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  1. Taxpayers' Union Welcomes Chief Ombudsman's Report on Council Workshops

     The Taxpayers' Union endorses the recommendations made within the Chief Ombudsman’s report on council workshops. This investigation underscores serious issues, notably the confusion arising from varied terminology and the trend of workshops seemingly shrouded in secrecy.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator at the Taxpayers’ Union, said, "The findings of this...

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  2. Taxpayers the real losers from Grant Robertson’s Rugby World Cup final attendance

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the decision of outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to send Grant Robertson gallivanting across the world to attend the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris, a decision that was also endorsed by incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“While taxpayers are...

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  3. Tail Wagging the Dog Again in Wellington City Council, Chief Executive Must Resign or Be Sacked

    Responding to news that Wellington City Council Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow had known for months that the town hall restoration project was $147 million over budget but decided to forego passing this information on the elected Councillors, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “For over 6 months, Wellington...

    Read more about Tail Wagging the Dog Again in Wellington City Council, Chief Executive Must Resign or Be Sacked

  5. Wellington Council’s Heritage Hang-ups Leave Finances Crumbling

    Responding to Wellington City Council’s approval of plans to spend up to $147 million more of ratepayers’ money on the city’s town hall, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Whilst pipes are leaking, roads are crumbling and costs of living are climbing out of control, Wellington City Council...

    Read more about Wellington Council’s Heritage Hang-ups Leave Finances Crumbling

  7. Auditor General report highlights need for tough action from new Government on public service

     Responding to the Auditor General's comments in his 2022/23 annual report that “It is still too hard to to tell what New Zealanders are receiving for about $160 billion of central government expenditure each year, and whether or not this is value for money", Taxpayers' Union Head of Campaigns, Callum...

    Read more about Auditor General report highlights need for tough action from new Government on public service

  8. Christchurch City Council should look to trim the fat first before cutting key public services

     Responding to reports that Christchurch City ratepayers are staring down an 18% rate rise or significant cuts to key services so the Council can pay down $2 billion in debt, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“As with many other councils across the country, Christchurch City Council’s excessive spending...

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  10. Michael Reddell on the declining standards in New Zealand public life

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with economist Michael Reddell. Michael is a former Head of Financial Markets at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, has worked for central banks of a number of other countries and has been an Alternate Executive Director...

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  11. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer-funded, anti-National 'sock-puppet' campaign | Cost of living poll | Winston Peters' right of reply

    With the final week of the election campaign nearly over, the race seems to be tightening. Two of this week's three major polls have the Centre Left bloc ahead of the Centre Right. So get your popcorn out; Saturday night could be a bumpy ride!Exposing sock-puppet electric car industry...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer-funded, anti-National 'sock-puppet' campaign | Cost of living poll | Winston Peters' right of reply

  13. Wellington’s water crisis highlights the need for councils' wasteful spending to be reeled in

    Responding to news from Wellington Water that the Wellington region is losing the equivalent of 30 Olympic-sized pools in water every day due to decaying pipes, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves said:“Historical failure to invest in key infrastructure may have led to this current water catastrophe, but unfortunately,...

    Read more about Wellington’s water crisis highlights the need for councils' wasteful spending to be reeled in

  14. NEW POLL: Kiwis oppose Government’s plans to strip planning powers from councils

    A new Taxpayers Union – Curia poll has found that 47% of Kiwis want planning powers to remain with local councils rather than be transferred to new regional planning committees made up of council, Government, and iwi and hapū appointees. With only 24% in favour of the Government’s RMA reforms and...

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  15. Charities Commission should deregister sock puppet group lying about benefits of EV subsidies

    The Taxpayers’ Union is raising the alarm about greenwashing by the Better NZ Trust – a taxpayer-funded charity – to promote the interests of the EV industry. The Trust is running a deceptive six-figure campaign across social media and billboards claiming – falsely – that the removal of...

    Read more about Charities Commission should deregister sock puppet group lying about benefits of EV subsidies

  16. NEW POLL: Kiwis overwhelmingly support inflation-adjustment of income tax brackets

    A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has revealed that 63% of New Zealanders support inflation adjustment of income tax brackets compared to just 14% who are opposed.There was majority support across every demographic (gender, age, area, economic status, and preferred political party).The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a new...

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  18. 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...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National’s commitment not to hike fuel taxes

  19. NEW POLL: Kiwis don’t believe Winston when he says he would not work with the Labour Party again

    A new Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll has found that most New Zealanders don't believe Winston Peters when he says that New Zealand First would not be willing to put the Labour Party back into Government. The poll asked: Do you believe Winston Peters when he says he would not work with the...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Kiwis don’t believe Winston when he says he would not work with the Labour Party again

  20. Performance Management Plans for Public Service Chief Execs Long Overdue

    Responding to ACT’s plans to allow ministers to be able to publicly issue key performance indicators for public service chief executives, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “For far too long, too many public servants have been taking the taxpayer for an easy ride. If any one of...

    Read more about Performance Management Plans for Public Service Chief Execs Long Overdue

  21. Pharmac Chief Executive Lacks Respect for Public Scrutiny, Unsuitable for Public Office

    Responding to news that Pharmac Chief Executive Sarah Fitt took part in a series of personal attacks against journalist Rachel Smalley, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “The strength of our democracy depends on the media being able to hold the government to account, and no public employee...

    Read more about Pharmac Chief Executive Lacks Respect for Public Scrutiny, Unsuitable for Public Office

  22. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊⚫️ | Hipkins: Our no. 1 fan ❤️🏆 | 'ESC' WellingtonNZ's NYC IT/PR bungle ⌨️🛫🍎

    There are eight days left until polls close, and we have a chockablock update for you this week.Your humble Taxpayers' Union has been travelling the length of the country towing the Debt Clock to highlight the high levels of Government debt. Right now Grant Robertson's borrowing amounts to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊⚫️ | Hipkins: Our no. 1 fan ❤️🏆 | 'ESC' WellingtonNZ's NYC IT/PR bungle ⌨️🛫🍎

  25. Taxpayers robbed by more than $1.2 billion in the past year, Taxpayers’ Union launches new campaign

    Following today’s release of the Government’s audited Financial Statements revealing that fiscal drag has seen New Zealanders taxed an additional $1.2 billion by stealth, the Taxpayers’ Union is launching a new website and petition as part of a campaign to Axe the Inflation Tax.Axe the Inflation Tax asks all political parties to commit...

    Read more about Taxpayers robbed by more than $1.2 billion in the past year, Taxpayers’ Union launches new campaign

  26. Taxpayers’ Union Baffled by Wellington City Council’s Corporate Bailout

     Responding to news that Wellington City Council is planning to buy the land under the currently earthquake-prone Reading cinema complex and re-strengthen the building, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns Callum Purves said:“The Reading Cinema may be a dead spot in the heart of the City Centre, but that doesn’t mean...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Baffled by Wellington City Council’s Corporate Bailout

  27. Kiwis Still Paying the Price for Years of Government Mismanagement

     Responding to news that the OCR has remained at 5.5%, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Kiwis struggling under the cost-of-living crisis will be hurting today after hearing that the Official Cash Rate (OCR) is still frozen at 5.5%. Worse still, with inflation still well outside the target...

    Read more about Kiwis Still Paying the Price for Years of Government Mismanagement

  28. NEW POLL: Statistical tie between National and ACT in race for Tāmaki

    A new Taxpayers Union – Curia poll in the Tāmaki electorate shows ACT’s Brooke van Velden mounting a strong challenge to incumbent National MP, Simon O’Connor.The two major candidates for the seat are locked in a statistical tie with 35% of respondents indicating they will vote for Simon O’Conner and...

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  29. Taxpayers’ Union happy to correct PM’s “outlandish claims”

    The Taxpayers’ Union is surprised to be, yet again, in the mind of the Labour Party leader when fielding questions from journalists.Responding to Mr Hipkins’ slight today accusing the Taxpayers’ Union of spreading “outlandish claims” about him and the Labour Party, the Taxpayers’ Union invites him to put...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union happy to correct PM’s “outlandish claims”

  30. Corporate welfare for wood processing leaves Taxpayers’ Union stumped

     The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning the Government’s decision to provide corporate welfare to the wood processing sector, both in the form of direct hand-outs and the Government playing bank manager by providing loans when this could easily be left to private sector banks.Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Too...

    Read more about Corporate welfare for wood processing leaves Taxpayers’ Union stumped

  31. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Te Pūkenga Wasteful Ad Campaign

    Despite facing consistent financial challenges and relying on taxpayer bailouts - most recently to the tune of $220 million in May's budget - The Waikato Times has revealed a staggering $15.6 million spent on ads, PR, and publications, which includes a $3.5 million campaign launch.Oliver Bryan, Invesitgations Coordinator at the Taxpayers'...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams Te Pūkenga Wasteful Ad Campaign

  32. Taxpayers’ Union shivers at thought of more corporate welfare for ski fields

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Cabinet's decision to provide yet another taxpayer-funded handout to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), this time to the tune of $7 million.Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“We warned earlier in the year that taxpayer-funded bailouts for failing businesses would be a slippery slope and...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union shivers at thought of more corporate welfare for ski fields

  34. Grant Robertson’s apparent hole doesn’t exist - at least as it relates to Three Waters Alternative

     Grant Robertson’s claim that there is a ‘hole’ in the funding as of a result of scraping Three Waters is nonsense on stilts.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:“Grant Robertson is trying to frame opponents of Three Waters - including the National Party - as not having an alternative. Nonsense. There...

    Read more about Grant Robertson’s apparent hole doesn’t exist - at least as it relates to Three Waters Alternative

  35. Labour's Grocery Store Subsidies Will Not Reduce New Zealand’s Food Prices

    Responding to the Labour Party’s announcement that they intend to subsidise grocery stores to try and enable competition in New Zealand’s grocery sector, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“There is a lack of competition in New Zealand’s grocery sector, and that does lead to extortionate food prices....

    Read more about Labour's Grocery Store Subsidies Will Not Reduce New Zealand’s Food Prices

  36. National in Danger of Swapping One Middle-Class Subsidy for Another

    Commenting on the National Party’s re-affirmation of their pledge to scrap the Clean Car Discount, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“Under Labour’s Ute Tax, families, farmers and tradies have been subsidising the lifestyle choices of wealthy urban professionals. Robbing from hardworking people to the tune of half...

    Read more about National in Danger of Swapping One Middle-Class Subsidy for Another

  37. Taxpayers’ Union slams National’s alternative fiscal plan

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the plan released by the National Party today saying it barely touches the sides in terms of cutting waste, and realigning the sector to live within the country’s means.  Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Jordan Williams said:“We expected the National Party to set operating allowances at least as small...

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  38. Taxpayers’ Union calls Hipkins' GST bluff – releases the modelling and challenges Hipkins to do the same

    Download the spreadsheet containing our modelling of the cost of Labour's GST policy here.Following recent concerns raised by the Taxpayers’ Union that Labour’s GST-exempt policy would leave a revenue hole of up to $411m because, as Labour have claimed, more people may eat fresh fruit and vegetables if...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls Hipkins' GST bluff – releases the modelling and challenges Hipkins to do the same

  39. Ministry of Education Still Failing to Deliver for Kiwi Kids

     Responding to the release of the OECD’s latest Education at a Glance report, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Since 2018, investment received by the Ministry of Education has increased by nearly 75%. Despite this, outcomes for our children are getting worse and worse by the year. Like with so...

    Read more about Ministry of Education Still Failing to Deliver for Kiwi Kids

  41. Labour’s Fiscal Plan Doubles Down on More Spending, High Taxes and Runaway Debt

     Responding to the Labour Party’s Fiscal Plan, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said:“Labour’s current economic plan of overtaxing hard-working New Zealanders just to waste money on middle-managers, consultants and vanity projects clearly isn’t working. With the highest level of Government spending we have ever had, Labour...

    Read more about Labour’s Fiscal Plan Doubles Down on More Spending, High Taxes and Runaway Debt

  42. Hipkins completely misunderstands his own party’s GST costings

     Chris Hipkins’ claim this morning that Labour’s costings for removal of GST off fruit and veg account for behavioural changes is completely untrue.Responding to Mr Hipkins’ attacks on the Union, spokesman Jordan Williams said:“We couldn’t care less what Mr Hipkins thinks about the country’s largest union, but to...

    Read more about Hipkins completely misunderstands his own party’s GST costings

  44. Handing Climate Policy to Appointed Bureaucrats is Undemocratic and Ineffective

     Responding to Labour’s promise to hand control over carbon pricing under the Emissions Trading Scheme to the Climate Change Commission, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Handing control of carbon pricing away to faceless Wellington bureaucrats would strip away any democratic accountability over climate policy. A bloated,...

    Read more about Handing Climate Policy to Appointed Bureaucrats is Undemocratic and Ineffective

  45. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National’s sanction regime on the Jobseeker Benefit

     Responding to National’s proposed changes to the Job-Seeker benefit scheme, Taxpayers’ Union National Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The current job-seeker benefit arrangements incentivise freeriding and provide little accountability for non-compliance. Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is only going towards helping people who actually intend to get back into...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes National’s sanction regime on the Jobseeker Benefit

  46. Labour’s Climate Announcement is Economically and Scientifically Illiterate

    Responding to the release of Labour’s Climate Manifesto, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:"Yet again, we are seeing a swathe of policies that fail to recognise the genius and effectiveness of our existing Emissions Trading Scheme. If we want to become world leaders in the climate...

    Read more about Labour’s Climate Announcement is Economically and Scientifically Illiterate

  48. Taxpayer Update: NZ's Debt Crisis 🛑⏰ | Labour's GST Hole Crisis 🥬🕳️ | Creative NZ's Crisis 😢✈️

    It's foot to the floor here at the Taxpayers' Union – even Porky the Waste-hater student interns are working overtime this weekend.As well as the the campaigns detailed below, we're still business-as-usual exposing government waste. This week, we take a look at the world through the eyes of...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZ's Debt Crisis 🛑⏰ | Labour's GST Hole Crisis 🥬🕳️ | Creative NZ's Crisis 😢✈️

  49. It Shouldn’t Take an Election to Get Government to Cut Waste

     Responding to news that the Ministry for the Environment intends to cut back hundreds of jobs, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “Since 2017, Government spending has increased by nearly 70%. Expenditure at the Ministry for the Environment alone was forecast to be 361% larger in 2023 than...

    Read more about It Shouldn’t Take an Election to Get Government to Cut Waste

  50. NEW POLL: Kiwis prefer Luxon/Willis over Hipkins/Robertson to tackle cost of living crisis

     A new Taxpayers' Union – Curia poll found that New Zealanders preferred Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis (46% of respondents) to Chris Hipkins and Grant Robertson (37%) as the most trusted team to deal with the cost of living crisis. 17% of respondents were unsure.This month’s regular Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Kiwis prefer Luxon/Willis over Hipkins/Robertson to tackle cost of living crisis

  51. Taxpayers' Union Welcomes ACT's Revised Alternative Budget, Calls for Commitment to Further Lower and Flatten Taxes When Finances Allow

     Commenting on the updates to ACT’s alternative budget, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said: “The only true tax cut is a spending cut, and we welcome ACT’s commitment to tackling the damage caused by 6 years of Labour’s dangerous overspending. Public Spending has increased by nearly 70% in...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Welcomes ACT's Revised Alternative Budget, Calls for Commitment to Further Lower and Flatten Taxes When Finances Allow

  52. GST claims cabbage: If Labour’s claims are right, there’s a $411m hole in the costings

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that it appears the Labour Party has failed to account for behavioural change in its flagship election GST policy. Despite the policy document stating that it “will have the additional benefit of encouraging Kiwis to purchase more healthy fruit and vegetables in their weekly shop”,...

    Read more about GST claims cabbage: If Labour’s claims are right, there’s a $411m hole in the costings

  53. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes National’s Plan to Revive the International Education Sector

     Responding to National’s four step plan to boost international enrolments across Tertiary Education Institutions, Taxpayers' Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy said:“At a time when universities all over the country are reporting crushing deficits and announcing hundreds of redundancies, it is paramount that New Zealand remains an attractive...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes National’s Plan to Revive the International Education Sector

  57. Space Agency's Flights Soar: Taxpayers Left Star-struck by the Bill

    The Taxpayers' Union has once again highlighted the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) for its overseas excursions. The New Zealand Space Agency embarked on another trip to the USA, racking up a bill of $36,075.62. An Official Information Request has unveiled that the NZ Space Agency covered the flight...

    Read more about Space Agency's Flights Soar: Taxpayers Left Star-struck by the Bill

  58. IRD and Treasury advice suggests supermarkets main beneficiaries from Labour’s GST policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that as part of the Tax Working Group appointed by Grant Robertson, and chaired by the late Michael Cullen, Treasury and IRD conducted analysis on what percentage of exempting GST from certain goods would actually be passed on to consumers.The expert advice paper, concluded...

    Read more about IRD and Treasury advice suggests supermarkets main beneficiaries from Labour’s GST policy

  59. Tax cuts are the moral thing to do

     The Taxpayers’ Union totally rejects Prime Minister Chris Hipkin’s claims that tax relief is unaffordable due to the so-called “cuts” he claims would impact delivery of public services.Responding to the Labour Party leaders comments Jordan Williams said:“Chris Hipkins is in la-la land. His flat refusal to acknowledge that...

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  60. Breakfast Blowout: Ministry For Pacific Peoples Does It Again

    The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is once again facing criticism for its seemingly lavish spending habits. Recent figures posted by National's public service spokesperson, Simeon Brown, reveal that over $50,000 of taxpayer money was spent on post-Budget breakfast events this year.Oliver Bryan, Investigations Coordinator for the Taxpayers' Union,...

    Read more about Breakfast Blowout: Ministry For Pacific Peoples Does It Again

  61. Don Brash on why taking GST off fruit and vegetables is a bad idea

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Dr Don Brash to discuss Labour’s proposal to remove GST from fruit and vegetables.Dr Brash chaired the advisory committee that designed New Zealand’s GST system back in 1985 and has a strong understanding of what makes...

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  62. National Primary Industry Consenting Reform a Sticking Plaster Solution to New Zealand’s Red Tape Crisis

    Responding to National’s Primary Sector Growth Plan, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“National’s plan to get the Beehive out of farming should be welcomed. The agricultural sector is the backbone of New Zealand’s export economy, and any way that the ease of doing business can be increased...

    Read more about National Primary Industry Consenting Reform a Sticking Plaster Solution to New Zealand’s Red Tape Crisis

  64. Government Debt soars past $160 billion – the time to slash spending has come

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on all parties to commit to drastically slashing Government spending following today’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU) showing Government debt soaring past $160 billion*. By 2027, Net Core Crown Debt is expected to be more than $12 billion higher than forecast at the Budget Economic and Fiscal...

    Read more about Government Debt soars past $160 billion – the time to slash spending has come

  65. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes policy to bring back health targets

    Reacting to the National Party’s announcement that they intend to bring back health targets, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“National’s policy announcement is a sensible one that should really be expected from political parties of all stripes.“Setting targets is vital to ensuring that taxpayers are actually seeing...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes policy to bring back health targets

  66. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊💥 | National's tax plan 👎 | Labour’s taxpayer-funded dental 🆓🦷 | Taxpayers’ Union debates 📺🗣️

    NEW POLL: National/ACT could form government comfortably 📊💥This month's Taxpayers’ Union – Curia Poll sees National and ACT being able to form a Government by a more comfortable margin than last month. Labour continues to languish at a record low while New Zealand First fail to reach the threshold to...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL 📊💥 | National's tax plan 👎 | Labour’s taxpayer-funded dental 🆓🦷 | Taxpayers’ Union debates 📺🗣️

  68. Taxpayers’ Union raises serious concerns over Ministry for the Environment ‘dodgy deals’

    Taxpayers’ Union raises serious concerns over Ministry for the Environment ‘dodgy deals’The Taxpayers’ Union are seriously concerned to hear that Federated Farmers and other industry groups have been approached by the Ministry for the Environment and offered hundreds of thousands of dollars to help rush through plans under...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union raises serious concerns over Ministry for the Environment ‘dodgy deals’

  69. National ignoring the power of the market when it comes to EV infrastructure

    National ignoring the power of the market when it comes to EV infrastructureResponding to the National Party’s policy announcement to spend $247 million of taxpayer money to fund charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The National Party needs to realise that more Government...

    Read more about National ignoring the power of the market when it comes to EV infrastructure

  71. Labour's 'free' dental care fails to address the root of the problem – higher taxes

    Commenting on Labour’s universal dental care announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“Labour has come up with another populist policy that like its GST debacle sounds good at first, but the cracks begin to show when you drill down into the detail.“Labour’s announcement of universal taxpayer-funded dental care for under 30s...

    Read more about Labour's 'free' dental care fails to address the root of the problem – higher taxes

  73. Milking Taxpayers: Taxpayers' Union Reveals Ministry of Primary Industries Fieldays Expenditure

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spent over $125,000 for its stall at the recent Hamilton Fieldays."MPI's extravagant display at the event showcases financial imprudence. On top of $20,350.72 for their stall, they coughed up nearly $8,000 to transport 30 staff! MPI should be at Fieldays and...

    Read more about Milking Taxpayers: Taxpayers' Union Reveals Ministry of Primary Industries Fieldays Expenditure

  74. National tax plan heading in the right direction but needs to go further

    Reacting to the National Party’s tax policy announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“Today’s announcement is a welcome one with some significant victories for taxpayers but we need to see more radical change.Tax bracket adjustments“National has disappointingly significantly watered down its previous pledges to adjust tax brackets...

    Read more about National tax plan heading in the right direction but needs to go further

  75. Taxpayers’ Union Warns Against Unilateral Digital Services Tax

    Responding to today’s announcement that the Government will implement a unilateral Digital Services Tax (DST) on large multinational companies, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“While we support strengthening multinational tax arrangements as a part of a multilateral approach with other OECD countries, taking a unilateral approach...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Warns Against Unilateral Digital Services Tax

  77. Government cost “savings” announcement too little, too late

    Reacting to today’s announcement that the Government intends to cut costs amounting to $4 billion over four years, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“This is too little, too late. Government spending has increased by 68% since 2017 yet there is nothing to show for it, except out...

    Read more about Government cost “savings” announcement too little, too late

  79. Casey Costello on being a part of the Taxpayers' Union and standing for Parliament

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with Casey Costello, a former chair and board member of the Taxpayers’ Union who recently resigned in order to stand as a candidate for New Zealand First in this year's election. Casey has had a successful career in...

    Read more about Casey Costello on being a part of the Taxpayers' Union and standing for Parliament

  80. Kāinga Ora Needs More Accountability, After Spending $300,000 a Year on Bloomberg Computer Terminals

     The Taxpayer’s Union is condemning Kāinga Ora for spending more than $300,000 per year on Bloomberg computer terminals, noting that issuing its own debt rather than going through Treasury is costing taxpayers more.Kāinga Ora revealed that it spends $312,025 per year on seven Bloomberg computer terminals, to monitor...

    Read more about Kāinga Ora Needs More Accountability, After Spending $300,000 a Year on Bloomberg Computer Terminals

  81. Government Waste Celebrated at 2023 Jonesie Waste Awards

     Jonesie Waste Awards 2023In a year fraught with challenges and uncertainties, The Taxpayers’ Union took it upon themselves to shine a light on the spending choices made by our governing entities. Presenting to you, the Jonesies Waste Awards 2023. Local Government Nominees: 1. Otago Regional Council’s Wallaby Nightmare: Despite pouring more...

    Read more about Government Waste Celebrated at 2023 Jonesie Waste Awards

  82. Ministry of Health's 'Your View on Health' Campaign: Where Your Money Goes to Die

     The Taxpayers' Union has obtained information through an Official Information Act request (OIA) that the Ministry of Health has spent a hefty $330,000 on a nationwide advertising campaign. This campaign, ironically titled 'Your Views on Health,' was launched in December 2022. Its intention? To engage the public and prioritise...

    Read more about Ministry of Health's 'Your View on Health' Campaign: Where Your Money Goes to Die

  83. National’s U-turn on Labour’s failed fees-free policy beggars belief

     The Taxpayers’ Union is in disbelief over National’s announcement that they will continue with Labour’s failed and expensive fees-free tertiary education policy if elected in October.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager Callum Purves, said:“We are starting to wonder if Christopher Luxon has been reading Labour’s policies instead of his own. First it was the winter...

    Read more about National’s U-turn on Labour’s failed fees-free policy beggars belief

  84. Air NZ’s Foreign Bond Holder Bailout Should Come to an End - Luxon Must Confirm he Will Down Government Controlling Share.

     Now that Air NZ is well and truly back in the black, it’s time the Government quit owning a majority stake in our national airline says the Taxpayers’ Union.Responding to today’s market announcement that Air NZ's revenue has shot back to pre-covid levels, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams said:“Back...

    Read more about Air NZ’s Foreign Bond Holder Bailout Should Come to an End - Luxon Must Confirm he Will Down Government Controlling Share.

  85. National wrong to give winter energy payment to wealthy retirees

     The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the National Party’s decision to continue the Winter Energy Payment if elected, without further targeting it to those who actually need it.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves said:“This is exactly the kind of wasteful spending that National should be campaigning against, instead they...

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  86. It's an F for MFAT: Kiwis Fund Diplomats' Private School Fees

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is sounding the alarm over a recent OIA response, revealing that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) $5 million annual spend on private schooling for diplomats' children, more than $2.25 million is being channelled into countries whose state education systems are either on par...

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  87. Taxpayers’ Union calls for an immediate end to parties for bureaucrats

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Public Service Commissioner to immediately direct all Government departments to put an end to extravagant parties for their staff. This comes after today’s revelations that the Department of Internal affairs spent $17,000 on a welcome party for the new Deputy Chief...

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  89. Vaping crackdown will jeopardise Smokefree 2025 goal

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is warning against additional measures aimed at making vaping less accessible which will result in more people continuing to smoke rather than switching to safer alternatives.Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“While we share the concerns of many around the sale and supply of...

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  90. Ratepayers Picking Up the Bill as Bureaucracy Chokes Wellington Nightlife

    Responding to reports of a concerted effort to further restrict alcohol licences in Wellington, Taxpayers’ Union Researcher, James Ross, said: “Wellington City Council has been crying poverty, leading to an average rates increase of 12.3% just this year alone. Is it any wonder the city is finding itself short of...

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  91. Despite Eight Years of Denial, the IRD is Coming for your Family Home

    Commenting on the IRD’s reinterpretation of Labour’s 2021 amendment to the bright-line test, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manger, Callum Purves, said: “When John Key’s Government introduced the bright-line test in 2015, this was the start of a slippery slope. Although the test originally only applied to investment properties sold within...

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  92. Taxpayers' Union welcomes policy to target prescription fees, warns against undermining Pharmac’s independence

    Responding to the National Party’s announcement of plans to fund 13 cancer treatments through the reintroduction of the $5 prescription fee, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Scrapping the $5 prescription fee saw taxpayers subsidising the well-off, and we welcome this move by the National Party to limit...

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  93. Fuel tax increase will hit poorest and rural communities the hardest

    Commenting on Labour’s transport announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Fuel taxes hit the poorest and rural communities the hardest who rely on their cars to travel and get to work. The announcement that fuel taxes would rise a further 12 cents under the Government’s plans will...

    Read more about Fuel tax increase will hit poorest and rural communities the hardest

  96. Taxpayer Update: A Tale of Two Taxes đŸĽâ›˝ | Kiwis think public services getting worse đŸĽđŸ“‰ | Māori Health Authority’s $1 million website đŸ”đŸ’ť

    It's definitely election season with the spending bribes announcements coming in thick and fast. Your humble taxpayer advocates are keeping count and will be 'keeping 'em honest' in the weeks to come.The main news this week has been Labour's new tax policy. Here at the Taxpayers' Union we love tax relief. But...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: A Tale of Two Taxes đŸĽâ›˝ | Kiwis think public services getting worse đŸĽđŸ“‰ | Māori Health Authority’s $1 million website đŸ”đŸ’ť

  97. Mark Mitchell on crime, police and National's ideas for making the country safer

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party Police Spokesperson, Mark Mitchell, to discuss National’s plan for law and order if they are successful in the election later this year. Prior to entering Parliament, Mark was a police officer and was a member...

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  98. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes National Party’s Decision to Treat Savers like Responsible Adults

     Responding to the National Party’s plan to cut red tape for KiwiSavers, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“New Zealanders should be free to save and invest their money however they see fit, and we welcome this decision by the National Party to go back to treating savers like...

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  99. RMA Reforms Cannot Take Place without Time for Sufficient Scrutiny

     Commenting on the news that Climate Minister James Shaw has proposed an inquiry into climate-related community relocation before the passage of the Government’s Climate Adaptation Bill, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “Delaying climate adaptation legislation until the next parliament so that proper scrutiny can take place and...

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  100. OCR Freeze Little Comfort to Working Kiwis Struggling Under the Cost of Government Crisis

    Commenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“The Reserve Bank’s announcement today that the OCR will remain at 5.5% will be tough news for Kiwi families up and down the country who are struggling...

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