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  1. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Hawke’s Bay Councils

    Hawke’s Bay hit with high debts; Wairoa’s outsourcing costs on consultants and contractors raise alarms. Councils across Hawke’s Bay are loading up ratepayers with high costs, rising debt, and heavy reliance on contractors, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report. The league tables highlight significant variation across the region, with Hastings District Council and Wairoa District Council standing out for...

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  2. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Gisborne District Council

    Gisborne’s ‘one council’ model fails; high staffing and debt burden ratepayers. Gisborne’s unitary council structure is intended to deliver efficiency, but the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 league table Ratepayers’ Report shows ratepayers are still facing significant costs across the board with the council carrying a high staffing cost and nearly $10,000 of debt per household. Taxpayers'...

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  3. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Canterbury Councils

    Canterbury ratepayers feeling the aftershocks; Christchurch debt and widening cost gaps hit hard. Councils across Canterbury are placing increasing financial strain on ratepayers through rising debt, staffing, and outsourcing costs, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 “Canterbury has seen significant growth and rebuilding over...

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  4. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Bay of Plenty Councils 

    Bay of Plenty averages third highest debt per household in the country; Tauranga City Council’s chief among them. Tauranga City Council claims the highest debt levels per household in Bay of Plenty – according to the 2026 Ratepayers’ Report – the Taxpayers' Union’s local government league tables, released today and available at RatepayersReport.nz.   Taxpayers' Union...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Bay of Plenty Councils 

  5. Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Auckland Council

    Auckland’s “Super City” with super-sized costs; ratepayers foot the bureaucracy bill. New Zealand’s “Super City” is operating on a scale unparalleled across the country, as the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report league tables reveal the per household cost of Auckland’s massive bureaucracy.   Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 "Auckland Council serves more than 1.8 million people —...

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  6. FAQs: Ratepayers’ Report 2026

    What is the purpose of the Ratepayers’ Report?    The Ratepayers' Report provides accountability and transparency to New Zealand ratepayers by allowing them to compare their local territorial authority with others around the country.    Where was the data sourced?    The Taxpayers' Union compiled the data in the Ratepayers' Report from figures obtained...

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  7. Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

    The 2026 Ratepayers’ Report – the local council league tables – shows that among New Zealand’s biggest urban councils, staffing costs have become a major burden on households.  While Auckland runs the country’s largest council machine in absolute terms, three other councils stand out for punishingly high staffing costs per household. Tauranga is costing...

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  8. Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

    The 2026 Ratepayers’ Report – the local council league tables – shows that among New Zealand’s biggest urban councils, staffing costs have become a major burden on households.  While Auckland runs the country’s largest council machine in absolute terms, three other councils stand out for punishingly high staffing costs per household. Tauranga is costing...

    Read more about Council Payroll Blowout: Big Five Spend $1.3 Billion on Staff

  9. Ratepayers’ Report 2026: Council League Tables Launched by Taxpayers’ Union

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has released the 2026 edition of the Ratepayers’ Report, New Zealand's local government league tables at RatepayersReport.nz.  Ratepayers’ Report allows Kiwis to easily compare their local council’s performance and financial position against others across the country. The Report provides transparency for ratepayers, with financial and rates figures presented on a per-household basis for...

    Read more about Ratepayers’ Report 2026: Council League Tables Launched by Taxpayers’ Union

  10. Taxpayer Update: Booze, Backflips & Borrowing 💸 | Waikato Betrayal Exposed 🐍 | Debt Crisis Red Alert 🚨

    Dear Supporter,A short work week, but a busy one. Tomorrow morning we launch the much anticipated annual Ratepayers' Report (local government league tables) exposing what town halls across the country don't want you to know. It should hit your inbox first thing.Then we head straight into spending season...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Booze, Backflips & Borrowing 💸 | Waikato Betrayal Exposed 🐍 | Debt Crisis Red Alert 🚨

  12. From “Rates Control” to damage control: LGNZ backflip called out as lying political hyenas pull middle finger to ratepayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Waikato Regional Council councillors from the "Rates Control Team" who have today broken their explicit election promises to withdraw the Waikato Regional Council from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) - just months after taking their oath of office.At todays vote, the following...

    Read more about From “Rates Control” to damage control: LGNZ backflip called out as lying political hyenas pull middle finger to ratepayers

  13. Taxpayers’ Union Slams Waikato Regional Chair For Silencing LGNZ Critics

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Waikato Regional Council after being blocked from speaking at Thursday's meeting on whether the council should resign from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Rhys Hurley, said:“Waikato Regional councillors are preparing to vote on whether to keep funding LGNZ, yet...

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  14. NEW POLL: Coalition Preference Has Right Bloc Ahead, With NZ First Voters Leading The Charge

    New Taxpayers' Union–Curia polling shows a plurality of voters prefer a National/ACT/NZ First coalition over a Labour/Greens/Te Pāti Māori alternative, with NZ First's own base backing the right bloc nearly unanimously.A nationwide poll of 1,027 New Zealanders asked which of two three-party coalitions they would prefer to form the next...

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  15. Taxpayer Talk: Professor Elizabeth Rata on the decline of education in New Zealand

      Why did New Zealand’s education system "turn to custard" in 1971? In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, host Peter Williams sits down with Professor Elizabeth Rata to explore how the nation moved from a world-class, knowledge-rich curriculum to one dominated by "social constructivism" and "learnification”.Elizabeth also lifts the...

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  16. REVEALED: $160,000 in Corporate Welfare Upgrades for Private Retirement Villages

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act requestthat $161,985.55 of taxpayer funding has been used to subsidise insulation upgrades in Summerset's privately-run Wanganui and Havelock North retirement villages.The funding was provided through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, with payments made to contractors installing...

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  17. Moody’s warning shows Nicola’s Fudge isn’t so sweet after all

     Moody’s has placed New Zealand’s credit rating on a negative outlook, underscoring growing concern about the Government’s worsening fiscal position.Responding, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Minister Willis is right to say this is another warning that New Zealand can’t afford to simply spend more and borrow more. The...

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  19. Taxpayers’ Union challenges MBIE over fuel data secrecy after unanswered questions

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today written to MBIE Chief Executive Nic Blakeley demanding answers after officials repeatedly failed to justify claims that key fuel security data must be withheld from the public.The letter follows last week’s meeting between MBIE's CEO, officials and the Taxpayers’ Union regarding its Fuel...

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  20. Inflation Back Above Target: Government’s “Last Chance Budget” Looms

    Responding to this morning’s CPI figures showing inflation at 3.1 percent, above the Reserve Bank’s target band, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“While today’s number was broadly expected, it’s the next wave that should worry Kiwis. Fuel price hikes are only just starting to work their way through...

    Read more about Inflation Back Above Target: Government’s “Last Chance Budget” Looms

  21. Why won’t MBIE list the ships? Tracking data makes a mockery of ‘official’ fuel update

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on MBIE to be transparent about which fuel-carrying ships are expected to arrive in New Zealand, so the public can have a clear picture of fuel stock flows into the country - rather than relying on five-day-old data, as released by MBIE earlier...

    Read more about Why won’t MBIE list the ships? Tracking data makes a mockery of ‘official’ fuel update

  22. REVEALED: Children’s Commissioner Spends $140,000 on Self-Promoted Campaign

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Children’s Commissioner’s “Dear Children” campaign cost $139,880.25 (GST inclusive).While advocacy is part of the Commissioner’s role, the campaign places Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad front and centre, raising questions about whether this is public...

    Read more about REVEALED: Children’s Commissioner Spends $140,000 on Self-Promoted Campaign

  23. Taxpayer Talk: Oliver Hartwich on Restoring Democratic Control of the Public Service

    In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, to discuss why he believes the country’s public service is "fundamentally broken" and incompatible with implementing good policy.Oliver explains how the 1988 reforms inadvertently created a  state where...

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  24. How can councillors be expected to govern when those governed are throttling information?

    Responding to news that Wellington City Council’s former CEO withheld a damning report into the Council's dysfunctional relationship with Wellington Water, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said the decision was “reprehensible, especially given it was kept from elected councillors responsible for water infrastructure.”“But even more concerning is former...

    Read more about How can councillors be expected to govern when those governed are throttling information?

  25. Taxpayer Update: Disinformation from former COVID Minister 🤥 | Leaked audio from MBIE 📣 | Goldsmith's secret plan to water down OIA? 🤫

    Hi,This week, we call out a former Labour COVID-response Minister for (ironically) disinformation, reveal a LEAKED audio recording of the now infamous "MBIE workplace waiata", and fisk the Green Party's proposed wealth tax. Plus we'll brief you on new work by the New Zealand Initiative think tank, asking...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Disinformation from former COVID Minister 🤥 | Leaked audio from MBIE 📣 | Goldsmith's secret plan to water down OIA? 🤫

  26. Open Door to Higher Taxes? Hipkins Under Pressure After Russell Signals CGT Could Grow

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Labour leader Chris Hipkins to clarify his party’s position after Labour’s Revenue spokesperson Deborah Russell refused to rule out expanding their proposed capital gains tax.“Deborah Russell’s refusal to confirm Labour’s capital gains tax goes far enough should ring alarm bells for taxpayers,”...

    Read more about Open Door to Higher Taxes? Hipkins Under Pressure After Russell Signals CGT Could Grow

  29. Wellington Water Pay Blowouts While Households Face Soaring Bills

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming pay increases for Wellington’s new water entity leadership, including board pay reportedly doubling, as households face water bills are set to be introduced.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Wellington households are being told to brace for water bills heading toward $7,000,...

    Read more about Wellington Water Pay Blowouts While Households Face Soaring Bills

  32. Science funding to save the native trees: videos games and prayers

    Hi,In my email last month exposing the $156,132 taxpayer-funded "science" kumara patch, I said there was more to come...Today, I want to tell you about two projects – both out of the University of Auckland, and both funded from the same "National Science Challenge" pot of taxpayer money.Remember the objective...

    Read more about Science funding to save the native trees: videos games and prayers

  35. Taxpayer Update: Pay Gap exposed: Bureaucrats cash in 🤑 | $116k council logo rip-off 🎨 | 'Everything is awesome' podcast 🎙️

    Hi,We’re straight into it this week with the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll.NEW POLL: NZ First support surges with best-ever Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll result ⬆︎⬆︎⬆︎The Government has seen a significant increase in support according to the first public poll taken since the announcement of the Government’s Fuel Security Plan....

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Pay Gap exposed: Bureaucrats cash in 🤑 | $116k council logo rip-off 🎨 | 'Everything is awesome' podcast 🎙️

  36. Labour Needs To Read The Numbers

    Responding to calls in The Post by Labour MP Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall that there have been “thousands of public service job losses", Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Where on earth is Dr Verrall getting these numbers from? The Public Service Commission’s own data shows there are still more...

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  40. REVEALED: Selwyn Council’s $30k Self-Monitoring Subscription

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Selwyn District Council is spending $27,186 a year on media monitoring.The service, provided by STREEM, tracks mentions of the council across print, online news, television, radio, podcasts, and social media...

    Read more about REVEALED: Selwyn Council’s $30k Self-Monitoring Subscription

  42. Brown Sounds Alarm on $1.3bn Ticketing Boondoggle, And He’s Right

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has responded to reports that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is raising concerns about the Government’s $1.3 billion National Ticketing System(NTS).Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The NTS is shaping up to be yet another taxpayer-funded boondoggle driven by Wellington wishful thinking rather than real-world...

    Read more about Brown Sounds Alarm on $1.3bn Ticketing Boondoggle, And He’s Right

  43. Why are taxpayers funding security at privately-owned airports?

     The Taxpayers’ Union is questioning why taxpayers are funding security at privately-owned airports, as it reveals that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) employs 1,855 staff (excluding casuals, contractors, board members and staff on leave), making it larger than the United Kingdom’s 1,602 employees, which handles around ten times as...

    Read more about Why are taxpayers funding security at privately-owned airports?

  44. MBIE Fuel Data Four Days Late: Are Officials Guessing While Kiwis Run on Empty?

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for better transparency from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) after it released today's fuel stock data that is already four days out of date, despite the importance of timely information during the ongoing fuel crisis.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“In...

    Read more about MBIE Fuel Data Four Days Late: Are Officials Guessing While Kiwis Run on Empty?

  45. Taxpayer Update: Hipkins found guilty 👨‍⚖️ | Bond markets jitter 🥶 | Fuel rationing alert system announced ⛽️

    Hi,What a week.Not since March 2020 have we seen the carnage in the New Zealand Government bond market as we saw in the last five days. Not good.Emergency "Alert Levels" are back! It's now official, with the Beehive signalling what everyone in Wellington has known for ten days:...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Hipkins found guilty 👨‍⚖️ | Bond markets jitter 🥶 | Fuel rationing alert system announced ⛽️

  46. New report reveals fiscal reckoning as debt, deficits, and fuel-driven cost pressures collide

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today released Fiscal Reality Check: The Reckoning in Numbers, exposing the scale of New Zealand’s deteriorating finances and the mounting pressure on Kiwi households.The report highlights soaring debt, no surplus this decade, rising interest costs, and weakening economic growth, now compounded by global instability and...

    Read more about New report reveals fiscal reckoning as debt, deficits, and fuel-driven cost pressures collide

  47. Taxpayer Update: Govt funding activism 🇵🇸 | Fuel data fiasco ⛽️ | Looming fiscal reckoning 💣

    Hi,It’s been another busy week in the Wellington bubble: the fuel crisis has dominated, but, unfortunately, we've yet again uncovered more creative ways they're wasting your tax dollar.And just to add to the drama, a new Fiscal Reality Check for New Zealand. Buckle in.The $30k taxpayer-funded pro-Palestinian campaign in...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt funding activism 🇵🇸 | Fuel data fiasco ⛽️ | Looming fiscal reckoning 💣

  49. Taxpayer Victory: Welcoming The Removal of “Nosey Parker” Powers

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the passage of legislation to remove the “Nosey Parker” powers, calling it a major win for fairness and common sense.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“David Parker’s snoopers’ law is now gone, and good riddance. Taxpayers have a right to privacy,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Welcoming The Removal of “Nosey Parker” Powers

  50. Whanganui Council Misleads Ratepayers With $120,000 Rebrand

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal further details through a Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act request that shows Whanganui District Councils rebranding work cost $116,899.12, which is $55,099 higher than the $61,800 figure initially presented to ratepayers.Officials have also justified the rebrand by claiming the...

    Read more about Whanganui Council Misleads Ratepayers With $120,000 Rebrand

  52. ChristchurchNZ flops on jobs: Now is the time to scrap the agency

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Christchurch City Council to disband ChristchurchNZ after the ratepayer-funded agency spectacularly failed to deliver on its job creation promises.Responding to reports that the City’s ratepayer-funded economic development arm has produced just a tiny fraction of the jobs it was set up to...

    Read more about ChristchurchNZ flops on jobs: Now is the time to scrap the agency

  53. Taxpayers’ Union launch “Fuel Clock” to track risk of diesel shortages in real time

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a new public tool – the Fuel Clock – to provide real-time insight into the country’s fuel security, amid growing concerns about the risk of diesel shortages.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says the tool was developed in response to increasing unease about the resilience...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union launch “Fuel Clock” to track risk of diesel shortages in real time

  54. REVEALED: $30,000 For Gaza Lobbying: What Is the Ethnic Communities Development Fund Actually For?

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Ministry for Ethnic Communities funded $30,000 for Asturlab Cultural Centre to run a nationwide advocacy campaign, using taxpayer funds to promote pro-Palestinian narratives on the conflict in Gaza.This funding comes from the Ethnic Communities Development...

    Read more about REVEALED: $30,000 For Gaza Lobbying: What Is the Ethnic Communities Development Fund Actually For?

  55. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Minister Willis’ fuel support but warns “no borrowing” claim doesn’t stack up

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ support to ease pressure on low-income households during the fuel crisis, but says the Government cannot claim it comes without any borrowing at all.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:"Targeted and temporary relief can be fiscally responsible, but the framing...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Minister Willis’ fuel support but warns “no borrowing” claim doesn’t stack up

  56. Luxon’s ‘no new debt’ pledge on fuel support is the right call

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s commitment that today’s fuel support package must not drive government debt higher.“At a time when the books are already under strain, this is a welcome sign of discipline,” Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said. “It shows the Government now...

    Read more about Luxon’s ‘no new debt’ pledge on fuel support is the right call

  57. The Government’s walk needs to match its talk: Fuel support must not fuel more debt

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning that any Government move to support fuel prices amid disruption linked to Iran must be funded through cuts to existing budgets, not by piling more debt onto taxpayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“The Government’s walk must match its talk. If ministers are serious...

    Read more about The Government’s walk needs to match its talk: Fuel support must not fuel more debt

  58. Taxpayers’ Union Slams $50m “Interest-Free” EV Loan As Costly Corporate Welfare

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s $52.7 million in zero-interest loans for EV chargers as ultimately costing taxpayers more as borrowing costs rise.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“If EV charging stacked up commercially, the private sector would already be funding it. If the Government is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams $50m “Interest-Free” EV Loan As Costly Corporate Welfare

  59. Taxpayer Update: Congratulations Mr Hipkins 🥳 | Who sits where in Wellington City? 💼 | David Farrar on how polls work 🎙️

    Hi,This week: golden trophies for government waste, a policy win wrung out of a Minister, our new report on the Green's proposed Wealth Tax – Green with Envy – plus the country's best political pollster sits down with Peter Williams for a podcast to discuss how it all...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Congratulations Mr Hipkins 🥳 | Who sits where in Wellington City? 💼 | David Farrar on how polls work 🎙️

  61. Tell Greenpeace to take a hike: Secure the minerals deal and get NZ growing

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a petition calling on the Government to ignore Greenpeace theatrics and urgently lock in a critical minerals deal with the United States, as new GDP figures show mining output fell 7.7 percent in 2025.“While Greenpeace are busy cosplaying outside electorate offices, New...

    Read more about Tell Greenpeace to take a hike: Secure the minerals deal and get NZ growing

  62. Taxpayer Talk: David Farrar on the methodology and influence of political polling

    Our latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia poll sent Wellington into a frenzy at the beginning of March. But in this week’s Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Curia founder - and Taxpayers’ Union co-founder - David Farrar to separate the signal from the spin.Are polls actually driving political decisions,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: David Farrar on the methodology and influence of political polling

  63. REVEALED UPDATE: NIWA Forced To Admit $450,000 Video Game By Ombudsman

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an updated Official Information Act request, following Ombudsman involvement, that NIWA has been forced to disclose it paid $150,000 to external contractor Hum Interactive, on top of $300,000 in research costs, for the development of its “Future Coasts Aotearoa” video...

    Read more about REVEALED UPDATE: NIWA Forced To Admit $450,000 Video Game By Ombudsman

  65. Taxpayers’ Union Backs NPDC Mayor For Halting $1m Hapū Deal

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is backing New Plymouth District Council Mayor Max Brough for pausing a proposed service level agreement reportedly worth close to $1 million with Puketapu Hapū.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Ratepayer Protection Pledge-signing Mayor Brough is absolutely right to hit the brakes on...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Backs NPDC Mayor For Halting $1m Hapū Deal

  67. Fuel Relief Must Come from Spending Cuts, Not More Debt

    Responding to reports the Government is considering additional financial support for families during the fuel crisis, the Taxpayers’ Union says any new support for families must be fully funded through spending cuts elsewhere, not more borrowing.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Families are under real pressure from rising fuel...

    Read more about Fuel Relief Must Come from Spending Cuts, Not More Debt

  68. Taxpayers’ Union wins two international Reed Awards

    The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating winning two international Reed Awards, widely regarded as the top global awards for political campaigning and advocacy.The awards, run by Campaigns & Elections, recognise the best political campaign work from around the world, including election campaigns, advocacy groups, and political consulting firms. They are are often...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union wins two international Reed Awards

  69. REVEALED: $1.1 million of taxpayer money spent on ‘Fees Free’ skydiving course

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that more than $1.1 million in taxpayer funding has been spent subsidising a Diploma in Commercial Skydiving through the Government’s Fees Free tertiary education scheme.Information released to the Taxpayers’ Union under the Official Information Act shows that since 2018, the Tertiary Education Commission...

    Read more about REVEALED: $1.1 million of taxpayer money spent on ‘Fees Free’ skydiving course

  71. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Wellington three-year plan, but says more savings needed

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Wellington City Council agreeing to its new three-year plan, saying the process shows that when councillors make the effort to find savings they can be found, but warning that ratepayers are still facing steep increases.Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Josh...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes Wellington three-year plan, but says more savings needed

  72. 2026 Jonesie Awards for Government Waste Winners Announced: Chris Hipkins Receives Lifetime Achievement in Waste Award

    The Taxpayers' Union's annual Jonesie Awards (the Jonesies) today have once again shone a light on the 'best of the worst' of Government waste. Hosted in Parliament's Legislative Council Chamber, there were laughs, there were tears, and there was more competition than ever for our coveted Golden Hogs.Since...

    Read more about 2026 Jonesie Awards for Government Waste Winners Announced: Chris Hipkins Receives Lifetime Achievement in Waste Award

  73. Government Urged to Rule Out Bed Tax on Kiwi Travellers

    Responding to reports that Auckland Council has secured a formal commitment to consider a bed tax, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen said:“The Government should categorically rule out slapping Kiwis with yet another tax during the worst cost-of-living crisis in recent memory. Families and businesses are already stretched to breaking...

    Read more about Government Urged to Rule Out Bed Tax on Kiwi Travellers

  74. Selwyn Council’s Unelected Voting Rights Decision Disappoints

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is criticising Selwyn District Council after councillors voted today to grant Te Taumutu Rūnanga speaking rights at council and voting rights on council committees.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Democracy is simple. Those who were voted for should be the ones making the decisions. Councillors...

    Read more about Selwyn Council’s Unelected Voting Rights Decision Disappoints

  75. New Zealand First and ACT correct to oppose Inland Revenue proposals to tax shareholder loans

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming reports that New Zealand First and ACT are opposing Inland Revenue’s proposal to tax shareholder loans. The group says the parties are right to push back against a plan that risks creating unfair double taxation.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We’re pleased to see New Zealand...

    Read more about New Zealand First and ACT correct to oppose Inland Revenue proposals to tax shareholder loans

  76. Hipkins must answer as Royal Commission reveals ministers ignored advice during COVID response

    The Taxpayers’ Union says today’s release of the COVID-19 Royal Commission report confirms that ministers made some of the most significant decisions in modern New Zealand history while ignoring official advice.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says the report raises serious questions about accountability.“New Zealanders were repeatedly told the...

    Read more about Hipkins must answer as Royal Commission reveals ministers ignored advice during COVID response

  77. Seymour dead wrong to say fuel tax relief would increase borrowing - so long as Govt cuts wasteful spending

    The Taxpayers' Union is correcting David Seymour's reported comments that a temporary cut to fuel tax - as called for by the Taxpayers' Union - would necessarily widen the deficit and result in more borrowing."With the greatest respect to David, the Taxpayers' Union is not calling for unfunded tax...

    Read more about Seymour dead wrong to say fuel tax relief would increase borrowing - so long as Govt cuts wasteful spending

  79. NEW POLL: Centre-Left with narrow lead; Labour lead on keeping tax low

    The Centre-Left bloc could form a Government, but with the finest possible margin according to the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.This poll shows Labour gain 0.3 points to 34.4 percent, while National drops 2.9 points to 28.4 percent.The Greens gain 0.2 points to 10.5 percent, while New Zealand First drops...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Centre-Left with narrow lead; Labour lead on keeping tax low

  80. Former Green MP sucks the kumara 🍠 | Poll 📈 | Ministry $1m Treaty workshops 🎓 | Labour want return to Orr-inflation 🎈

    Hi Friend,Former Green Party MP defends $156k kūmara patch - says 'more money' needed for 'Māori science' 🪏 We've been bombarded with emails on yesterday's exposé on the $156,132 "science challenge" 3 by 3 metre kūmara patch, funded through Massey University.In case you missed it – check out what now...

    Read more about Former Green MP sucks the kumara 🍠 | Poll 📈 | Ministry $1m Treaty workshops 🎓 | Labour want return to Orr-inflation 🎈

  81. Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on selling public assets to build better infrastructure

    The New Zealand Initiative Chair Roger Partridge joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to discuss a new report arguing New Zealand could unlock more than $24 billion for essential infrastructure by recycling mature Crown-owned commercial assets.Roger explains how redirecting capital tied up in government-owned companies such as Air New Zealand,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on selling public assets to build better infrastructure

  83. Government Books Improve But Budget 2026 Will Be the Real Test

    Responding to Treasury figures showing the Government’s deficit is slightly smaller than forecast, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“These figures are genuinely encouraging for taxpayers, especially young New Zealanders who will inherit this debt.”“But let’s be clear, better than expected is not the same as balanced. The deficit...

    Read more about Government Books Improve But Budget 2026 Will Be the Real Test

  85. With signs Middle East conflict will drag on, Government must rule out more borrowing

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning that Treasury’s repeated cautions about New Zealand’s vulnerability to an economic shock are now looking prophetic, as geo-security assessments suggest the Iran conflict is likely to drag on for months, not days or weeks.“Over the last six months Treasury has made it clear:...

    Read more about With signs Middle East conflict will drag on, Government must rule out more borrowing

  86. Nicola’s Fudge shortlisted for prestigious international award

    Nicola’s Fudge, the tongue-in-cheek campaign by the Taxpayers’ Union to hold the Finance Minister to account for her fiscal indulgences and failure to deliver on her pre-election promises to get spending under control, has been shortlisted for three prestigious international Reed Awards.The campaign has been named a finalist...

    Read more about Nicola’s Fudge shortlisted for prestigious international award

  87. Pay equity spat calls for independent policy costings

    Labour leader Chris Hipkins is again disputing Treasury’s estimate that reversing the Government’s pay equity changes would cost $6,400 per household. The Taxpayers’ Union says if Labour rejects the numbers, it should back independent verification.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:"If Chris Hipkins thinks Treasury has got it wrong,...

    Read more about Pay equity spat calls for independent policy costings

  90. Taxpayers’ Update: MPs squirm 🥶 | Hipkins' $12.8b Fantasy 🦄 | 103 ways to cut rates ✂️ | Defence force orders woke 🫡

    Hi,Sometimes politicians complain about the Taxpayers' Union. 90 percent of the time, it means we're right on target in holding them to account... And this week was no different.MPs squirm as Taxpayers' Union drop truth bombs to Budget Committee 💣The Government is currently consulting on this year's "Budget...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Update: MPs squirm 🥶 | Hipkins' $12.8b Fantasy 🦄 | 103 ways to cut rates ✂️ | Defence force orders woke 🫡

  91. Sell Air NZ now – it’s a national embarrassment, not a strategic asset

    The Taxpayers’ Union is adding its voice to the growing calls for the sale of the Government’s stake in Air New Zealand, saying taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to own a struggling airline and politicians are no good at running commercial businesses.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Air New...

    Read more about Sell Air NZ now – it’s a national embarrassment, not a strategic asset

  93. Hipkins says Labour doesn't want to toll existing roads - but Labour MPs voted for it in November

    In answering questions about the proposed Auckland Harbour Bridge Toll yesterday, Chris Hipkins told media: "Tolling a new road is something Labour has been open to previously, tolling an existing road is something we've been opposed to"."But that's a porkie pie,” points out the Taxpayers’ Union.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson,...

    Read more about Hipkins says Labour doesn't want to toll existing roads - but Labour MPs voted for it in November

  94. Remuneration Authority spin shows why taxpayers need a seat at the table

    The Taxpayers’ Union says comments from the Chair of the Remuneration Authority on Newstalk ZB last night attempting to downplay massive council pay increases only reinforce the need for a taxpayer representative on the out-of-touch Remuneration Authority.Applications for a vacant board position close tonight, and the Union is...

    Read more about Remuneration Authority spin shows why taxpayers need a seat at the table

  95. Labour rule out new Bridge Tax, will National do the same?

    Labour leader Chris Hipkins today ruled out tolling the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Tory Relf said:“Tolling to pay for a new road is fair. Tolling a bridge that’s already been paid off is shamelessly raiding Aucklanders’ wallets.”“Even Labour, who are currently campaigning on an inflation-taxing,...

    Read more about Labour rule out new Bridge Tax, will National do the same?

  96. Government to splash $200m on Genesis shares while claiming the coffers are empty

    Responding to this morning’s announcement by the Minister of Finance that the Government will spend $200 million to buy half of Genesis Energy’s new share issue, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is an irresponsible use of money the Government simply does not have. If Genesis is such...

    Read more about Government to splash $200m on Genesis shares while claiming the coffers are empty

  97. Taxpayer Update: 3 new taxes in 3 weeks 🤦‍♂️ | Unscrambling Wgtn's spaghetti 🍝 | $550 subsidy per fan to bring Australians to Eden Park 🏉

    Dear supporter,For a "no new taxes" Government, the politicians in Wellington are sure making it hard to love 'em! This week, a new string of new taxes, sorry levies, emerged. But it's not all bad news in today's Taxpayer Update.Let's get into it.How many times can Wellington tax...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 3 new taxes in 3 weeks 🤦‍♂️ | Unscrambling Wgtn's spaghetti 🍝 | $550 subsidy per fan to bring Australians to Eden Park 🏉

  99. RBNZ comments show why the Government must cap council rates now

    The Taxpayers’ Union says today’s decision by the Reserve Bank to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25 percent shows inflation remains a serious problem and further interest rate relief is highly unlikely.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, James Ross, said:“Today’s decision makes it clear inflation pressures haven’t gone away. Too...

    Read more about RBNZ comments show why the Government must cap council rates now

  100. National's new tax is a bridge too far: Toll plan a betrayal of “no new taxes” promise

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s plan to toll the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge to help fund a new Waitematā Harbour crossing.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson Tory Relf says:“For a party that campaigned on ‘no new taxes’, the National-led Government is sure as hell departing from the script. In...

    Read more about National's new tax is a bridge too far: Toll plan a betrayal of “no new taxes” promise

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