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  1. TVNZ’s $85 million loss proves why they need to be sold

     TVNZ has recently reported that they have lost over $85 million during the 2023/24 fiscal year. This comes off the back of huge executive bonuses, program cancellations and falling trust ratings.Commenting on these announcements, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“TVNZ’s abysmal $85 million loss, falling program quality and...

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  3. Taxpayer Victory: Health Research Council to actually research health

    Responding to Minister of Health Shane Reti’s announcement that Health Research Council grants are being refocused towards research that improves health outcomes, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Health research isn’t a game. Lives depend on medical advancements, and every cent spent on frivalous pet...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Health Research Council to actually research health

  4. MPs in Depth: Rima Nakhle

    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, Rima Nakhle.Rima was elected as the MP for Takanini at the 2023 Election. She was born in Australia...

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  5. Spending $7 million on new ministerial offices completely out of touch

    Responding to reports that the Government is planning to spend $7 million on new ministerial offices, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“This spending is completely out of touch with the reality that New Zealanders are facing right now. Families are having to make difficult spending...

    Read more about Spending $7 million on new ministerial offices completely out of touch

  6. Labour’s envy tax would ruin New Zealand's economic prosperity

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Labour Party following reports that the party is actively considering adopting a capital gains tax or wealth tax policy.Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Envy taxes like these are really taxes on entrepreneurship, innovation and risk taking. A tax...

    Read more about Labour’s envy tax would ruin New Zealand's economic prosperity

  7. Government must work quickly to protect freedom to contract following Uber ruling

    Responding to the Court of Appeal ruling that four Uber drivers are employees rather than contractors, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Forcing strict and inflexible employment conditions onto the gig economy would be a lose/lose for both drivers and riders alike.“The Government must act...

    Read more about Government must work quickly to protect freedom to contract following Uber ruling

  10. Taxpayer Update: Ratepayer Victories all round | Dance comp for economic recovery?! | REVEALED Council CEO Richlist | $73k trees

     For the staff here at the Taxpayers' Union, we're always looking for new ways to torture poke-fun at Jordan. But after making him sit through three days of this year's Local Government New Zealand conference, even we felt bad for him!Day one included 43 minutes of pōwhiri, 15...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ratepayer Victories all round | Dance comp for economic recovery?! | REVEALED Council CEO Richlist | $73k trees

  11. MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum

    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 National Party MP, Grant McCallum.Grant was elected as the MP for Northland at the 2023 General Election. Grant is a...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Grant McCallum

  13. Council Chief Executive Rich List

    CouncilCEO2022/2023 Remuneration*Annual ChangeNotesWest Coast Regional CouncilDaryl LewNot AvailableNot AvailableNot Publicly availableAuckland CouncilPhil Wilson$648,900$6,115Source,page 101Otago Regional CouncilDr Pim Borren$595,924($40,460)Source, page 148Hawke's Bay Regional CouncilBill Bayfield$584,000$253,415Source, Page 125Christchurch City Council Dawn Baxendale $543,943$17,094Source, page 345Tauranga City CouncilMarty Grenfell$537,024$11,963Source, page 262Wellington City CouncilBarbara McKerrow$513,970$46,216source, page 113Far North District CouncilGuy Holroyd$511,000$80,300Source, Page 99Dunedin City...

    Read more about Council Chief Executive Rich List

  14. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes rejection of further space industry corporate welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Judith Collins for rejecting further corporate welfare for the space industry via the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre that, despite promises of 1300 high-paying jobs and $2.4 billion in economic benefits, has seriously underperformed.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The failure of the aerospace...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes rejection of further space industry corporate welfare

  15. Government needs to take its own advice after funding $1.5 million dance competition

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for teaming up with Auckland Council to spend $1.5 million ($750,000 each) on funding a dancing competition less than 24 hours after hounding the local government sector for wasting money on nice-to-haves rather than must-haves.“The Government is ignoring it’s own advice,...

    Read more about Government needs to take its own advice after funding $1.5 million dance competition

  16. Luxon drops truth bombs at Local Government conference 😳

     I'm emailing from the Local Government New Zealand annual conference in Wellington.LGNZ are the organisation that were bribed given taxpayer money by Nanaia Mahuta to endorse the last Government’s anti-democratic 'Three Waters', despite LGNZ (apparently) standing for ‘localism’ and ‘democracy’ – the very things Three Waters would have undermined...LGNZ...

    Read more about Luxon drops truth bombs at Local Government conference 😳

  17. Has Luxon just delivered the best speech on local government in a generation?

    The Prime Minister’s speech at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference this afternoon is arguably ‘the best speech on local government in a generation’ says the Taxpayers’ Union.Speaking from the conference, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Christopher Luxon delivered a speech today that is on the...

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  20. Kiwibank must be sold

    Responding to the Commerce Commission’s final report into bank competition, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The way to make Kiwibank a ‘maverick’ that has the drive to make the banking sector more competitive is to sell it to private shareholders.“When it’s people’s own money on the line,...

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  21. Taxpayer Update: ACC spending on Māori prayer 🙏🤨 | Taxpayer-funded holidays ✈️🎥 | Record high growth in bureaucrats' wages 🚀💸

     With the Reserve Bank cutting interest rates this week, there's no more important time for the Government to cut wasteful spending to ensure Adrian Orr hasn't jumped the gun and to ensure the scourge of high inflation is dealt with. Of course, your humble Taxpayers' Union has suggestions on just the place...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: ACC spending on Māori prayer 🙏🤨 | Taxpayer-funded holidays ✈️🎥 | Record high growth in bureaucrats' wages 🚀💸

  23. MPs in Depth: Parmjeet Parmar

    This week on Taxpayer Talk is another episode in our MPs in Depth podcast series where we get to know Parliament's MPs. In this episode, Connor sat down with ACT Party MP, Dr Parmjeet Parmar.Parmjeet has a PHD in Biological Sciences, is a businesswoman and former broadcaster and was also...

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  24. Seymour needs to get on top of Ministry for Regulation spin doctors

    Responding to reports that the Ministry for Regulation is hiring a ‘principal adviser, engagement and communications’ with a salary of up to $168,000 year, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Jordan Williams, said:“This Government, but particularly ACT, was elected to slash waste, but recruiting five communications staff at what should be...

    Read more about Seymour needs to get on top of Ministry for Regulation spin doctors

  25. Up to the public: Referendum required if council merger proceeds

    The Southland District Mayor has proposed a significant shakeup to local government by suggesting a merger of the four existing Southland Councils into two unitary authorities.Mayor Rob Scott claims the amalgamation could see savings of $10m each year by improving cost efficiencies and reducing duplication across neighbouring councils.Local Government Campaigns...

    Read more about Up to the public: Referendum required if council merger proceeds

  30. Taxpayer Update: More Taxpayer-Funded Parties 💸🎈 | Three Waters Victory 💦💦 | Wellington Water boss quits 👋 | EV Charging Rort 🔌

     This week we farewell the CEO of Wellington Water, reveal the latest extravagant taxpayer-funded party(s), expose the Ministry of Education's wayward priorities, and share our exclusive intel collected from the National Party's conference... We will also give you an update on the Government's unwinding of Labour's Three Waters...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: More Taxpayer-Funded Parties 💸🎈 | Three Waters Victory 💦💦 | Wellington Water boss quits 👋 | EV Charging Rort 🔌

  31. MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon

    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 National Party MP, Katie Nimon.Katie was elected as the MP for Napier at the 2023 General Election. Born and raised...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Katie Nimon

  32. Government wasted $2.2 million on Ministry of Education’s EV chargers, needs lessons in climate policy

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Ministry of Education and EECA have spent $2,159,815.62 (including GST) installing 297 electric vehicle charging points on Ministry of Education sites since 2022. Almost half of this expense was incurred in the most recent financial year.Commenting on...

    Read more about Government wasted $2.2 million on Ministry of Education’s EV chargers, needs lessons in climate policy

  35. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes progress on Three Waters replacement

    Responding to the Government’s announcement that they intend to improve access to finance for water council-controlled organisations (CCOs), Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Government is listening to New Zealanders who overwhelmingly opposed Labour’s expensive, bureaucratic and undemocratic Three Waters reforms.“It is fantastic to see them delivering...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes progress on Three Waters replacement

  36. Taxpayer Update: EXPOSED: 'White privilege' workshops 🚫🤦🏻‍♀️ | TVNZ's expensive rebrand ✨🪩 | Stealth tax continues 🙉🤫 | Council savings needed 🎯✅ | Worst deal ever 🏗️🤯

    EXPOSED: Taxpayers continuing to fund "white privilege workshops" for MBIE mandarins 🚫🤦🏻‍♀️Do you remember when the new Government insisted they were going through departmental spending line-by-line?Well someone should have gone to Specsavers if our latest waste exposé is anything to go by.On Sunday, your humble Taxpayers' Union blew the...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: EXPOSED: 'White privilege' workshops 🚫🤦🏻‍♀️ | TVNZ's expensive rebrand ✨🪩 | Stealth tax continues 🙉🤫 | Council savings needed 🎯✅ | Worst deal ever 🏗️🤯

  37. MPs in Depth: Andy Foster

    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, Andy Foster.Andy is a former mayor of Wellington and also served nine terms as councillor making him...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Andy Foster

  39. TVNZ’s $1.5M Rebrand a Smokescreen for Poor Performance and Declining Trust

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that TVNZ spent $1.5 million on rebranding their online streaming service from TVNZ OnDemand to TVNZ+Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, says:“This extravagant expenditure comes at a time when TVNZ is plagued by poor management, declining revenue, and a growing mistrust among viewers. It is time...

    Read more about TVNZ’s $1.5M Rebrand a Smokescreen for Poor Performance and Declining Trust

  44. Taxpayer Update: Tax 'Relief' | Chaos at HealthNZ 🏥💸 | Exposing + Eliminating Council Waste 💰🔥 | Victory for Democracy 🗳️🌟

     Tax 'relief' this week (if you can call it that)No doubt the big story the Government will want the media focus on this week is their tax reductions finally coming into force. But sadly, it's not really tax relief when New Zealanders are still paying a higher average rate...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Tax 'Relief' | Chaos at HealthNZ 🏥💸 | Exposing + Eliminating Council Waste 💰🔥 | Victory for Democracy 🗳️🌟

  45. Pinot Nah: Taxpayer handouts for wine industry must stop

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for celebrating the opening of a taxpayer-funded experimental vineyard saying they should be pruning back corporate welfare, not championing it.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Government is loading the risk of this experiment onto taxpayers while allowing private businesses to...

    Read more about Pinot Nah: Taxpayer handouts for wine industry must stop

  46. MPs in Depth: Dana Kirkpatrick

    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 National Party MP, Dana Kirkpatrick.Dana defines herself as staunchly East Coast, having been born and raised in Gisborne, and has...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Dana Kirkpatrick

  48. Bureaucratic incompetence as Hastings Council sells $1m building for $150k

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Hastings District Council for purchasing a building for $1 million only to sell it for $150,000 just two years later.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This appears to be yet another case of a council not doing its due diligence before forking...

    Read more about Bureaucratic incompetence as Hastings Council sells $1m building for $150k

  49. Taxpayers and ratepayers must stop funding ‘Rebel Business School’ Rort

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on councils and government agencies to cease funding of Rebel Business School after it was revealed using offical information laws that almost $2 million of taxpayer and ratepayer money has been spent on the scheme.Rebel Business School provides unaccredited certificates and training for those...

    Read more about Taxpayers and ratepayers must stop funding ‘Rebel Business School’ Rort

  50. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes return of democracy to Tauranga

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union congratulates Tauranga Mayor-elect Mahé Drysdale and the rest of the Council on a successful campaign and welcomes the overdue return to democracy.Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren, said:“After being stripped of democracy in early 2021, and then again being shamefully denied...

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  51. Health NZ Board sacking highlights failure of centralisation-at-any-cost agenda

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the sacking of the Health NZ Board who have failed to meet performance expectations but says the blame should also sit with the previous Government.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Centralising and restructuring the health system into a bureaucratic behemoth was never going to deliver...

    Read more about Health NZ Board sacking highlights failure of centralisation-at-any-cost agenda

  52. Taxpayers’ Union opposes plain packaging laws for infant formula

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Food Safety Minister, Andrew Hoggard, to reject calls for further red tape requiring plain packaging for infant formula products.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“This Government, but particularly the ACT Party, was elected to cut red tape, not create even more. Plain...

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  53. Universities must tackle bloat, not cry for more handouts

    Responding to calls from universities for the Government to renew a ‘one-off’ funding increase, the Taxpayers’ Union is telling the universities to tackle the bloat in non-academic staff in order address their financial challenges.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Research from The New Zealand Initiative has shown that New Zealand...

    Read more about Universities must tackle bloat, not cry for more handouts

  55. My Last Taxpayer Update: Nationwide double-digit rate hikes | Government-backed newsgrab | Adrian Orr's digital cash - Taxpayers' Union

     This will be the last time you'll hear from me as Head of Campaigns – it is with a heavy heart I'm letting you know that this is my last week at the Taxpayers' Union (see the very end of this email). But first...Exposed: Councils hiking rates at more...

    Read more about My Last Taxpayer Update: Nationwide double-digit rate hikes | Government-backed newsgrab | Adrian Orr's digital cash - Taxpayers' Union

  57. MPs in Depth: Tanya Unkovich

    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, Tanya Unkovich.Tanya was elected on the New Zealand First Party list at the 2023 General Election....

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Tanya Unkovich

  58. Wellington land rates review should focus on bringing rates down

    Wellington land rates review should focus on bringing rates downResponding to discussions in Wellington around the introduction of rates based on the underlying value of land rather than developments built on top, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Rather than trying to chuck $32 million at its...

    Read more about Wellington land rates review should focus on bringing rates down

  60. Taxpayer Update: Golden handshake for incompetence 👋🤑 | NZQ-Ay? Yet another rebrand 💸🤬 | NEW POLL: Government gains, Labour drops 📊💥

    It's been a recess week at Parliament this week, but even with some of the top political leaders out of the country, the scourge of government waste persists ...At the same time, good news for the Government (and Mr Luxon) in this month's exclusiveTaxpayers' Union – Curia Poll...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Golden handshake for incompetence 👋🤑 | NZQ-Ay? Yet another rebrand 💸🤬 | NEW POLL: Government gains, Labour drops 📊💥

  64. Interest rates freeze shows need to take an axe to Government waste

    The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has once again held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5%. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“Sky-high interest rates are punishing Kiwi families and stunting economic growth. New Zealanders will keep getting relatively poorer until...

    Read more about Interest rates freeze shows need to take an axe to Government waste

  65. Government finally getting it on emissions reduction

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) framework released for consultation today that will reduce the cost of emissions reduction in New Zealand.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“The Government should be agnostic about where reductions in net emissions come from, whether that...

    Read more about Government finally getting it on emissions reduction

  69. Protecting Uber freedom to contract a win/win for both passengers and drivers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the Government’s review into how workers in the gig economy are treated and backs calls to protect the freedom of contract and allow Uber drivers to remain as contractors.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Services like Uber offer drivers the ability to be...

    Read more about Protecting Uber freedom to contract a win/win for both passengers and drivers

  74. Conflicted ‘reviewer’ of Stats NZ handling of census data and John Tamihere allegations unacceptable

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Statistics New Zealand to replace RDC Group’s Doug Craig given new information has come to light showing that the same person reviewing Stats NZ oversight has in fact previously contracted to Stats NZ to advise on their risk management and governance oversight.The...

    Read more about Conflicted ‘reviewer’ of Stats NZ handling of census data and John Tamihere allegations unacceptable

  75. Government should double-down on Pharmac funding by redirecting money from movies to medicines

    The Taxpayers’ Union is renewing calls for the government to scrap costly and inefficient film and video game subsidies in order to further clear Pharmac’s wishlist following calls for crucial heart medication to be funded.A spokesperson for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“The Government was right...

    Read more about Government should double-down on Pharmac funding by redirecting money from movies to medicines

  76. Over 5,500 Kiwis tell Minister to scrap Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill

    Last week, the Government announced it’s progressing Willie Jackson’s flawed Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, despite evidence from overseas that the model will likely fall flat.On Saturday, the Taxpayers’ Union launched a tool allowing people to write to Ministers Paul Goldsmith, Winston Peters and the Prime Minister. Over...

    Read more about Over 5,500 Kiwis tell Minister to scrap Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill

  78. U-turn alert: National & NZ First want to bailout the media (again...)

    This week the Government dropped another policy bombshell.The Minister for Media and Communities, Paul Goldsmith, announced that National and New Zealand First have U-turned and are now supporting Willie Jackson’s Bill to tax internet companies and give the media a bail out.ACT stuck to their pre-election position and...

    Read more about U-turn alert: National & NZ First want to bailout the media (again...)

  79. GOOD NEWS FOR WHANGANUI MAYOR

    Whanganui Mayor, Andrew Tripe, is on Brink of becoming a "Ratepayer Hero" following good news provided by the Taxpayers' Union in response to his public comments that he would like to reject his unnecessary mayoral pay hike, but couldn't.According to Local Democracy Reporting, Mayor Andrew Tripe says it was...

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  80. Depressed business confidence justifies shot in the arm

    Yesterday’s NZIER release of its Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows a continuing decline in business confidence.  This mirrors last month’s release of the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index that shows the manufacturing sector has been in contraction for fifteen consecutive months.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said that“With...

    Read more about Depressed business confidence justifies shot in the arm

  82. URGENT: Peter Williams

     Maybe I'm misremembering, but I could have sworn the new Government was elected on a platform of ending undemocratic, race-based 'co-governance' last year.I'm emailing because I've just been briefed by the Taxpayers' Union research team on what the new Government is doing with its "Fast-track Bill". It is...

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  86. Frivolous’ $800,000 towards street art projects amid rate hikes

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has called out Christchurch City Council’s use of $800,000 towards street art initiatives as a ‘frivolous use of ratepayer funds’.In response to the Council’s last-minute change to its 10-year Plan, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“Families up and down the country are tightening...

    Read more about Frivolous’ $800,000 towards street art projects amid rate hikes

  87. Ministry of Justice must sack officials who threw slurs at researcher

    Responding to the insults and slurs which were hurled at a PhD researcher by officials at the Ministry of Justice, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:“These bureaucrats might’ve been caught chucking demeaning insults at a researcher this time, but let’s not pretend this attitude is...

    Read more about Ministry of Justice must sack officials who threw slurs at researcher

  88. Wellington’s woes will not be solved by more bureaucracy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says a proposed merger of councils into a lite-Super City is not the solution for Wellington’s woes.Commenting, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren said:“Sadly, this is not a simple case of ‘bigger is better’.  Claims made by councillors that greater cost efficiencies will be achieved...

    Read more about Wellington’s woes will not be solved by more bureaucracy

  89. MPs in Depth: Dr Carlos Cheung

    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 National Party MP, Carlos Cheung. Carlos caused one of the greatest upsets at the 2023 Election when he unseated Michael Wood,...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Dr Carlos Cheung

  90. Taxpayer Update: NZTA's "App to zero" 📲 | Abandon ship: Time to sell Interislander? ⚓️ | Councillors behaving badly justify recall elections 🗳️

    EXPOSED: NZTA blows $5.2 million on unusable app 🤳From the ‘you couldn’t make it up’ folder this week, our research team have uncovered a classic Wellington wasteful doozie, this time by The-Organisation-Formerly-Known-As-Waka-Kotahi.While roads across the country are looking like Swiss cheese, the geniuses at the New Zealand Transport Agency,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NZTA's "App to zero" 📲 | Abandon ship: Time to sell Interislander? ⚓️ | Councillors behaving badly justify recall elections 🗳️

  91. MPs in Depth: Ryan Hamilton

    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 National Party MP, Ryan Hamilton. Prior to entering Parliament, Ryan was a Hamilton City Councillor, small business owner and had involvement...

    Read more about MPs in Depth: Ryan Hamilton

  92. Axing of corporate welfare scheme welcome, Government must go further

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the sensible decision by Minister Judith Collins to discontinue $11.2 million taxpayer funding for KiwiSaaS, a tech industry lobby group, but calls on the Government to go further and axe film and video game subsidies too.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Big tech...

    Read more about Axing of corporate welfare scheme welcome, Government must go further

  94. Not good enough: Council’s rates hike one of largest in the country

    The West Coast Regional Council’s proposed 27% rates hike is being slammed as one of the largest increases in the country.Commenting, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:“Due to either an inability, or unwillingness, to find savings within its own operations, councils continue to...

    Read more about Not good enough: Council’s rates hike one of largest in the country

  95. NEW POLL: Overwhelming majority of New Zealanders want Easter trading restrictions repealed

    A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has revealed that an overwhelming majority of New Zealanders think shops should be allowed to open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday if they want to do so.Voters were asked: “Most shops are currently forced by law to close on Good Friday and...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Overwhelming majority of New Zealanders want Easter trading restrictions repealed

  97. Show me the money: Government must explain where Pharmac funding has come from

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming today’s announcement of additional funding for Pharmac but is calling on the government to explain where the savings have come from to fund it.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said:“Show me the money. The Government has lazily kicked funding for these drugs into...

    Read more about Show me the money: Government must explain where Pharmac funding has come from

  100. NEW POLL: Strong support across all demographics for Māori Wards to be decided by local referenda

    A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has revealed that a majority of New Zealanders believe that the final decision maker on the introduction or disestablishment of Māori Wards should be local voters via a referendum as opposed to local mayors and councillors.Voters were asked: “Who should be the final...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Strong support across all demographics for Māori Wards to be decided by local referenda

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