News

All news

  1. New poll: 76% believe water entities should be accountable to voters

    Three quarters of New Zealanders believe that those responsible for water services should be directly accountable to voters, reveals a new scientific poll commissioned by the Taxpayers’ Union.The poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was undertaken by Curia Market Research, and asked, Do you think those who are responsible...

    Read more about New poll: 76% believe water entities should be accountable to voters

  5. Taxpayer Talk : Does Grant Robertson's big spend-up get a passing mark?

    Straight out of the Beehive's Budget Day "lock up", Jordan sits down with Cameron Bagrie of Bagrie Economics to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the biggest ever increase to operational Government spending.Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever good podcasts are sold.

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk : Does Grant Robertson's big spend-up get a passing mark?

  6. Budget 2022: Despite red hot economy, big spending Budget delivers higher debt, delayed

    Dear Supporter,Louis and I are just back from the 2022 Budget lock-up inside the Beehive. We’ve spent the day trawling through what is the biggest spend up (in terms of locking in permanent operating spending) we’ve ever seen. As we worked through the 24 Ministerial media releases and...

    Read more about Budget 2022: Despite red hot economy, big spending Budget delivers higher debt, delayed

  7. Budget 2022: How are we still responding to COVID with arts grants?

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is almost – but not quite – lost for words over Budget 2022’s announcement of another $185 million in arts and heritage grants. Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “We were amazed when the Government decided it was appropriate to respond to a novel coronavirus with more than...

    Read more about Budget 2022: How are we still responding to COVID with arts grants?

  9. WTF? Stu Nash starts a bank?

    The Taxpayers’ Union representatives choked on Treasury’s budget lock up sausage rolls when they discovered Stuart Nash’s announcement that he’s launching an investment bank for business rejected by the banking sector and to appoint government workers as directors of SMEs.Jordan Williams, spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, said: “$100...

    Read more about WTF? Stu Nash starts a bank?

  12. Exclusive poll: Four to one, Kiwis don't want more spending in the Budget

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that, by a margin of more than four to one, most New Zealanders oppose increasing Government spending in this week's Budget.A new scientific poll of 1,000 respondents was conducted by Curia Market Research and asked, Given the current levels of inflation, do you...

    Read more about Exclusive poll: Four to one, Kiwis don't want more spending in the Budget

  13. Taxpayer Talk: Greg Murphy on why the Government's Road to Zero stratergy is spin with no substance

    In February, the Government launched its road safety strategy called Road to Zero. The strategy hopes to reduce road deaths to zero by 2030. The Government has allocated $85 million on advertising this strategy alone. Join Louis and motorsport champion Greg Murphy, as they discuss why this unrealistic...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Greg Murphy on why the Government's Road to Zero stratergy is spin with no substance

  16. Taxpayer Talk: The Port of Auckland: a costly political football that hasn't scored success

     In 2005, the Port of Auckland was delisted from the NZX and was taken over by what is now Auckland Council. Since then, the port has underperformed, become inefficient, and lagged behind other ports such as the Port of Tauranga. Jordan sits down with Greg Smith from Devon...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: The Port of Auckland: a costly political football that hasn't scored success

  17. Taxpayer Update: Media funding backfires | IRD goes bonkers | Corporate bludgers

    Dear Supporter,If you're a business owner this update is more important than usual: we're blowing the whistle on backroom changes to IRD's rules that will result in enormous tax bills for small and medium-size business owners. We've also been busy on multiple campaign fronts, from Three Waters to wealth...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Media funding backfires | IRD goes bonkers | Corporate bludgers

  20. Taxpayer Talk: Disregarding democracy: the Government's attempt to strip away one person one vote

    Last month, the Government quietly tried to pass Tamati Coffee's Rotorua District Council Bill. When electing Rotorua Councillors, it would have meant a vote on the general roll would have been worth 39% of a vote on the Māori roll. Due to public pressure and the Attorney General...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Disregarding democracy: the Government's attempt to strip away one person one vote

  23. Taxpayer Talk: Should the Government finally privatise State Owned Enterprises?

    The Government owns or partly owns 18 large businesses with combined assets of $78 billion. The Treasury has found that many are underperforming. Join Jordan and co-founder of TDB Advisory Phil Barry, as they discuss why these businesses would be more productive and experience higher rates of return...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Should the Government finally privatise State Owned Enterprises?

  24. Taxpayer Update: Mahuta trying to gag councils on Three Waters | Auditor General slams tourism slush fund | Nats now leading Labour in latest poll

    Dear Supporter,Louis is away today, so I'm in the hot seat bringing you this week's Taxpayer Update.Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll: Nats pull ahead of LabourFirst thing's first: we've just released this month's Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll, which you can read about on our website here.This is the first time...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Mahuta trying to gag councils on Three Waters | Auditor General slams tourism slush fund | Nats now leading Labour in latest poll

  26. Revealed: Waka Kotahi spends millions promoting Government policy

    Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) has spent $4,737,200 on the first two television advertisements promoting the Government's Road to Zero strategy, reveals the Taxpayers' Union.The spending is separate from the $2.4 million recently spent on the infamous 'Safe Limits' television ad.In February, the Government officially launched its 'Road...

    Read more about Revealed: Waka Kotahi spends millions promoting Government policy

  27. Taxpayer Talk: Fair Pay Agreements: will they cripple New Zealand's labour market?

    The Government's Fair Pay Agreements Bill passed its first vote in Parliament last week. The legislation will initiate the largest shake up for employment relations in decades. Join Jordan and Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope as they discuss why Fair Pay Agreements will mean more barriers to employment,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Fair Pay Agreements: will they cripple New Zealand's labour market?

  28. Revealed: Island Bay cycleway talkfests cost ratepayers $1 million

    An official information response shows the Wellington City Council has spent more than a million dollars on the Island Bay cycleway since its completion in 2016.In 2016, the Wellington City Council installed a 1.7km cycle-way along The Parade in Island Bay. A lackluster consultation process saw the preferences of local residents...

    Read more about Revealed: Island Bay cycleway talkfests cost ratepayers $1 million

  32. High inflation leads to $637 million debt write-off for uni graduates

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is raising the alarm over a $637 million debt write-off for university graduates, driven by inflation and funded by taxpayers.While it is well-known that student loan balances do not accrue interest, it is often forgotten that balances are not even adjusted for inflation....

    Read more about High inflation leads to $637 million debt write-off for uni graduates

  33. Revealed: NZTA spends $15,000 per second promoting lower speed limits

    Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spent $2.4 million on the first advertisement in its campaign promoting lower speed limits, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.The ad, which can be viewed here, features a wig-wearing, clipboard-wielding NZTA official explaining to a pair of children that speed limits are currently too fast.Nine...

    Read more about Revealed: NZTA spends $15,000 per second promoting lower speed limits

  34. COVID response sees $700k spent on a "digital storytelling experience"

    The Government must pull the plug on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's $60 million COVID "Innovation Fund" as it continues to grant taxpayer funding to bizarre projects, says the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.So far, 105 projects have received $15.9 million from the fund. Since the Taxpayers' Union's last update on...

    Read more about COVID response sees $700k spent on a "digital storytelling experience"

  36. Ratepayers foot the bill for $76,000 in shoes for parking wardens

    As if parking wardens weren't already costing ratepayers enough in tickets, they're also putting the boot in with surprisingly large footwear costs.Wellington City Council has spent $75,906.35 on shoes for its parking wardens in the last three years, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.An information response from Wellington City Council...

    Read more about Ratepayers foot the bill for $76,000 in shoes for parking wardens

  40. Taxpayer Update: Labour slides in latest poll | NZTA spends big on 'Road to Zero' propaganda

    Dear Supporter,Seldom do we send two Taxpayer Updates in the same week, but we wanted to ensure our supporters see our latest private political poll result before it is leaked to the media and reported publicly.Today we've also blown the whistle on the cost of the propaganda campaign NZTA have...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Labour slides in latest poll | NZTA spends big on 'Road to Zero' propaganda

  43. Revealed: 316 DJs and entertainers jumped border queue last year

    Three hundred and sixteen foreign entertainers, including 64 DJs, were fast-tracked through MIQ in 2021, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers Union.Taxpayers have spent $1.2 billion on MIQ – $660 for every household in the country. But we were badly let down by the Government's criteria that put favoured industries...

    Read more about Revealed: 316 DJs and entertainers jumped border queue last year

  48. Taxpayer Update: MP's "National security" claim | Winston's party | Departure tax

    Green MP's attempt to enter NZ for 'national security' has to be a jokeThis week it was revealed that Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March applied for an emergency MIQ slot not once, but twice: first as a ‘critical health service’, and again as 'required for national security'.We were first to break...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: MP's "National security" claim | Winston's party | Departure tax

  51. Submission: Reject deposit insurance for finance companies

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has submitted on the proposed Deposit Takers Act, warning against the proposed insurance scheme that will see Ponzi schemes bailed out by taxpayers.Click here to read the full submission.Executive summary:This submission contends that implementing deposit insurance for finance companies would be ashort-sighted policy and...

    Read more about Submission: Reject deposit insurance for finance companies

  52. Taxpayer Update: Luxon gets competitive | Cut fuel tax | 30% tax on low wages

    Dear Supporter,Our latest poll shows National rise under LuxonThe latest monthly scientific Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll is now available for members and supporters here.The headline result: National is returning to a competitive position under the leadership of Christopher Luxon. While much of National's gains appear to have come at...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Luxon gets competitive | Cut fuel tax | 30% tax on low wages

  53. Meeting the new TOP Leader

      The Opportunities Party (or simply TOP) has a new Leader - Raf Manji. Louis sits down with Raf to learn why he's so keen for a universal basic income, how he thinks a land tax will pay for it, and whether TOP is a "left-wing" or "right-wing" party.Raf's...

    Read more about Meeting the new TOP Leader

  58. Unemployment insurance — new tax grab?

     This year the Government is set to announce more details about its proposed unemployment insurance scheme. Join Jordan and Dr Dennis Wesselbaum as they discuss why the scheme will result in more unemployment, higher taxes and ironically — lower societal wellbeing. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever...

    Read more about Unemployment insurance — new tax grab?

  59. Taxpayer Update: New poll | Bach tax | Hon Ruth Richardson | Media pay-off

    Dear Supporter,Welcome to the first Taxpayer Update of 2022!First off, we have just published the results of this month's Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll. This is the first scientific political poll published by anyone this year.It appears that the summer break has lifted New Zealanders' moods, with more respondents saying...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: New poll | Bach tax | Hon Ruth Richardson | Media pay-off

  61. Exposed: Wellington's 'bespoke' roundabout cost $570,000

    The installation of a mountable roundabout in Hataitai has cost Wellington ratepayers $570,000 – and the project's "bespoke artwork" is already badly scuffed, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.In November, Wellington City Council crowed about the completion of works at the Hataitai intersection. The centrepiece is a 'bespoke...

    Read more about Exposed: Wellington's 'bespoke' roundabout cost $570,000

  63. Taxpayer Update: What we've achieved | Hidden tax | War on geese

    Dear Supporter,This will be my last newsletter until the new year. Today the team is reflecting on a challenging but productive 2021.A small sample of what you made possible this yearThe Government froze pay for high-earning public servants after months of petitioning and lobbying from our supporters. (They're set...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: What we've achieved | Hidden tax | War on geese

  66. Taxpayer Update: Today's new poll | Bureaucrat blowout | EECA hypocrisy

    Dear Supporter,Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll: The first post-Luxon leadership pollThe results of December's Taxpayers’ Union Curia Poll, exclusive to our members and supporters like you, are available here.This has been highly anticipated because it is the first scientific poll since Chris Luxon took over as National Party Leader.It's good news...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Today's new poll | Bureaucrat blowout | EECA hypocrisy

  67. Ihumātao update: One year on, we still don't have a Steering Group, let alone housing

    This month marks a year since the Government announced its $30 million purchase of land at Ihumātao. The decision to purchase the land was justified on the basis that it would result in the provision of housing on the site, with funding coming from the Land for Housing Programme.However,...

    Read more about Ihumātao update: One year on, we still don't have a Steering Group, let alone housing

  68. Exclusive: Taxpayers are forking out $103 per laundry service or shower provided by a Government-funded charity

    Taxpayers are forking out $103 per laundry service or shower provided by a Government-funded charity, reveals Annabel Fleming.According to its 2020 annual review, taxpayer-funded charity Orange Sky received $437,500 from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the 2020 financial year and in that time provided 4,248 free...

    Read more about Exclusive: Taxpayers are forking out $103 per laundry service or shower provided by a Government-funded charity

  70. Taxpayer Update: Message to Luxon | Three Waters ads canned | Taxpayers get "Milked"

    Dear Supporter,A note on National's new leadershipYou will have seen the news that Chris Luxon has been selected as the National Party's new Leader, with Nicola Willis as Deputy.Here's the reaction from our Executive Director Jordan Williams:It is to Chris Luxon’s credit that he is one of the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Message to Luxon | Three Waters ads canned | Taxpayers get "Milked"

  71. Taxpayers Milked to the tune of $48K for anti-dairy propaganda

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is challenging the New Zealand Film Commission’s funding criteria after it gave anti-dairy documentary Milked a $48,550 “finishing grant”.The film, currently screening in New Zealand cinemas, argues that the dairy industry causes climate change, pollutes water, destroys land, abuses cows, and victimises dairy...

    Read more about Taxpayers Milked to the tune of $48K for anti-dairy propaganda

  76. Revealed: Wellington City Council spends $11,000 on Māori translation of spatial plan

    Wellington City Council spent $11,482 plus GST producing a te reo translation of the summary of its new spatial plan, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.Just 50 te reo copies were printed – resulting in a translation cost of $220 per printed copy.Māori translations of planning documents are...

    Read more about Revealed: Wellington City Council spends $11,000 on Māori translation of spatial plan

  78. Taxpayer Update: Our latest poll | Buzzing the Beehive | Inflation menace

    Dear Supporter,Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll: Labour down six pointsThe results of November's Taxpayers’ Union Curia Poll, exclusive to our members and supporters like you, are available here.Labour are down six points to 39%. The National Party up four to 26%. And that's not the only bad news for the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Our latest poll | Buzzing the Beehive | Inflation menace

  80. Taxpayer Talk: Nanaia Mahuta grilled by Taxpayers’ Union on Three Waters

    In a long-awaited interview with Nanaia Mahuta, the Local Government Minister fields questions from Taxpayers’ Union supporters on her controversial Three Waters reforms. Listeners will decide for themselves whether her ducking and diving effectively addressed concerns over ratepayer input, iwi veto power, and forecast costs.  Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Nanaia Mahuta grilled by Taxpayers’ Union on Three Waters

  81. "A deceitful, lying pack of bastards" Three Waters with Tina Nixon

    Cr Tina Nixon has no shortage of harsh words for the proposed Three Waters reforms. Join her and Jordan as they dive into the dangerous implications of this asset confiscation by central government.  Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever good podcasts are sold.>>> Click here to...

    Read more about "A deceitful, lying pack of bastards" Three Waters with Tina Nixon

  83. Taxpayer Talk: Three Waters with Christopher Luxon

    Nanaia Mahuta has announced that the government will mandate to seize Three Waters assets from councils. Jordan is joined by National's spokesperson for Local Government Christopher Luxon to discuss the implications, the flaws and what can be done about the government's plans.  Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Three Waters with Christopher Luxon

  84. It’s no wonder local councils are rebelling against LGNZ

    The following is an opinion piece by Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams.Local Government New Zealand President Stuart Crosby resorted to name calling in a recent opinion piece, calling the thousands of New Zealanders who emailed local councillors about Three Waters “wilfully ill-informed keyboard warriors”.This is a desperate...

    Read more about It’s no wonder local councils are rebelling against LGNZ

  85. REVEALED: Government’s favoured unions repaid $1.6 million in wage subsidies

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today revealed that the Labour Party’s trade unions – First Union and E Tū – have repaid the full $1.6 million they received in wage subsidies. This comes after the Union called on them to do so earlier this year.We’d like to congratulate these left wing unions on finally...

    Read more about REVEALED: Government’s favoured unions repaid $1.6 million in wage subsidies

  86. Taxpayer Talk: David Seymour

    What's the secret to ACT's success? Why after years of campaigning are they opposing housing reforms? Who does David think should win the biggest government spending blowout award? Jordan and David discuss this and more in this weeks episode of Taxpayer Talk. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: David Seymour

  90. Taxpayers’ Union asks Jacinda Ardern to clarify role of electorate secretary acting as wedding planner

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today written to the MP for Mt Albert asking for more details about her electorate agent’s role in managing the Gisborne wedding venue, given the staffer is based in Auckland and wouldn’t normally travel for her job.We know of at least two visits to...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union asks Jacinda Ardern to clarify role of electorate secretary acting as wedding planner

  92. Taxpayer Update: Our exclusive new poll | Taxpayer-funded political parties | Bike bridge $$

    Dear Supporter,New Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll released: Labour & Greens down, National & ACT up 📊Exclusive to members and supporters like you, we commissioned another Taxpayers’ Union Curia Poll that shows support for National and ACT is up, while Labour and the Greens are down. ACT is at a...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Our exclusive new poll | Taxpayer-funded political parties | Bike bridge $$

  96. Taxpayer Update: Gang bill drawn | Toa's torture | Tax-funded media

    Dear Supporter,Bill drawn to end government funding of gangsWhen it was revealed that a Mongrel Mob-affiliated group received $2.75 million to run a meth rehab programme, Taxpayers' Union supporters pitched in to publicise the Prime Minister's dodgy decision with nationwide newspaper ads and promotion of a petition signed by...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Gang bill drawn | Toa's torture | Tax-funded media

  97. Document dump reveals DOC put politics ahead of Toa the orca’s welfare

    The Department of Conservation spent $129,000 and 12 days prolonging the pain of a baby orca for the sake of politics.That’s the takeaway from today’s massive document dump, which includes an incident management plan that explained: “An intervention approach is not the traditional DOC position that we have taken in...

    Read more about Document dump reveals DOC put politics ahead of Toa the orca’s welfare

  99. You take the low road, James Shaw takes the high road, and he will be in Scotland a’fore ye!

    Green Party co-leader James Shaw has been under fire for planning to fly to Glasgow for a climate change conference with an unspecified number of support staff. Priding ourselves on fairness towards New Zealand’s elected representatives, the Taxpayers’ Union offered Mr Shaw the opportunity to present his defence....

    Read more about You take the low road, James Shaw takes the high road, and he will be in Scotland a’fore ye!

  100. Taxpayer Update: A new tax grab | Grant's confession | Super tax

    Dear Supporter,Congestion charging: A new raid on commuters' wallets?Parliament's Transport Select Committee has completed an inquiry into congestion charging – and every party involved is keen on the idea.The proposal would initially involve charging motorists entering central Auckland during peak traffic hours, but the door has been left open for...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: A new tax grab | Grant's confession | Super tax

Sign up here to find out how your tax dollars are really being spent