News

All news

  3. Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill needs to meet its long-awaited end

    As the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill’s second reading has been postponed this week, “the Government might finally be seeing sense”, said James Ross, the Taxpayers’ Union’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager.“Carbon-copies of this bill have been tried overseas, and the results have been disastrous. Ask Canadians who can...

    Read more about Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill needs to meet its long-awaited end

  5. Christchurch and Wellington show Auckland how to buy a tree

    Following news yesterday in the NZ Herald on Wellington, the Taxpayers' Union can reveal through official correspondence that Christchurch City Council has also undercut Auckland's $1.3 million Christmas tree, $800k of which was funded by Auckland Council's targeted rates.“For only four percent of the total cost, Christchurch has managed to undercut Auckland's spending, while ratepayers...

    Read more about Christchurch and Wellington show Auckland how to buy a tree

  6. Lindsay McKenzie has a tall ask ahead

    Commenting on former Tasman and Gisborne Council Chief Executive Lindsay McKenzie’s appointment as Crown Observer at Wellington City Council, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Some experienced hands to knock heads together at Wellington City Council won’t go amiss, but real cultural change is needed.“Officers...

    Read more about Lindsay McKenzie has a tall ask ahead

  8. More than 18,400 Kiwis call on Select Committee to front up on MPs’ expenses

    The Taxpayers’ Union’s Open the Books campaign has been calling for backbench and opposition MPs’ expenses - as well as Party Leaders’ budgets - to be covered by the Official Information Act.“Why should MPs not be held to the same standards as Ministers? If you’re spending taxpayers’ money, the public...

    Read more about More than 18,400 Kiwis call on Select Committee to front up on MPs’ expenses

  12. REVEALED: Ministry for the Environment blows more than $2 million on internal ‘events’

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Ministry for the Environment has spent $822,362 dollars during just fiscal year 2023 on “internal events”. Since 2018/19, the ministry has spent more than $2 million. Yearly costs for internal events have gone up more than 8x since 2018/19 when annual costs were...

    Read more about REVEALED: Ministry for the Environment blows more than $2 million on internal ‘events’

  13. Parliament blocks submissions calling for transparency on Parliament’s expenses

    For the first time, a Parliamentary Select Committee is blocking members of the public from emailing submissions on a Bill before Parliament to MPs.Nearly 10,000 individual New Zealanders have used the submission tool at OpenTheBooks.nz to ask the Parliament Bill Committee to remove the secrecy provisions that protect MPs from...

    Read more about Parliament blocks submissions calling for transparency on Parliament’s expenses

  14. No more hiding for MPs’ expenses

    The Taxpayers’ Union is launching a major campaign for Kiwis to demand MPs’ expenses no longer enjoy a special carve out from the Official Information Act."Submissions on the Parliament Bill close this Wednesday and we are encouraging taxpayers to make their voice heard at OpenTheBooks.nz," says James Ross, Policy and Public Affairs...

    Read more about No more hiding for MPs’ expenses

  18. REVEALED: New Plymouth's $1.2 million beach stairs and ramp, shows Auckland how to spend big

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act New Plymouth District Council has allocated $1,280,841 towards ramps and stairs for Fitzroy beach. This follows September’s news that Auckland Council spent $263,000 on four sets of stairs at Milford Beach."Accessibility, especially for the disabled, was obviously...

    Read more about REVEALED: New Plymouth's $1.2 million beach stairs and ramp, shows Auckland how to spend big

  19. REVEALED: “Upgraded web-platform” burns Otago ratepayers $200k

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Otago Regional Council has spent more than $200,000 redeveloping its website, which has virtually been unchanged since 2017. While Council branding remains mostly unaffected, the redevelopment apparently has more features, and enhanced relationships with Mana Whenua.“Otago seems...

    Read more about REVEALED: “Upgraded web-platform” burns Otago ratepayers $200k

  22. Government needs to “proceed with caution” when considering performance pay

    The Taxpayers’ Union is warning the government to “proceed with caution” after Nicola Willis’ comments about performance pay for public service executives.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“While it would be a nice change to see bureaucrats paid just like the rest of us by pegging their pay...

    Read more about Government needs to “proceed with caution” when considering performance pay

  23. REVEALED: NZTA spends $710,000 on Mackenzie Basin art sculptures

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the New Zealand Transport Agency to “work on their negotiation skills” after documents were obtained from an Official Information Act request showing they spent $270,000 on design costs and $390,000 on installation for a 14 metre tall art sculpture outside a rest stop near Tekapo....

    Read more about REVEALED: NZTA spends $710,000 on Mackenzie Basin art sculptures

  26. Taxpayer Update: Halloween spook! 👻 I $575 e-cards 💌 | Future of Local Government 2.0 🙏

    👻 BOO! $90,388 trick or treat for your household 🎃💀Like many Dads, later today I'll be taking my kids around the neighbourhood for the American pagan tradition of "trick or treating".According to my five year old, the tradition is to "ward off the ghosts" – but I suspect she has...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Halloween spook! 👻 I $575 e-cards 💌 | Future of Local Government 2.0 🙏

  29. America’s Cup returning to New Zealand? Only if the numbers stack up

    Following this weekend’s victory in Barcelona, Team New Zealand has expressed interest in the possibility of defending the America’s Cup in Auckland once more, saying ‘it’s not off the table’.“Dalton and his team’s win has been nothing less than historic” said Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren."But before any...

    Read more about America’s Cup returning to New Zealand? Only if the numbers stack up

  30. Health NZ broke yet spends $9,000 on canapes for ‘senior management’

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Health NZ to “focus on the figures, not the food” after an OIA was published by RNZ disclosing more than $60,000 on catering for 300 senior management.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Senior Management at Health NZ need to focus less on...

    Read more about Health NZ broke yet spends $9,000 on canapes for ‘senior management’

  31. Taxpayer Update: Boozin' on the Med 🥂 | $600k te reo keyboards ⌨️ | Fact-checking ACT + ASB-boss 🤨

    Like rust, government waste never sleeps, and your humble Taxpayers' Union has been in the media this week exposing it.We also fact-check an ACT Party brag, and have bad news if you're an ASB Bank customer.EXCLUSIVE: Film Commission's $145,000 French soirée  🎥🇫🇷🍾💸The Taxpayers' Union is not very popular...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Boozin' on the Med 🥂 | $600k te reo keyboards ⌨️ | Fact-checking ACT + ASB-boss 🤨

  32. Give our brightest a reason to stay: New Zealand’s brain-drain reaching boiling point

    Record numbers of young Kiwis leaving the country for better economic opportunities overseas remains a serious problem not easily solved, economists warn.“These kids need a reason to stay” said Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren.“Countries overseas are offering incentives to attract bright minds to settle, work and thrive in their economies....

    Read more about Give our brightest a reason to stay: New Zealand’s brain-drain reaching boiling point

  35. Inflation hasn’t gone away, Government cannot lose its focus

    Statistics NZ today released their latest figures for New Zealand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This dropped to 2.2%, which is within the target range of 1-3%.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said “that’s only half the story, and the inflation beast isn’t slain yet.”“Domestic inflation...

    Read more about Inflation hasn’t gone away, Government cannot lose its focus

  36. Council’s 1500% ‘table tax’ hike completely out of touch

    Queenstown cafes and restaurants have been rocked by a near 1500% increase to al fresco dining charges following a decision made by Queenstown Lakes District Council.“After years of near impossible trading conditions, only now is the sector starting to get off its knees” said Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren.“One...

    Read more about Council’s 1500% ‘table tax’ hike completely out of touch

  37. Nicola Willis should withdraw slanderous accusation levied at New Zealand butcheries

    Nicola Willis' comparison of Wellington City Council to a butcher's slaughterhouse is demeaning to both the ratepayers of Wellington, and hard working, decent, blue collar butchers around New Zealand, says the Taxpayers' Union."Nicola Willis' comments on Newstalk ZB this morning were totally over the top. While Wellington City Council might...

    Read more about Nicola Willis should withdraw slanderous accusation levied at New Zealand butcheries

  38. Tauranga’s Table Tax another nail in the coffin for businesses

    Tauranga City Council has today faced backlash from local cafes and restaurants following changes to outdoor dining fees that would see further costs piled onto hospitality businesses offering alfresco dining options.“It’s a table-tax, plain and simple.” said Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren.“Mayor Drysdale needs to...

    Read more about Tauranga’s Table Tax another nail in the coffin for businesses

  39. REVEALED: Language Commission gives away more than $600k on keyboards

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through an Official Information Request that $605,499 of corporate welfare was given by the Māori Language Commission to PB Tech for the development of Te Reo Keyboards.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Instead of using taxpayer dollars to improve the lives of...

    Read more about REVEALED: Language Commission gives away more than $600k on keyboards

  41. Film Commission living it up in the French Riviera

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the New Zealand Film Commission has spent $145,354.81 for just four staff members to spend two weeks in France attending the Cannes Film Market.Receipts showed $24,329.08 in accommodation, $24,525.36 in food and drink, and $21,704.54 on travel.Commenting on...

    Read more about Film Commission living it up in the French Riviera

  44. Kāinga Ora’s Scandalous $1.2m Apartments Warrant Select Committee Review

    Kāinga Ora was slammed yesterday following revelations it spent $1.2 million per apartment build, as part of its new Meadowbank complex.“This appalling cost warrants urgent review across the organisation.” said a Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Sam Warren.“A Select Committee is needed to determine what went so wrong, with powers to...

    Read more about Kāinga Ora’s Scandalous $1.2m Apartments Warrant Select Committee Review

  45. Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll

    Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll  The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll for October shows National down 4.1 points on September’s poll to 34.9%, and Labour up 3.6 points to 30.3%. This is the lowest result for National...

    Read more about Lowest support for National in 15 months; highest for Labour in 16 months; in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll

  46. Taxpayer Update: Govt. books in worse shape than Navy ⚓️ | NEW POLL 😱 | Business-class bureaucrats Bonn (fire) 🔥

    Huge Taxpayer Update today.NEW POLL (not good news for Luxon); boat sinking (not good news for taxpayers); Government books even worse than feared (not good news for those who wanted Nicola Willis to tackle the last Government's wasteful spending).We do have some good news for your Friday though: Jordan's...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Govt. books in worse shape than Navy ⚓️ | NEW POLL 😱 | Business-class bureaucrats Bonn (fire) 🔥

  49. Unelected Mana Whenua Representatives Threaten Democratic Process

    Andrea Vance reports in The Post today on the horribly, messily complicated sale (or not) of Wellington City Council’s airport shares.“Whilst the Council’s complete dysfunction is widely understood, these new developments, as reported by Vance, are deeply disturbing” said Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross.“Vance reports that the two unelected...

    Read more about Unelected Mana Whenua Representatives Threaten Democratic Process

  51. Taxpayer Update: Bouncy councils 🦄 | Digital cash blowout 🤯 | Office-shy bureaucrats 😴

    We've been taking some big issues head-on this past week, and we wouldn't be the Taxpayers' Union if we didn't have a laugh while doing it...Bouncy Council? Well someone had to be the adults in the room 🦄🎉Kids on Council. Enough said, right?We've been banging the drum for years...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Bouncy councils 🦄 | Digital cash blowout 🤯 | Office-shy bureaucrats 😴

  53. Revealed: $10 million EECA EV charging contracts need to go!

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has spent $9,957,895 co-funding EV chargers across the public service.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“EECA funding half the public service’s EV charger...

    Read more about Revealed: $10 million EECA EV charging contracts need to go!

  55. The time is now to sell TVNZ

    Following yesterday’s strategy meeting, TVNZ has proposed outsourcing its daily operations and shutting down the 1News website and app in an attempt to find $30 million dollars in savings.Commenting on this, Taxpayer’s Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“It’s nice that TVNZ is finally looking to cut costs and start...

    Read more about The time is now to sell TVNZ

  57. High-flying bureaucrats blow $150k on Bonn Climate Conference

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) and Ministry for the Environment (MFE) collectively spent more than $150,000 to send ten staffers to the Bonn Climate Conference. This cost covered travel, accommodation and...

    Read more about High-flying bureaucrats blow $150k on Bonn Climate Conference

  58. Simple ACC Survey costs more than $250,000

    The New Zealand Taxpayer’s Union can reveal through information obtained from an Official Information Request that ACC has spent more than $251,000 contracting The Research Agency (TRA) to administer a monthly survey tracking public engagement and trust.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“ACC wasting over a quarter...

    Read more about Simple ACC Survey costs more than $250,000

  59. Health New Zealand reports near $1 billion dollar deficit

    The NZ Herald has released a story regarding Health New Zealand’s recent $934 million deficit for fiscal year 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said: “These recent figures highlight the financial mismanagement that occurs at Health New Zealand. With news like this, taxpayers are absolutely in...

    Read more about Health New Zealand reports near $1 billion dollar deficit

  61. Stick to his knitting” – Adrian Orr’s digital cash project proves distracting for the Reserve Bank, costly for taxpayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Official Information Act that the Reserve Bank has spent more than $2 million on its digital cash programme so far. The ongoing project explores the introduction of an electronic currency, and has an approved total budget of $4.7 million.“Someone needs to tell the Governor...

    Read more about Stick to his knitting” – Adrian Orr’s digital cash project proves distracting for the Reserve Bank, costly for taxpayers

  63. Who Really Controls Wellington City Council?

    Andrea Vance’s reports in The Post on the latest ructions concerning the potential sale Wellington City Council’s shareholding in Wellington International Airport Limited, where council staff had been posting information supporting the sale on the council’s social media channels and website.Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow finally ordered the posts to...

    Read more about Who Really Controls Wellington City Council?

  64. Taxpayers’ Union’s “Bouncy Council” puts the spotlight on Hastings Mayor

    The Taxpayers’ Union – along with a hundred or so local members and supporters – presented the Hastings District Council new council chambers today in the form of a “Bouncy Council” (bouncy castle) to reflect the Mayor and councillors who are acting like children in appointing teenagers as...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union’s “Bouncy Council” puts the spotlight on Hastings Mayor

  65. Stratford's new $350k crossings: Hated by locals, costly to taxpayers

    The Taxpayers Union can reveal through the LGOIMA that Stratford District Council has received $344,558 for two new crossings from NZTA – with $96,230 spent on traffic management alone, and further work is required, the overall cost is set to rise.“When ratepayers say they are unhappy, elected members must start listening or face a very difficult election result"...

    Read more about Stratford's new $350k crossings: Hated by locals, costly to taxpayers

  66. Hastings Mayor and Councillors have lost the plot: using kids as political play things

    The Taxpayers' Union is telling Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst to 'grow up' after she used her casting vote to give committee voting rights, and a salary, to members of the Hastings District Youth Council: school-aged kids."We vote for a mayor and councillors to be adult decision makers and here they...

    Read more about Hastings Mayor and Councillors have lost the plot: using kids as political play things

  68. ANZ Bank CEO’s shameless self interest: This is why people hate bankers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out ANZ NZ CEO Antonia Watson for what appears to be calculated comments to promote a capital gains tax to benefit home lenders and fuel New Zealand’s residential property money wheel.“New Zealand’s low wage economy is a direct result of under-capitalisation of the...

    Read more about ANZ Bank CEO’s shameless self interest: This is why people hate bankers

  69. Andrew Coster has lost the plot

    Political pundits across the country spat out their coffee this morning upon turning to the NZ Herald's front page splash that Andrew Coster "speaks out on being dragged into political debate"."Andrew Coster is either trolling the nation or has the self awareness of a paperclip," said Jordan Williams...

    Read more about Andrew Coster has lost the plot

  70. No time like the present to shine light on MPs’ expenses

    The Parliament Bill – an omnibus bill making a series of reforms aiming to modernise Parliament’s operations – has passed it’s first reading.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“If the Government’s talking about dragging New Zealand’s Parliament into the modern age, then...

    Read more about No time like the present to shine light on MPs’ expenses

  71. Getting Public Sector staff back into the office a step towards fixing bureaucratic inertia

    The Public Service Minister yesterday made clear her expectations for government agencies to call their staff back to their offices in an effort to improve sector productivity and support businesses struggling with reduced patronage.Minister Nicola Willis told media that working from home “is not an entitlement” and wants to...

    Read more about Getting Public Sector staff back into the office a step towards fixing bureaucratic inertia

  72. Tararua District Council Blames Mythical “Systems Failure” for Rates Snafu

    One News reported last evening that a council mistake in calculating direct debits has landed more than 300 Tararua ratepayers with unexpected bills. One pensioner was reduced to tears when informed she was $4,000 in arrears. The council reported that the error was caused by a systems failure,...

    Read more about Tararua District Council Blames Mythical “Systems Failure” for Rates Snafu

  73. Revealed: Gisborne’s ‘Better Off’ funding is three waters continued waste

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act that Gisborne District Council has allocated $7,210,000 to seven projects from the previous government’s three waters reform – better off package.Although Gisborne District Council remains one of the few councils to keep rates increases below 10% –...

    Read more about Revealed: Gisborne’s ‘Better Off’ funding is three waters continued waste

  75. Govt spends more than $27 million on low emission subsidies for heavy vehicles

    The Ministers for Climate Change and Energy have announced the launch of the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund.  This fund allocates $27.7 million dollars towards a 25% subsidy towards the purchase price of low emission heavy vehicles.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“This announcement is another example of...

    Read more about Govt spends more than $27 million on low emission subsidies for heavy vehicles

  79. Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station

    Wellington Regional Council has today released documents showing that, in partnership with Metlink, more than $2.8 million in “cosmetic upgrades” has been spent on Naenae subway station. The upgrades include a $127,000 LED handrail, $29,000 on a public consultation questionnaire, and more than $159,000 on entrance signage.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Wellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway StationWellington Regional Council spends more than $2.8 million on “cosmetic upgrades” for Naenae Subway Station

  81. Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries

    Earlier this week, The Post reported that Nicola Willis’ newly established social investment agency is able to draw from double the budget of its predecessor.Staff salaries at the agency are reported to be an average of $148,215, compared to the overall average salary of $97,200 across all other agencies....

    Read more about Nicola Willis' New Social Investment Agency Doubles Budget and Raises Salaries

  82. Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak

    The Taxpayers’ Union has launched an online Privacy Act Request tool at www.IRDLeak.nz for taxpayers to find out whether their private information has been handed over to social media platforms by the Inland Revenue Department.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Last week IRD were caught red-handed misusing private taxpayer information. Instead of...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union launches tool for taxpayers to find out whether their personal data has been exposed in IRD data leak

  83. MPs in Depth: Suze Redmayne

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, Suze Redmayne.Suze was elected as the MP for Rangitikei at the 2023 General Election. Suze and her...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Suze Redmayne

  84. Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬

    RIP John BishopThe update below was scheduled to go out on Saturday morning, but just prior to sending we learned the very sad news that our founding Chair, former TVNZ political editor, and father to Cabinet Minister Christopher Bishop, had passed away unexpectedly.So it is a very sombre note...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: RIP John Bishop 💔 | New Poll 📊 | Even more "white guilt" workshops 😬

  86. Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

    Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New ZealanderThe co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union comment on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

  87. Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

    The co-founders of the Taxpayers’ Union - David Farrar and Jordan Williams - are sad to reflect on the unexpected passing of John Bishop, who chaired the organisation’s Board from the Union’s inception in 2013 until 2017.“John should be saluted for having the guts to front the Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union comments on passing of founding Chair, former TVNZ Political Editor, remarkable New Zealander

  88. MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that MFAT has once again spent almost $5 million dollars on private school fees for MFAT employees between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“With Kiwis crushed under their tax burden, all...

    Read more about MFAT spending still failing to make the grade as $5m spent on private schools

  89. MPs in Depth: David MacLeod

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, we sat down with National Party MP, David MacLeod.David is the MP for New Plymouth and was elected at the 2023 general election. He...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: David MacLeod

  91. Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆

    🚨🚨 APOLOGY 🚨🚨Green Councillor demands we set the record straightIn the last edition of Taxpayer Update James told you about Greater Wellington Regional Green Councillor Thomas Nash who led the local government bemoaning criticism of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's speech to local councils where the PM told them...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: An apology 😢 | IRD job security 🔒 | Watercare's secret deal 🤫 | Golden bike rack? 🚲🏆

  92. Metlink spends more than $1.3 million on seven toilets

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can report through an Official Information Act that Metlink has paid $1,300,245 dollars (inc. GST) for a project to install seven toilets in Wellington, exclusively for the use of bus drivers. The locations of the toilets include Houghton Bay, Darlington Road, Wilton, Mairangi, Lyall Bay, Highbury and...

    Read more about Metlink spends more than $1.3 million on seven toilets

  93. South Taranaki proves Luxon right

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act that South Taranaki District Council’s new cultural centre (Te Ramanui O Ruaputahanga) has blown out from a starting point of $8 million to $20.1 million.As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told mayors and councillors who attended the...

    Read more about South Taranaki proves Luxon right

  96. Canterbury bridge blowing out $13.5 million budget with nothing to show for it

     Despite Kaikōura District Council’s project to rebuild the Waiau Toa/Clarence River Glen Alton bridge after the Kaikōura earthquake being eight years deep, the Council have still not even managed to gain the appropriate resource consents or buy the necessary land. This is despite the New Zealand Transport Agency’s...

    Read more about Canterbury bridge blowing out $13.5 million budget with nothing to show for it

  97. MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's new MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with New Zealand First MP, Jamie Arbuckle.Jamie was elected on the New Zealand First List at the 2023 General Election. Jamie...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Jamie Arbuckle

  98. McLiesh’s mask-slip demonstrates why next treasury appointment is so vital

    The Taxpayers’ Union says New Zealanders can confidently welcome the departure of Treasure Secretary Caralee McLiesh, who is headed back to Australia and has made a departure swan song calling for a capital gains tax to help paper over unsustainable government finances.Responding to the comments, Taxpayers’ Union Executive...

    Read more about McLiesh’s mask-slip demonstrates why next treasury appointment is so vital

  99. Kiwi households paying almost double in rates compared to OECD average

    An IRD report has today confirmed what many ratepayers have long suspected; New Zealand households are paying almost double the amount of rates, or similar land tax equivalents, than the average of its OECD neighbours.Commenting, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“This report...

    Read more about Kiwi households paying almost double in rates compared to OECD average

  100. Taxpayer Update: | Jet-setting councils ✈️ | Time to sell Kiwibank ⏰ 🏦 | Collins sends space-grifters packing 🚀

    Last week, Christopher Luxon had a good go at wasteful local councils, telling them that the big spending 'party is over'. And boy, did they take it personally! Ever wondered why everyone who works in local government always has such a perfect tan? 🤔🏝️Scores of councillors took to social...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: | Jet-setting councils ✈️ | Time to sell Kiwibank ⏰ 🏦 | Collins sends space-grifters packing 🚀

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