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Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams: Hon Chris Finlayson + panel
This week’s Taxpayer Talk guest is former Attorney General Chris Finlayson. His latest book “Yes Minister” reflects on his time in Parliament and how the country was run during the John Key years. In a wide ranging discussion with host Peter Williams he expresses his frustration with the...
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2022 Ratepayers' Report Released
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Human Rights Commission fails Economics 101
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is disturbed to see the Human Rights Commission suggesting economic policies for which they clearly have no knowledge or understanding of. The Commission recently called for urgent action on rent control, an idea normally spouted by economically-illiterate far-left organisations such as the Green Party. There is strong consensus among...
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Taxpayer Update: New poll 📊 | Peter Williams podcast 🎙️ | MP whistleblowing on colleagues 💸
Dear Supporter,New Poll: Māori Party recapture balance of powerExclusive to supporters like you, this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll shows an overall gain for the Labour/Green centre-left parties at the expense of the National/ACT centre-right bloc. Applying the results to seats Parliament, neither has the 61 seats required to govern...
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Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams: Ewen McQueen & panel on new poll
Former TVNZ broadcaster (now Taxpayers' Union Board Member) Peter Williams has taken over as host of our new weekly Taxpayer Talk podcast. In this week's episode, he speaks to author and social commentator Ewen McQueen on his book One Sun in the Sky: the untold story of sovereignty and the Treaty of Waitangi....
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Taxpayer Talk: Update on Water Users’ Group litigation
Earlier this year, the Taxpayers’ Union financially supported a judicial review of Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s advice to Cabinet that her Three Waters proposals were required for the Crown to comply with its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. On 4 August, the first ‘in chambers’ hearing...
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Tackling the culture of dishonesty in Wellington re three waters (update to Three Waters campaign supporers)
The following is our update to supporters who have lodged their objection to the Government's Three Waters - either through the official Stop Three Waters petition, or submission tool:Subject: Tackling the culture of dishonesty in Wellington re three waters Dear Friend,Thank you again for supporting the fight against Nanaia Mahuta’s...
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Taxpayer Update: More $$ for media | New Chair for the Taxpayers' Union | New poll shows a tie
Dear Supporter,Our lastest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has just been released. We summarise the results at the end of this update – and what would happen if this poll was reflected in an election and we ended up with a hung Parliament.More taxpayer funding for the media: Will...
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Another $4.1m for the media: Will this affect election coverage?
The fourth round of 'Public Interest' journalism funding was announced by NZ on Air this week, costing taxpayers $4,144,909.So far $43,968,004 of the $55 million fund has been paid out to media organisations to fund a variety of projects, journalism roles and industry development. The latest announcement includes $1.2...
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Does this sign look like a road hazard to you?
The New Zealand Transport Authority have targeted a Featherston family with threats of enforcement action over a "Stop Three Waters" banner erected on private property.Here is a photo of the banner in question:An email to the family from South Wairarapa District Council says NZTA have "raised concerns about...
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Laurence Kubiak appointed to Chair the Taxpayers’ Union
Laurence Kubiak has been appointed to Chair the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.Mr Kubiak is a high tech entrepreneur (CEO and shareholder at Nautech Electronics), Chair of Trustees Executors Ltd, a Director of Northpower, and recent Chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.Last year Mr Kubiak stepped down as CEO...
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Roadshow wrap-up: Here's what you made possible
Five weeks, 43 stops: Stop Three Waters roadshow wraps upJosh, Annabel and I have now returned the campervan to Auckland after the final leg of the Stop Three Waters roadshow in Northland. After five weeks and more than 5,000km on the road, the team is knackered but hugely...
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Taxpayer-funded orgs backing political propaganda
You might have seen this full page ad from Mind the Gap in the Herald on Monday.Mind the Gap is a left-wing lobby group that argues pay gaps are caused by discrimination, and that the Government should intervene by requiring employers to publicly disclose differences in salaries they...
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Costs of Matariki advisory group
The Government appointed a seven-member Matariki Advisory Group to provide advice on the ideal dates to mark Matariki and appropriate ways of celebrating the holiday.Members were paid $780-$1035 per day for advisory services.All up, $220,000 was paid to members in fees and reimbursements for travel expenses. Of that,...
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Taxpayer Update: New poll | Stop 3 Waters roadshow heads north | $337k for a ribbon cutting
Dear Supporter,We've just released the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll. In short, it continues to show a trend against the Ardern Government towards National/ACT. Headline results are at the bottom of this newsletter and over on our website.Stop Three Waters roadshow draws big crowds in the South, now hits...
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Taxpayer Update: Major news on the fight to Stop Three Waters
Dear Supporter,We wouldn't usually send out a newsletter in the evening, but I wanted to share today's news (including an update on the Three Waters legal challenge) as soon as possible.There's a lot of Three Waters material here, but if you scroll through you'll also find important updates...
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Law change for Fonterra could jack up prices and suffocate competition
Have you seen the price of cheese lately? Squeezed households may be alarmed to learn that the Government is considering a proposal that could send prices further into the stratosphere – and cripple our economy at the same time.Dairy prices in New Zealand are already skewed upward by...
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You funded a ballet called 'The Sl*tcracker'
In light of Budget 2022 throwing even more money at arts grants, we decided to take another one of our regular looks at where this money ends up.This time our researcher examined the "Creative Communities" grants funded by Creative NZ and doled out by local councils.Here is a small...
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New poll: 76% believe water entities should be accountable to voters
Three quarters of New Zealanders believe that those responsible for water services should be directly accountable to voters, reveals a new scientific poll commissioned by the Taxpayers’ Union.The poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was undertaken by Curia Market Research, and asked, Do you think those who are responsible...
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📣 Announcement: Hitting the road to Stop Three Waters ✋
Thanks to the generous support of tens of thousands of New Zealanders like you, later this week we're taking to the road to fight the Government's Three Waters proposals.>>> Click here to add your name to the Stop Three Waters petition and we'll email you when we're coming to...
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Taxpayers’ Union “exposed” for asking too many questions?
It must be that time of year again, when a journalist wakes up in the morning so concerned about government waste and secrecy they decide to ask government agencies how many official information requests your humble Taxpayers’ Union has been filing.Yesterday we were contacted by the Department of...
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Kāinga Ora staff busy with BBQs and pizza nights
As many as 12 Kāinga Ora staff members at a time have attended community barbecues, a pizza night, and a site blessing at one of its Auckland construction sites.A neighbour of the Greys Ave social housing development contacted us through our Tip Line expressing frustration at constantly being sent newsletters from Kāinga...
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Taxpayer Talk : Does Grant Robertson's big spend-up get a passing mark?
Straight out of the Beehive's Budget Day "lock up", Jordan sits down with Cameron Bagrie of Bagrie Economics to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the biggest ever increase to operational Government spending.Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever good podcasts are sold.
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Budget 2022: Despite red hot economy, big spending Budget delivers higher debt, delayed
Dear Supporter,Louis and I are just back from the 2022 Budget lock-up inside the Beehive. We’ve spent the day trawling through what is the biggest spend up (in terms of locking in permanent operating spending) we’ve ever seen. As we worked through the 24 Ministerial media releases and...
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Budget 2022: How are we still responding to COVID with arts grants?
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is almost – but not quite – lost for words over Budget 2022’s announcement of another $185 million in arts and heritage grants. Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “We were amazed when the Government decided it was appropriate to respond to a novel coronavirus with more than...
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Fuel tax relief extension: a small victory for taxpayers
Responding to Budget 2022’s two-month extension of fuel tax and road user charge relief, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “This is a small but significant victory for taxpayers and will save the average household an extra $124 over two months.” “We campaigned hard for the reduction in fuel tax...
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WTF? Stu Nash starts a bank?
The Taxpayers’ Union representatives choked on Treasury’s budget lock up sausage rolls when they discovered Stuart Nash’s announcement that he’s launching an investment bank for business rejected by the banking sector and to appoint government workers as directors of SMEs.Jordan Williams, spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, said: “$100...
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Budget 2022: The worst budget since Muldoon
Grant Robertson is the first Minister of Finance since Muldoon to fail to deliver a budget suplus during a time of economic boom, says the Taxpayers’ Union, commenting from today’s Budget 2022 Beehive lockup.“With Government revenues booming, it is stunning that Grant Robertson has failed to deliver either...
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The Emissions Reduction Plan: What taxpayers need to know
On Monday James Shaw unveiled his long-awaited Emissions Reduction Plan (we’ll call it the ERP).The good news is that it’s far from the radical plan of central economic control proposed by the Climate Change Commission’s “big kahuna” report. We opposed that plan very loudly and helped thousands of...
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Exclusive poll: Four to one, Kiwis don't want more spending in the Budget
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that, by a margin of more than four to one, most New Zealanders oppose increasing Government spending in this week's Budget.A new scientific poll of 1,000 respondents was conducted by Curia Market Research and asked, Given the current levels of inflation, do you...
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Taxpayer Talk: Greg Murphy on why the Government's Road to Zero stratergy is spin with no substance
In February, the Government launched its road safety strategy called Road to Zero. The strategy hopes to reduce road deaths to zero by 2030. The Government has allocated $85 million on advertising this strategy alone. Join Louis and motorsport champion Greg Murphy, as they discuss why this unrealistic...
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Taxpayer Update: Bombshell new poll gives ACT the balance of power
Dear Supporter,Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll: National + ACT now have support to form Government 📊The results of our latest scientific poll are now LIVE on our website – and it's a bombshell.For the first time ever in a Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll, National and ACT together have enough support to...
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Film Commission's Oscars jaunt costs taxpayers $58,000
Two New Zealand Film Commission officials spent $58,188 on a 10-day excursion to Los Angeles for the Oscars, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.After two years cooped up by COVID travel restrictions, the Film Commission's Chief Executive David Strong and Head of International Attractions Philippa Mossman made up...
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Taxpayer Talk: The Port of Auckland: a costly political football that hasn't scored success
In 2005, the Port of Auckland was delisted from the NZX and was taken over by what is now Auckland Council. Since then, the port has underperformed, become inefficient, and lagged behind other ports such as the Port of Tauranga. Jordan sits down with Greg Smith from Devon...
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Taxpayer Update: Media funding backfires | IRD goes bonkers | Corporate bludgers
Dear Supporter,If you're a business owner this update is more important than usual: we're blowing the whistle on backroom changes to IRD's rules that will result in enormous tax bills for small and medium-size business owners. We've also been busy on multiple campaign fronts, from Three Waters to wealth...
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Inland Revenue has proposed a bonkers new tax on small business
When the Government announced its new 39% income tax bracket, we warned that high earners would simply shift income into companies and trusts.David Parker eventually cottoned on to this problem and asked Inland Revenue to investigate ways to crack down. Now Inland Revenue has been quietly consulting on...
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Poll reveals distrust of taxpayer-funded media
Most New Zealanders believe that government funding for private media companies undermines media independence, reveals a new poll commissioned by the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.Click here to sign the petition against government funding for private media.The scientific poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was carried out by Curia Market Research...
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Taxpayer Talk: Disregarding democracy: the Government's attempt to strip away one person one vote
Last month, the Government quietly tried to pass Tamati Coffee's Rotorua District Council Bill. When electing Rotorua Councillors, it would have meant a vote on the general roll would have been worth 39% of a vote on the Māori roll. Due to public pressure and the Attorney General...
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Peter Williams joins Taxpayers’ Union board
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Peter Williams as a board member.Peter has nearly fifty years of experience in the media as a TVNZ news presenter, sports writer, and radio host."It's appropriately coincidental that my appointment to the Taxpayers' Union board is announced as New Zealand’s inflation rate hits its...
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Hōne Heke didn’t just cut flagpoles – he cut taxes
A survey by Today FM has ranked Hōne Heke as the second greatest New Zealander of all time, behind Sir Edmund Hillary.Heke’s ranking is well-warranted. He iconically cut down the British flag at Kororāreka (Russell) three times, a rebellion that has become a cornerstone of our national history....
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Taxpayer Talk: Should the Government finally privatise State Owned Enterprises?
The Government owns or partly owns 18 large businesses with combined assets of $78 billion. The Treasury has found that many are underperforming. Join Jordan and co-founder of TDB Advisory Phil Barry, as they discuss why these businesses would be more productive and experience higher rates of return...
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Taxpayer Update: Mahuta trying to gag councils on Three Waters | Auditor General slams tourism slush fund | Nats now leading Labour in latest poll
Dear Supporter,Louis is away today, so I'm in the hot seat bringing you this week's Taxpayer Update.Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll: Nats pull ahead of LabourFirst thing's first: we've just released this month's Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll, which you can read about on our website here.This is the first time...
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Water Users' group legal update
This message is much longer than usual, because we think many will be interested in the detail of the Three Waters litigation thousands of our supporters are involved in funding. It could prove very awkward for the Government, and, as yet, the media appear almost determined not to...
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Revealed: Waka Kotahi spends millions promoting Government policy
Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) has spent $4,737,200 on the first two television advertisements promoting the Government's Road to Zero strategy, reveals the Taxpayers' Union.The spending is separate from the $2.4 million recently spent on the infamous 'Safe Limits' television ad.In February, the Government officially launched its 'Road...
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Taxpayer Talk: Fair Pay Agreements: will they cripple New Zealand's labour market?
The Government's Fair Pay Agreements Bill passed its first vote in Parliament last week. The legislation will initiate the largest shake up for employment relations in decades. Join Jordan and Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope as they discuss why Fair Pay Agreements will mean more barriers to employment,...
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Revealed: Island Bay cycleway talkfests cost ratepayers $1 million
An official information response shows the Wellington City Council has spent more than a million dollars on the Island Bay cycleway since its completion in 2016.In 2016, the Wellington City Council installed a 1.7km cycle-way along The Parade in Island Bay. A lackluster consultation process saw the preferences of local residents...
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NZTA plans to whack motorists, towies, and taxis with higher fees
NZTA's proposed changes to motor vehicle licensing and registration fees will whack productive New Zealanders with higher costs, warns the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.NZTA is pitching its fee changes as a kind of tax switch, reducing the cost of certain applications and increasing the cost of others. But the...
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Taxpayer Talk: Three Waters and the ETS with Simon Court
The Government is determined to implement its controversial Three Waters reform and introduce a plethora of policies aimed at tackling climate change. Join Jordan and ACT MP Simon Court as they discuss why Three Waters will not eventuate in better water infrastructure, and why the Government's climate policies...
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Taxpayer Update: Co-governance sham | Advertising bonanza | More bizarre grants
Dear Supporter,Before I dive into the rest of the newsletter: the ute tax comes into effect today, meaning anyone buying (for example) a Toyota Hilux will have to pay an extra $5,000 to subsidise someone buying a Tesla or Prius.If there's a change of Government, we could see...
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High inflation leads to $637 million debt write-off for uni graduates
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is raising the alarm over a $637 million debt write-off for university graduates, driven by inflation and funded by taxpayers.While it is well-known that student loan balances do not accrue interest, it is often forgotten that balances are not even adjusted for inflation....
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Revealed: NZTA spends $15,000 per second promoting lower speed limits
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spent $2.4 million on the first advertisement in its campaign promoting lower speed limits, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.The ad, which can be viewed here, features a wig-wearing, clipboard-wielding NZTA official explaining to a pair of children that speed limits are currently too fast.Nine...
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COVID response sees $700k spent on a "digital storytelling experience"
The Government must pull the plug on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's $60 million COVID "Innovation Fund" as it continues to grant taxpayer funding to bizarre projects, says the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.So far, 105 projects have received $15.9 million from the fund. Since the Taxpayers' Union's last update on...
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Taxpayer Talk: Does Wellington hate economists?
The Treasury recently advertised for a senior economic analyst with "no economics background required". Professor Robert MacCulloch says this is just the tip of the iceberg and in fact reflects a wider agenda in the public service to turn away from orthodox economic rigor. Rob sits down with...
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Ratepayers foot the bill for $76,000 in shoes for parking wardens
As if parking wardens weren't already costing ratepayers enough in tickets, they're also putting the boot in with surprisingly large footwear costs.Wellington City Council has spent $75,906.35 on shoes for its parking wardens in the last three years, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.An information response from Wellington City Council...
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Taxpayer Talk: What is the media mega-merge meant to solve?
The Government has confirmed plans to merge RNZ and TVNZ into a single publicly-owned media monolith. Louis sits down remotely with National Party Broadcasting spokesperson Melissa Lee to find out exactly what problem the Government thinks it's solving, and how this move will impact New Zealanders' trust in...
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Revealed: How DIA spent $2 million on furniture
The Taxpayers' Union can reveal how the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) spent $2,047,388 on furniture in just 18 months. Last month, National MP Melissa Lee grilled the DIA for an apparent furniture blowout in 2020/21, but now we learn that she wasn't given a full accounting of the Department's...
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Revealed: The polling that explains the Govt’s fuel tax cut
A Curia poll commissioned by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union found that 78% of New Zealanders supported a reduction in petrol tax in the days leading up to (and the day after) the Government’s reduction in petrol excise.Eighty percent of Labour voters supported tax relief, and 88% of...
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Taxpayer Update: Labour slides in latest poll | NZTA spends big on 'Road to Zero' propaganda
Dear Supporter,Seldom do we send two Taxpayer Updates in the same week, but we wanted to ensure our supporters see our latest private political poll result before it is leaked to the media and reported publicly.Today we've also blown the whistle on the cost of the propaganda campaign NZTA have...
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Taxpayer Update: Fuel tax victory | Mahuta is cracking | MIQ madness
Dear Supporter,⛽️💸 Our campaign for fuel tax relief pays offThe Prime Minister has read the room and responded to spiking petrol costs with a $0.25/litre reduction in fuel excise tax, lasting for at least three months.Pulling the excise lever is exactly what we have called for – and while...
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Taxpayer Talk: Does National's tax policy go far enough?
National's tax policy has been criticised as 'costly' and too generous for high earners – but the Taxpayers' Union questions whether it goes far enough. Louis sits down with National Party Finance spokesman Simon Bridges to explore how he would change tax brackets to counter inflation, and whether...
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Revealed: 316 DJs and entertainers jumped border queue last year
Three hundred and sixteen foreign entertainers, including 64 DJs, were fast-tracked through MIQ in 2021, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers Union.Taxpayers have spent $1.2 billion on MIQ – $660 for every household in the country. But we were badly let down by the Government's criteria that put favoured industries...
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New Three Waters recommendations are an unholy mess
When the Government announced last year it would delay the Three Waters legislation, they appointed an “independent” Working Group to provide recommendations on ways to make the legislation more palatable for local councils. At the time, we called it out as anything but independent. The Working Group itself...
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Sport NZ spends $4.7 million conducting surveys
The Taxpayers' Union is challenging Sport NZ's $4.7 million dollar spend on surveys since 2018.In the space of four years, Sport NZ has spent $4.7 million conducting monthly 'Active NZ' surveys interrogating New Zealanders on what kind of physical activity they do, how often, and for how long....
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Exclusive polling analysis with David Farrar
The Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll conducted in February shows National surging. Is the writing on the wall for Labour next election? or should National not get their hopes up just yet? Levi is joined by pollster and media commentator David Farrar for analysis of the results. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google...
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Wasting billions — the Governments costly obsession with rail
The Government has indicated it wants to spend $5 billion on heavy rail over the next five years. But is it good value for taxpayer money? Join Levi and Nick Leggett as they discuss why spending billions on heavy rail doesn't stake up. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google...
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Taxpayer Update: MP's "National security" claim | Winston's party | Departure tax
Green MP's attempt to enter NZ for 'national security' has to be a jokeThis week it was revealed that Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March applied for an emergency MIQ slot not once, but twice: first as a ‘critical health service’, and again as 'required for national security'.We were first to break...
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Taxpayer Talk: Behind the court challenge against Three Waters
The Government has justified its Three Waters scheme based on an interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. But does the logic stand up to scrutiny? Jordan sits down with Stephen Franks, a lawyer working on the High Court case against Nanaia Mahuta's water regime. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast...
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Taxpayer Update: Fuel tax refunds | Three Waters slowdown | Ponzi schemes
Dear Supporter,Refunding Aucklanders for their fuel tax ⛽️💸Last week we headed to a petrol station in Takapuna with a mission: expose high fuel taxes by refunding motorists the tax on their bill. In Auckland, tax now accounts for 52% of the price at the pump.To prevent a stampede, we...
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Submission: Reject deposit insurance for finance companies
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has submitted on the proposed Deposit Takers Act, warning against the proposed insurance scheme that will see Ponzi schemes bailed out by taxpayers.Click here to read the full submission.Executive summary:This submission contends that implementing deposit insurance for finance companies would be ashort-sighted policy and...
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Taxpayer Update: Luxon gets competitive | Cut fuel tax | 30% tax on low wages
Dear Supporter,Our latest poll shows National rise under LuxonThe latest monthly scientific Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll is now available for members and supporters here.The headline result: National is returning to a competitive position under the leadership of Christopher Luxon. While much of National's gains appear to have come at...
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Meeting the new TOP Leader
The Opportunities Party (or simply TOP) has a new Leader - Raf Manji. Louis sits down with Raf to learn why he's so keen for a universal basic income, how he thinks a land tax will pay for it, and whether TOP is a "left-wing" or "right-wing" party.Raf's...
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Petition launched: Ease living costs by cutting fuel tax
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has launched a petition to urgently reduce the excise tax paid on petrol at www.fueltax.nz.Click here to sign the petition.Jacinda Ardern says she can’t control rising living costs – but that’s not quite true.Petrol is a household and business staple. Petrol costs filter through to the...
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Taxpayer Update: $104,000 to watch TV | Wanted posters | Bombing a city
Dear Supporter,How to get paid a $104,000 salary while sitting on the couch 📺💰Sick of working hard? Want to take a six-month holiday on close to full pay, courtesy of the taxpayer? Good news: Grant Robertson has a policy for you.Under the 'unemployment insurance' scheme announced this week,...
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Former NZIER CEO joins Taxpayers’ Union Board
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Laurence Kubiak as a board member. Laurence has an extensive background in business and governance. He is a former CEO of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, current Chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Trustees Executors Ltd, and Director of Northpower. Laurence...
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City councillor joins Taxpayers’ Union board
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Chris Milne onto its board.Chris Milne is a councillor at Hutt City Council, a trustee and former chair of the Nikau Foundation (Wellington's community foundation), a trustee of the Nga Manu Nature Reserve, and a part owner and director of the boutique small...
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Unemployment insurance — new tax grab?
This year the Government is set to announce more details about its proposed unemployment insurance scheme. Join Jordan and Dr Dennis Wesselbaum as they discuss why the scheme will result in more unemployment, higher taxes and ironically — lower societal wellbeing. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever...
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Taxpayer Update: New poll | Bach tax | Hon Ruth Richardson | Media pay-off
Dear Supporter,Welcome to the first Taxpayer Update of 2022!First off, we have just published the results of this month's Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll. This is the first scientific political poll published by anyone this year.It appears that the summer break has lifted New Zealanders' moods, with more respondents saying...
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Revealed: Government's media pay-off for APEC puff pieces
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is condemning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's decision to pay media outlets $93,578 for 'sponsored content' about APEC 2021.The spending information was made available in a response provided under the Official Information Act.COVID-19 came with a silver lining for taxpayers as...
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Exposed: Wellington's 'bespoke' roundabout cost $570,000
The installation of a mountable roundabout in Hataitai has cost Wellington ratepayers $570,000 – and the project's "bespoke artwork" is already badly scuffed, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union.In November, Wellington City Council crowed about the completion of works at the Hataitai intersection. The centrepiece is a 'bespoke...
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Former Minister of Finance joins Taxpayers’ Union Board
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Hon Ruth Richardson onto its Board of Directors.Taxpayers’ Union co-founder Jordan Williams says, “Few New Zealand politicians can claim to have tackled bloated government to the degree that Ruth Richardson has. Her experience and guidance will be of enormous value to...
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Taxpayer Update: What we've achieved | Hidden tax | War on geese
Dear Supporter,This will be my last newsletter until the new year. Today the team is reflecting on a challenging but productive 2021.A small sample of what you made possible this yearThe Government froze pay for high-earning public servants after months of petitioning and lobbying from our supporters. (They're set...
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Kāpiti Council praised for massacring geese, making salami
Readers of our regular newsletters may become disillusioned by the unending examples of wasteful government spending. But in the spirit of Christmas, we would like to highlight a positive story.In August this year, more than 107 Canada geese were slain at the hands of Kāpiti Coast District Council after 1,497...
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Simon Bridges on the making of man, his faith and economic views
Has the National Party got its mojo back under its new leadership? And will the Party keep promises made to taxpayers under Judith Collins? With Simon Bridges back in the mix as the shadow Minister of Finance, Jordan interviews Simon about his new role, along with topics traversed...
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Taxpayer Update: Today's new poll | Bureaucrat blowout | EECA hypocrisy
Dear Supporter,Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll: The first post-Luxon leadership pollThe results of December's Taxpayers’ Union Curia Poll, exclusive to our members and supporters like you, are available here.This has been highly anticipated because it is the first scientific poll since Chris Luxon took over as National Party Leader.It's good news...
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Ihumātao update: One year on, we still don't have a Steering Group, let alone housing
This month marks a year since the Government announced its $30 million purchase of land at Ihumātao. The decision to purchase the land was justified on the basis that it would result in the provision of housing on the site, with funding coming from the Land for Housing Programme.However,...
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Exclusive: Taxpayers are forking out $103 per laundry service or shower provided by a Government-funded charity
Taxpayers are forking out $103 per laundry service or shower provided by a Government-funded charity, reveals Annabel Fleming.According to its 2020 annual review, taxpayer-funded charity Orange Sky received $437,500 from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the 2020 financial year and in that time provided 4,248 free...
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Call to scrap booze tax as hospitality reopens
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to support the hospitality sector with a temporary suspension of alcohol excise tax paid by bars and restaurants. A petition has been launched at www.taxpayers.org.nz/happyUnion spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “The hospitality sector has been hammered by COVID-19 lockdowns...
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Taxpayer Update: Message to Luxon | Three Waters ads canned | Taxpayers get "Milked"
Dear Supporter,A note on National's new leadershipYou will have seen the news that Chris Luxon has been selected as the National Party's new Leader, with Nicola Willis as Deputy.Here's the reaction from our Executive Director Jordan Williams:It is to Chris Luxon’s credit that he is one of the...
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Taxpayers Milked to the tune of $48K for anti-dairy propaganda
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is challenging the New Zealand Film Commission’s funding criteria after it gave anti-dairy documentary Milked a $48,550 “finishing grant”.The film, currently screening in New Zealand cinemas, argues that the dairy industry causes climate change, pollutes water, destroys land, abuses cows, and victimises dairy...
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What's next for the National Party?
The National Party is in meltdown mode. Judith Collins has tried to take the ship down with her and now the race is on to fill the vacuum left by her controversial leadership. Jordan is joined by Taxpayer Talk regular David Farrar to discuss the details. Subscribe to Taxpayer...
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David Farrar on Lord Ashcroft's Mega-Poll
How do Kiwis view China? What do they think of the Queen? Will an ACT-National Government lead to radical policy from the right? Pollster David Farrar joins Taxpayers' Union researchers Max and Levi for a discussion about all this and more from a recent mega-poll of 5000 New...
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Is Inland Revenue Hunting for a New Wealth Tax?
Inland Revenue recently sent 400 letters out to New Zealand's wealthiest individuals in an attempt to figure out how much tax they pay on their economic income. Could this be part of a lead up to a wealth tax grab? Join Jordan and tax expert Mike Shaw for...
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The Three Waters op-ed Stuff doesn't want you to read
The following op-ed was written by Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams in response to a piece published by Stuff and the Sunday-Star Times. Stuff refused to publish this, even when the Taxpayers' Union offered to pay for it as a half-page ad.Irresponsible to label Three Waters critics...
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Revealed: Wellington City Council spends $11,000 on Māori translation of spatial plan
Wellington City Council spent $11,482 plus GST producing a te reo translation of the summary of its new spatial plan, reveals the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.Just 50 te reo copies were printed – resulting in a translation cost of $220 per printed copy.Māori translations of planning documents are...
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Nicola Willis on Kainga Ora Corruption
National's housing spokesperson Nicola Willis has broken a story about corruption and collusion within our national housing agency. Sadly, this isn't the first time Nicola has broken such a story about Kainga Ora but it is certainly the most shocking. Join Jordan for the full sordid story. Subscribe to...
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Taxpayer Update: Our latest poll | Buzzing the Beehive | Inflation menace
Dear Supporter,Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll: Labour down six pointsThe results of November's Taxpayers’ Union Curia Poll, exclusive to our members and supporters like you, are available here.Labour are down six points to 39%. The National Party up four to 26%. And that's not the only bad news for the...
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Michael Woodhouse on National's Financial Plan
National finance spokesman Michael Woodhouse appears on the podcast today with Jordan for a detailed discussion about National's finance and tax policy. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever good podcasts are sold.
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Taxpayer Talk: Nanaia Mahuta grilled by Taxpayers’ Union on Three Waters
In a long-awaited interview with Nanaia Mahuta, the Local Government Minister fields questions from Taxpayers’ Union supporters on her controversial Three Waters reforms. Listeners will decide for themselves whether her ducking and diving effectively addressed concerns over ratepayer input, iwi veto power, and forecast costs. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk...
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"A deceitful, lying pack of bastards" Three Waters with Tina Nixon
Cr Tina Nixon has no shortage of harsh words for the proposed Three Waters reforms. Join her and Jordan as they dive into the dangerous implications of this asset confiscation by central government. Subscribe to Taxpayer Talk podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and wherever good podcasts are sold.>>> Click here to...
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Government waste honoured at 2021 Jonesie Awards
The fourth annual Jonesie Waste Awards were hosted at the Beehive today, celebrating the best of the worst of local and central government waste from the last 12 months.The Taxpayers’ Union selected five nominees and a winner from each of the local and central government categories, along with...
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Briefing paper: The jobs cost of taxpayer-funded projects
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that the $11.7 million payment to the Green School will result in 25 fewer jobs in the private sector.This calculation was made based on a new briefing paper, The jobs cost of taxpayer-funded projects, released by the Union today.Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, "Our...
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Briefing paper: Cut GST for COVID-19 economic stimulus
A new briefing paper released by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union makes the case for a temporary cut in the rate of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 15 percent to 10 percent, mimicking what the United Kingdom Government did with VAT immediately following the Global Financial...
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New report: Public sector wage data undermines public sector union claims
Over the last 25 years, public sector incomes have grown much faster than the private sector, while public sector employees also enjoy a higher rate of sick leave costing taxpayers $173 million, according to Public Sector Wage Gap: The taxpayer-funded premium for working for the government, a new report we've...
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Lifetime Tax (post budget update)
Tax threshold changes reduce lifetime tax by $80k /10 monthsThe tax threshold changes in last month’s budget will see the largest relative tax savings go to those who already shoulder the smallest relative burden: middle-income earners. That's the conclusion of Mac Mckenna's latest report - updating the "Lifetime...
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Total Lifetime Tax
As Steven Joyce prepares to deliver his first budget on Thursday, the Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the average household pays $1.48 million in tax over a lifetime - equivalent to 15 years of earnings.In a paper published today, the Taxpayers’ Union reveals:Over a lifetime, an average household...
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Taxpayer Update: Māori procurement | Missing $1.9b | Rest in Peace
As you'll see at the bottom of this post, the team have been busy responding to media enquiries about our 2021 edition of Ratepayers' Report – our council league tables. Meanwhile, our campaigns against the planned car tax and the $685 million bike bridge are still going strong.But...
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Taxpayer Update: Our campaigns ramp up | You fund propaganda | A taxpayer victory
Stormclouds forming over SkyPath 2.0? 🚴🌧️Our petition to withdraw taxpayer funding for the proposed $685 million cycle and pedestrian bridge has now reached 56,000 signatures. That's incredible, and it shows the depth of public opposition to such a brazenly wasteful vanity project.Our "Stop SkyPath" billboards are currently hammering the...
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Taxpayer Update: Tinder studies | SkyPath 2.0 | Fake climate protest
Radical climate plan set to be unveiledThis afternoon the Climate Change Commission releases its final recommendations for the Government. Based on recent statements from the Commission Chair, they are pushing ahead with a plan to radically up-end New Zealand's economy with costly regulations.The draft plan seeks to:• Ban imports...
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Taxpayer Update: Socialist MPs | Notes to Nanaia | Debt clock ticking
Why didn't these MPs boast they were socialists before the election?Thursday night's Budget Debate took a weird turn. Multiple Labour MPs (and one Green MP) took off their centre-left masks and professed allegiance to socialism.The following quotes are taken direct from Parliament’s “Hansard” transcript:Kieran McAnulty: “Yes, I am a socialist...
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Taxpayer Update: Mahuta reviews local govt | MBIE embraces Greenpeace | Court rorts
Dear Supporter,Nanaia Mahuta has appointed a crew of foxes to guard the local government hen houseNanaia Mahuta's wide-ranging review of the local government sector should be laser-focused on increasing value for money for ratepayers.But having looked closely at the review panel, we're predicting it will do the opposite.Firstly,...
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Taxpayer Update: Climate tax | Corruption index | Vaccines
Dear Supporter,Fuel tax hikes are back on the table (and that's just the beginning!)On Sunday the Climate Change Commission released its long-awaited draft advice for cutting New Zealand's emissions.It's a long (800 page) list of demands. It basically goes through every emissions sector to pick and choose who...
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Taxpayer Update: Signposting waste in Rotorua | More Creative NZ madness
Dear Supporter,Happy New Year! I hope you've enjoyed some sunny days.Our office was shut down for the holiday period, but we still managed to cause some mischief in Rotorua and expose even more waste from Creative NZ..."Monument to waste ahead" in RotoruaRemember Rotorua's $743,000 Hemo Gorge sculpture that ran...
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Taxpayer Update: Return of the CGT | Uni's mansion rort | Bad poetry
Dear Supporter,It's a longer Taxpayer Update this week – but there is just so much silliness in Wellington that we're swamped.Ruled-out taxes back on the agendaJacinda Ardern has previously ruled out both a capital gains tax and an asset tax. In fact, both she and the Finance Minister promised...
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Taxpayer Update: More money printing | Ping pong for COVID | Poor form from Stats NZ
Dear Supporter,We need tax relief, not desperate money printingThe Reserve Bank Governor’s announcement of a new $28 billion 'Funding for Lending' money printing programme is a desperate measure. Clearly, monetary policy tools have become ineffective at fueling economic recovery.In fact, Adrian Orr’s loose monetary policy may do more harm than good...
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Taxpayer Update: Politicians kill jobs | MP's office rort | Goodie bags
New paper reveals how 'job creation' projects destroy jobsToo often, our politicians fall into the trap of thinking they can create jobs by piling on more and more government taxpayer spending. But if that were true, high-spending countries like Greece and Spain wouldn't be facing a decades-long employment...
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