Frank stars in Greater Wellington Regional Council’s ‘quirky’ environmental ads, currently warning against...

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  96. Op-ed: KiwiBuild reset plan ominously similar to 2008 American housing chaos

    The following op-ed is written by Taxpayers' Union Economist Joe Ascroft.On Wednesday, the Government finally announced its KiwiBuild reset. The target of 100,000 homes over ten years has been scrapped and replaced in part by a $400 million “Progressive Homeownership Scheme”, which would distribute additional deposit subsidies for...

    Read more about Op-ed: KiwiBuild reset plan ominously similar to 2008 American housing chaos

  97. Revealed: Taxpayers shell out $15,000 for left-wing lobby group

    The Government has used taxpayer money to hire its left-wing mates as the Friendship Police, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. In May 2019, Netsafe granted $15,000 in taxpayer funding to left-wing campaign group ActionStation, according to information obtained under the Official Information Act.The payment breaches Netsafe’s commitment not to fund political...

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  98. Zero Carbon Bill Submission

    Earlier today our economist Joe Ascroft submitted in person to the Environment Select Committee on the Zero Carbon Bill. The Bill sets out expectations for reducing New Zealand's emissions profile as part of a global effort to limit climate change. Joe spoke to our written submission, which is available here. Our...

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  99. Revealed: Adverse drug reactions cost taxpayers quarter of a billion

    Between 2015/16 and 2017/18, DHBs spent $280 million treating patients due to adverse drug reactions, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union in its final health productivity briefing paper. It’s seriously concerning that taxpayers spent $280 million in three years dealing with botched prescriptions and incorrect use of medication....

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  100. Advice on clean car scheme is seriously flawed – policy must be put on hold

    In a submission to the Ministry of Transport, the Taxpayers’ Union reveals that the cost-benefit analysis prepared by Ministry of Transport and used to advise Ministers on the Government’s Clean Car Standard and ‘Feebate’ policies has serious flaws which undermine justifications for the policies. More than 90 percent of...

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