News
All news
-
Taxpayer Talk: Rent Controls Return: Muldoon in 2021?
Taxpayers' Union researcher Max Salmon is joined by Infometrics Senior Economist Brad Olsen for a discussion about the concerning prospect of rent controls under this Labour government.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Rent Controls Return: Muldoon in 2021? -
Taxpayers’ Union refutes Davidson’s “rejection” of being quiet on emergency housing
After claiming that “some of our emergency housing is inhumane”, Associate Housing Minister Marama Davidson “rejected” criticism that as a responsible minister she had been “quiet” on the issue since the election. She said: “I've certainly been nothing but loud."Taxpayers' Union spokesman Neil Miller says, “She may have been loud in...
Read more about Taxpayers’ Union refutes Davidson’s “rejection” of being quiet on emergency housing -
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,...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Mahuta reviews local govt | MBIE embraces Greenpeace | Court rorts -
MPs in Depth: Mark Cameron
Mark Cameron is one of ACT's 9 new MPs, in this episode of MPs in Depth Louis sits down with Mark for an educational and energetic conversation on the plight of farming, the urban and rural divide, and why he chose ACT.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple...
Read more about MPs in Depth: Mark Cameron -
Solutions to the Housing Crisis with Oliver Hartwich
At $50,000 per dwelling, is a big taxpayer handout to Councils the right medicine for a housing shortage? Jordan sits down with the Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, Oliver Hartwich for a friendly natter on the merits of National's latest housing policy.You can subscribe to Taxpayer...
Read more about Solutions to the Housing Crisis with Oliver Hartwich -
MPs in Depth: Nicole McKee on Guns, Conservation and the Public Spotlight
Louis sits down with new Act MP Nicole McKee for a wide ranging discussion from her passion for firearms and hunting, to dealing with the public spotlight, and the spirit of the new ACT party.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all...
Read more about MPs in Depth: Nicole McKee on Guns, Conservation and the Public Spotlight -
MPs in Depth: Simon Court on Agent Orange, Environmentalism and Infrastructure
From cleaning up Agent Orange, to being deported from Fiji, new ACT MP and self-described 'radical environmentalist' Simon Court shares his background on our MPs in Depth podcast series.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about MPs in Depth: Simon Court on Agent Orange, Environmentalism and Infrastructure -
MPs in Depth: Penny Simmonds on Invercargill, Tiwai Point, and Sir Tim Shadbolt
As part of our MPs in Depth series, Louis sits down with new Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds for a wide-ranging discussion on her career and electorate.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about MPs in Depth: Penny Simmonds on Invercargill, Tiwai Point, and Sir Tim Shadbolt -
Taxpayer Talk: The Frightening Growth of Government Regulation with Damien Grant
Louis sits down with Damien Grant for a discussion about the growth in size and role of the government, such as new tax changes on housing and the potential for rent control. You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: The Frightening Growth of Government Regulation with Damien Grant -
Taxpayer Talk: What's really stopping houses from getting built?
Louis sits down with Kathryn Marshall of Williams Corporation, a residential property developer, to find out whether an extended bright line test and the removal of interest deductibility will lead to more affordable housing. Kathryn makes the case that the real solution is in tackling consenting processes at...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: What's really stopping houses from getting built? -
Taxpayer Talk: Climate Change Commission head Dr Rod Carr, with NZ Initiative's Matt Burgess
Jordan Williams gets 30 minutes with the Climate Change Commission's Chair, Dr Roderick Carr at their offices. He is joined by Matt Burgess, the Senior Economist at the New Zealand Initiative think tank to put to Dr Carr many of the criticisms of the report.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Climate Change Commission head Dr Rod Carr, with NZ Initiative's Matt Burgess -
Taxpayer Talk: Ian Harrison on the Climate Change Commission
Jordan is joined by Ian Harrison, Principal at Tailrisk Economics for a discussion on the Climate Change Commission, the benefits of an ETS and why the commission is wrong about Electric Vehicles.Read Ian's submission here: http://www.tailrisk.co.nz/documents/ClimateChangeCommission-13march.pdfYou can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Ian Harrison on the Climate Change Commission -
EXCLUSIVE: Hamilton City Council harvested submissions from school children
Hamilton City Council staff members have been visiting classrooms and harvesting submissions from children on the Council’s Māori partnership strategy, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal. We have been contacted by a Hamilton ratepayer who was perplexed to discover the name of his 13-year-old daughter among the...
Read more about EXCLUSIVE: Hamilton City Council harvested submissions from school children -
We need to stop the Climate Commission’s radical plan
Dear Supporter,I’m writing with some urgency. At the end of next week, submissions close for the draft recommendations of the Climate Change Commission – recommendations that the Government has signalled it will simply adopt.I'm not going to sugar coat this. The media haven't been doing their job and...
Read more about We need to stop the Climate Commission’s radical plan -
Taxpayer Talk: The dangerous folly of the Climate Change Commission
The Climate Change Commission plans to up-end our economy with a highly political, centrally-planned regulatory agenda. Jordan is joined by Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director at the New Zealand Initiative, to untangle this mess.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: The dangerous folly of the Climate Change Commission -
No more elections for you – Mike’s Minute of Madness
In just one minute this morning, Broadcaster of National Importance Mike Hosking made a fundamental error in his comments urging local councils to “merge, merge, and merge some more”.He completely dismissed the entire concept of local democracy. You know, that thing where you get to vote for the...
Read more about No more elections for you – Mike’s Minute of Madness -
Megan Woods: House of Cards
The following is a diary note from Dr Megan Woods. (satire)My big housing announcement did not go nearly as well as expected.People are missing the big picture which is about community, inclusivity, well-being, and kindness.Instead, they are overly fixated on the numbers. Specifically, the number 12 – because...
Read more about Megan Woods: House of Cards -
Satire: My heroic journey back to New Zealand
The following is a leaked diary entry written by Ricardo Menendez March MP. [Satire]Gracefully returning from Mexico, the third most deadly hotspot for COVID-19, suddenly I am confronted by a border guard demanding all this paperwork about quarantine, isolation, and contact tracing that apparently I, a busy Member of...
Read more about Satire: My heroic journey back to New Zealand -
REVEALED: Farewell bash for Winston Peters cost taxpayers $12,000
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters was thrown an $11,733 farewell party by the new Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta and her Ministry. The bill covered catering, event furniture hire, and technical costs. Guests included the Prime Minister, other Ministers, diplomats, and their spouses. The Taxpayers’ Union understands that, despite Parliamentary protocol requiring invitations to...
Read more about REVEALED: Farewell bash for Winston Peters cost taxpayers $12,000 -
Taxpayers' Union submission on Māori wards bill
Below is the Taxpayers' Union's submission on the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill. You can also read it in a new window here.Jordan Williams also presented to the Māori Affairs select committee, and took questions from MPs. Video is available below.
Read more about Taxpayers' Union submission on Māori wards bill -
Taxpayers' Union calls on all unions to pay back wage subsidy
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is repaying the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy and is calling on other unions and political groups to do the same. A petition has been launched at www.taxpayers.org.nz/payitback. When the Government last year made the unprecedented decision to lock down New Zealand’s economy, the Taxpayers’ Union publicly...
Read more about Taxpayers' Union calls on all unions to pay back wage subsidy -
Diplomacy 101: A helpful and not at all patronising guide for our Australian friends
A masterclass by Hon Damien O’Connor, Minister of TradeThe enhanced free trade agreement with China has passed and I was ready to bask in the media adulation. This was quite the feather in my West Coast fishing hat given I had only been Minister of Trade for less...
Read more about Diplomacy 101: A helpful and not at all patronising guide for our Australian friends -
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...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Climate tax | Corruption index | Vaccines -
Taxpayer Update: Creative NZ sends $$ overseas | Payout for overstayer | RNZ propaganda
Dear Supporter,Creative NZ sending your money overseasThis morning we revealed that in just 12 months Creative NZ paid out grants worth $631,266 to recipients in Germany, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Australia, Poland, South Korea, Fiji, the Netherlands, the Cook Islands, and the United States.And of the 25 grants,...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Creative NZ sends $$ overseas | Payout for overstayer | RNZ propaganda -
Revealed: Creative NZ sent $631,000 overseas in just 12 months
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that in just 12 months Creative NZ paid out grants worth $631,266 to recipients in Germany, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Australia, Poland, South Korea, Fiji, the Netherlands, the Cook Islands, and the United States.Of the 25 grants, nine were from the...
Read more about Revealed: Creative NZ sent $631,000 overseas in just 12 months -
Op-ed: Why we won’t stop calling it ‘taxpayer money’
The following is an op-ed written by Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager Louis Houlbrooke. It is free for publication with attribution.Jonathan Barrett, a taxation lecturer at Victoria University, wants New Zealanders and the media to stop talking about “taxpayer money”.He makes the bland observation that when the government takes...
Read more about Op-ed: Why we won’t stop calling it ‘taxpayer money’ -
SATIRE: Kelvin Davis: Anatomy of a prison disorder incident
2020 was one heck of a year – excuse my strong language – and I definitely need this six-to-eight-week taxpayer funded holiday to recharge my batteries.Happily out fly fishing, which is clearly listed as one of my key strengths on my Ministerial CV, before being interrupted by a...
Read more about SATIRE: Kelvin Davis: Anatomy of a prison disorder incident -
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...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Signposting waste in Rotorua | More Creative NZ madness -
Message board erected in Rotorua highlighting monumental waste
New Zealanders approaching the Hemo Gorge roundabout from the south will from today be greeted by an electronic message board warning motorists of the 12-metre 3D-printed monument to Government waste at the Te Hemo Gorge roundabout, where State Highway 5 meets State Highway 30. The sign reads MONUMENTAL WASTE...
Read more about Message board erected in Rotorua highlighting monumental waste -
Petition launched for Trevor Mallard to pay back taxpayers for his defamation settlement and legal costs
--> Click here to sign the petition <--A written Parliamentary question has confirmed the Taxpayers’ Union’s understanding that the Speaker paid a six-figure settlement to a staffer he accused of rape.Taxpayers should not have to cover the bill for Trevor Mallard’s careless accusations. It’s not like making defamatory allegations is part...
Read more about Petition launched for Trevor Mallard to pay back taxpayers for his defamation settlement and legal costs -
Highest and lowest council rates in New Zealand revealed -Ratepayers’ Report
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union’s 2020 Ratepayers’ Report reveals the highest and lowest average council rates in the country. The league tables are available at www.ratepayersreport.nz.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Louis Houlbrooke says: “The key attraction of Ratepayers’ Report has always been the league table for average residential rates, which uses a standardised...
Read more about Highest and lowest council rates in New Zealand revealed -Ratepayers’ Report -
2020 Ratepayers’ Report released, methodology explained
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, in partnership with the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance, has today published the 2020 edition of Ratepayers' Report – online local government league tables – at www.ratepayersreport.nzWith these league tables, New Zealanders can easily compare their local council’s performance and financial position for 2018/19 against others.Setting out more than two thousand data points, the...
Read more about 2020 Ratepayers’ Report released, methodology explained -
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...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Return of the CGT | Uni's mansion rort | Bad poetry -
Leaked: MP Election Diaries
Your stupendous yet humble New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has obtained copies of Members of Parliament’s election diaries. We requested them under the Official Information Act from new MPs, who apparently do not know that the OIA does not apply to them. Stuart Smith answered because he was desperate...
Read more about Leaked: MP Election Diaries -
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...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: More money printing | Ping pong for COVID | Poor form from Stats NZ -
CCDHB appointment process creates conflict of interest
The Taxpayers' Union has written to Capital and Coast DHB CEO Fionnagh Dougan to enquire about an apparent conflict of interest affecting the appointment of a highly-paid executive.Attachment: Evidence of Tino Pereira on selection panel
Read more about CCDHB appointment process creates conflict of interest -
Revealed: Taxpayers cover animal welfare fines for Landcorp farmers
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is today calling on Landcorp to stop reimbursing farmers fined for animal welfare offences.The Taxpayers’ Union requested correspondence pertaining to staff reimbursements of fines paid by Landcorp over the last three years. Landcorp provided information revealing the following:• A $500 reimbursement for an animal welfare fine for transporting...
Read more about Revealed: Taxpayers cover animal welfare fines for Landcorp farmers -
Taxpayer Talk: Tim Hazledine on economic recovery and the case for a GST cut
Tim Hazledine, Professor of Economics at the University of Auckland, sits down with Islay to discuss his ideas for a viable path to economic recovery – including a temporary reduction in GST.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Tim Hazledine on economic recovery and the case for a GST cut -
Election 2020: Whisky, Tango, Foxtrot
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is reacting with surprise and horror after being accidentally sent the results of tomorrow’s election.Acting Labour Party General Secretary Rob Salmond inadvertently included your humble Taxpayers’ Union on their union mailing list this year. Traditionally, unions receive advance notice of the election results they have spent so...
Read more about Election 2020: Whisky, Tango, Foxtrot -
Op-ed: AAP needs to fact check itself
The following is an op-ed by Taxpayers' Union Analyst Neil Miller.During modern election campaigns there is an increasing emphasis on “fact checking” political statements across the spectrum. Companies have sprung up all over the world to judge the accuracy (or otherwise) of what politicians say on the campaign...
Read more about Op-ed: AAP needs to fact check itself -
Op-ed: Asset tax will hit far more than six percent of New Zealanders
The following is an op-ed by Islay Aitchison, Research Officer at the Taxpayers' Union and spokesperson for the Campaign for Affordable Home Ownership.While Labour has tried to rule out the Green Party's “wealth tax” policy, James Shaw has described those efforts as “not credible” — so at least according to...
Read more about Op-ed: Asset tax will hit far more than six percent of New Zealanders -
Revealed: Nearly three quarters of Kiwis oppose an asset tax
Polling released today by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union reveals that 72 percent of New Zealanders oppose an asset tax or “wealth tax”.Exclusive polling by Curia Market Research commissioned by the Taxpayers’ Union asked respondents, “Do you think there should be a tax that people pay on assets such as houses, cars and KiwiSaver...
Read more about Revealed: Nearly three quarters of Kiwis oppose an asset tax -
Public Service Commissioner intervenes over Oranga Tamariki video
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is welcoming intervention from the Public Services Commissioner over a video produced by Oranga Tamariki which appeared to endorse Hon Tracey Martin.In a response to a complaint from the Union, Commissioner Peter Hughes explained, "In this situation, in my view the content of the...
Read more about Public Service Commissioner intervenes over Oranga Tamariki video -
Election campaign launched: Tax Relief Now!
Today the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union launches its nationwide election campaign for Tax Relief Now.Between now and Election Day we will be making the case for tax relief as the main plank of the economic recovery. We see a basic choice this election: Government-led stimulus spending or a recovery that’s...
Read more about Election campaign launched: Tax Relief Now! -
Taxpayer Talk: David Seymour on ACT's Alternative Budget
In this episode, Islay Aitchison talks to ACT leader David Seymour about his party's proposed tax cuts, public debt and cutting red tape.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: David Seymour on ACT's Alternative Budget -
Op-ed: Why did James Shaw wreck his career for a tiny Green School?
The following is an op-ed by Taxpayers' Union Analyst Neil Miller.James Shaw did not just defy a core Green Party policy since 1997 to personally advocate for special funding to a tiny private school… he did it twice.To their credit, the Government resisted the Green Minister’s persistent and...
Read more about Op-ed: Why did James Shaw wreck his career for a tiny Green School? -
Jacinda Ardern's arts agency now in damage control
Dear Supporter,Creative NZ goes into damage controlWe've spent the last week on social media releasing examples of bizarre art projects given taxpayer money by Creative NZ as part of a $16 million COVID-19 response (I've linked to my favourites at the bottom this email).Talkback hosts Mike Hosking (clip...
Read more about Jacinda Ardern's arts agency now in damage control -
Creative NZ fights COVID-19 with “Indigenised Hypno-Soundscapes”
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is questioning the value of the Arts Continuity Grant, a COVID-19 response fund which has so far paid out $16 million in grants to a variety of questionable short-term arts projects.Since March, Creative NZ has offered grants of up to $50,000 for ‘a...
Read more about Creative NZ fights COVID-19 with “Indigenised Hypno-Soundscapes” -
Taxpayer Talk: Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews Tauranga City Councillor Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections. They discuss the COVID-19 Government assistance Tauranga Council is hoping to receive for future infrastructure projects.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Kelvin Clout on dysfunctional Council culture and recall elections -
Op-ed: An ode to Phil Twyford’s epic record of failure
The following is an op-ed from Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager Louis Houlbrooke.Phil Twyford says he will build light rail in Auckland if Labour wins the next election. Of course, he promised exactly the same thing at the last election and, after spending two and a half years in discussions and $5...
Read more about Op-ed: An ode to Phil Twyford’s epic record of failure -
Growing out of it: Five policies to encourage growth and conquer debt
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has released a new paper outlining a suite of proposals to lift economic growth and therefore reduce debt as a proportion of GDP.On current forecasts, government debt is set to reach $150,000 per New Zealand household. There are two ways to slay this...
Read more about Growing out of it: Five policies to encourage growth and conquer debt -
Decade of deficits revealed as Treasury opens the books
Dear Supporter,I’m writing to you from the media and analyst “lock-up” where Treasury just presented its Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update.The Update, which the Public Finance Act requires of Treasury just prior to every election, lays bare the Government’s books and include the latest projections on debt, spending,...
Read more about Decade of deficits revealed as Treasury opens the books -
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...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Politicians kill jobs | MP's office rort | Goodie bags -
Complaint laid with Broadcasting Standards Authority re Labour Party TV ad
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has laid a complaint with the Broadcasting Standards Authority regarding the Labour Party’s first television advertisement for the 2020 election campaign.In the advertisement, Jacinda Ardern misleadingly claims that her Party will “make apprenticeships free”. In reality, these apprenticeships are not free – they...
Read more about Complaint laid with Broadcasting Standards Authority re Labour Party TV ad -
Taxpayer Talk: Our reaction to Labour's tax plan
Immediately after Labour announced its policy for a new higher tax rate on income over $180,000, Louis sat down with Islay and Joe to record a podcast examining the politics and economics of the tax in more detail.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts,iHeartRadio and all...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Our reaction to Labour's tax plan -
Under Labour everyone who earns up to $300,000 a year will pay more tax in NZ than Australia
Labour have just announced a new tax rate of 39% on incomes over $180,000. This is in contrast to Australia that has legislated to cut taxes.Of course the 39% new tax rate is just the beginning. If they have a Labour/Green Government then they could strike a deal...
Read more about Under Labour everyone who earns up to $300,000 a year will pay more tax in NZ than Australia -
105 police line: callers waiting longer, hanging up during lockdown
Documents released to the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union under the Official Information Act revealed that during lockdown, almost 40% of callers to the non-emergency 105 police number abandoned calls rather than wait for an answer. Further, the average wait-time appeared to increase significantly during this period.For the period of 1-17...
Read more about 105 police line: callers waiting longer, hanging up during lockdown -
Opinion: Ratepayers deserve the right to fire their representatives
This op-ed is written by Taxpayers' Union Co-Founder Jordan Williams and was published in the print edition of The Northland Age on 3 September 2020.Sir Winston Churchill said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time...
Read more about Opinion: Ratepayers deserve the right to fire their representatives -
Police plan to turn motorists into cash cows
Did you see the news break yesterday that the Police are abolishing their 10km/h speed tolerance nationwide?That means that from today Police will be issuing fines for going as little as 101km/h on the open road – even when passing another vehicle!This Government has put up fuel taxes...
Read more about Police plan to turn motorists into cash cows -
Revealed: Taxpayer-funded ‘wellbeing’ goodie bags during Level 4 lockdown
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the NZ Super Fund spent over $15,000 on “COVID-19 well-being parcels” from designer supermarket Farro Fresh for the Fund’s highly-paid staff over lockdown. Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Louis Houlbrooke says: “At a time when global markets were plummeting, and the fund’s...
Read more about Revealed: Taxpayer-funded ‘wellbeing’ goodie bags during Level 4 lockdown -
Taxpayer Update: Bloomfield ad | Recall elections | Burger subsidies
Labour uses Ashley Bloomfield for the election campaignOn Saturday the Labour Party posted a new ad on its Facebook page. The ad was filmed in the Ministry of Health's contact tracing centre and included a number of public servants, including Dr Ashley Bloomfield (see the still image above).This is...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Bloomfield ad | Recall elections | Burger subsidies -
Taxpayer Talk: Tourism NZ and its new $10m international ad campaign
Despite our closed borders, Tourism NZ is spending $10 million on a new campaign meant to bring overseas travellers to New Zealand. The campaign is supposed to bolster New Zealand’s international brand of “kaitiaki, manaakitanga, and integrity”. In the latest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Louis questions Tourism NZ...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Tourism NZ and its new $10m international ad campaign -
Taxpayer Talk: Michael Reddell on Unemployment, Negative Interest Rates and a Temporary Cut to GST
In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Research Officer Islay Aitchison interviews economist Michael Reddell on monetary and fiscal policy. Michael Reddell's blog, Croaking Cassandra, can be found here.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Michael Reddell on Unemployment, Negative Interest Rates and a Temporary Cut to GST -
Barrie Saunders: COVID revisited – brickbats and suggestions
A few months back I gave the government a seven out of ten for its handling of COVID. That assessment has plummeted in over the last week, as revelations about its management of at risk border workers has shown astonishing gaps. There has been a breakdown in the...
Read more about Barrie Saunders: COVID revisited – brickbats and suggestions -
Taxpayer Update: Damning report | Green manifesto | Debt Monster selfie
Damning report on Provincial Growth Fund confirms pork barrelling, conflicts, and worseA damning new report from the Auditor-General has confirmed what your humble Taxpayers' Union has been saying about the Provincial Growth Fund all along. He found failing processes with regards to the approval of grants, managing conflicts of interests,...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Damning report | Green manifesto | Debt Monster selfie -
Taxpayer Briefing: The Green Party Manifesto
IntroductionThe Green Party of Aotearoa (they do not use the term New Zealand) has launched a 52-page manifesto. We at the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union read the modestly titled “Think Ahead. Act Now. Our Green vision for Aotearoa” so you do not have to.Crunching the numbers did not...
Read more about Taxpayer Briefing: The Green Party Manifesto -
Lawrence Yule billboard found to be an election ad
Taxpayer-funded billboards promoting National MP Lawrence Yule have now been deemed candidate advertisements by the Electoral Commission.The Commission's decision was made in response to a complaint by the Taxpayers' Union, which understood the large billboards were recently erected and therefore could not be considered part of Mr Yule's...
Read more about Lawrence Yule billboard found to be an election ad -
Taniwha taxes adding 8% to cost of infrastructure builds
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that councils are allocating up to eight percent of total build costs for iwi engagement for COVID-19 response projects.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, "While trawling through council applications for 'shovel-ready' funding, we came across a proposal from the Waipa District Council that...
Read more about Taniwha taxes adding 8% to cost of infrastructure builds -
Taxpayer Talk: Auckland’s water crisis – interview with Water Care CEO Raveen Jaduram
Auckland’s water crisis has been in the media over recent weeks, and the 2020 drought reminds us a lot of the water restrictions in 1994. Auckland’s population is now 50% larger than 1994, has water infrastructure kept up? Just how vulnerable are we to dry years? Is the...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Auckland’s water crisis – interview with Water Care CEO Raveen Jaduram -
Government waste celebrated at 2020 Jonesie Awards
The third annual Jonesie Awards were hosted at Parliament today, celebrating the best of the worst of Government waste.Every year, we host a glamourous Oscars-style award ceremony to highlight and lament the most absurd examples of wasted taxpayer money to emerge in the last 12 months.Behind the tuxedos...
Read more about Government waste celebrated at 2020 Jonesie Awards -
Taxpayer Talk: Runners and Riders – Who will take over from Todd Muller?
The Taxpayers’ Union’s Jordan Williams and Neil Miller, sit down with political commentator and Stuff columnist Damian Grant discuss the runners and riders of the sudden National Party leadership race.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Runners and Riders – Who will take over from Todd Muller? -
'Aroha' posters deemed to be Labour Party ads
The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the 'Aroha' posters of Jacinda Ardern, promoted by artists Weston Frizzell and advertiser Phantom Billstickers, does indeed constitute a party advertisement for the Labour Party.This judgment comes after the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union laid a complaint regarding the posters. The Commission's response to...
Read more about 'Aroha' posters deemed to be Labour Party ads -
Blog: Why alternative monetary policy may not lead to investment spending in the economy
This blog post is written by Taxpayers' Union Economist Karan Menon.Facing the biggest economic shock in our lifetime, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr is signaling his support for the use of “alternative monetary policy” to jog the Kiwi economy.He is currently holding the Official Cash Rate at 0.25%,...
Read more about Blog: Why alternative monetary policy may not lead to investment spending in the economy -
Taxpayer Talk: Chris Penk - Flattening the Country
In our newest episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan sits down (in-person!) with Helensville MP Chris Penk who has written a book investigating the claim that the Government had "gone early and hard" in its fight against COVID-19. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)Flattening the Country is available at https://chrispenk.national.org.nz/flattening_the_country.You can subscribe...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Chris Penk - Flattening the Country -
Tool launched for Christchurch ratepayers to submit against rate hike
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has launched a tool for Christchurch ratepayers to submit against Christchurch City Council’s proposed rate hike options.The official consultation form for the Council’s updated budget is frankly a scam. Ratepayers are asked to choose between three different rate hikes – 3.5 percent, 4.65 percent, and...
Read more about Tool launched for Christchurch ratepayers to submit against rate hike -
Taxpayer Update: Ihumātao | Sack Dr Clark | Posters investigated
Will Winston put the kibosh on the Ihumātao deal?After months of delays, it's been reported again that the Government is on the verge of purchasing the land at Ihumātao using $30 million of taxpayer money.This would be a disgraceful capitulation to illegal occupiers. However, we understand that New Zealand...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ihumātao | Sack Dr Clark | Posters investigated -
Taxpayer Update: Statue madness | Taxpayer-funded propaganda | $4000 for tea
Statue controversy is patheticWe are currently facing the economic fallout of a literal pandemic. But our country's media and politicians have decided the biggest issue affecting New Zealanders is whether or not our statues are racist.On Thursday, Hamilton City Council removed a statue of the city's namesake, John Hamilton, after...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Statue madness | Taxpayer-funded propaganda | $4000 for tea -
Taxpayers’ Union lays complaint over ‘Unite for the recovery’ ads
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has laid a formal complaint with the Auditor General regarding today’s full-page advertisements placed in a number of newspapers, including the NZ Herald and the Dominion Post, by the Government (pictured below).These advertisements are not primarily informative or educational, unlike earlier Government COVID-19 advertisements. Today’s ads have...
Read more about Taxpayers’ Union lays complaint over ‘Unite for the recovery’ ads -
MPs in Depth: A Generation of Losers, Racism and Hard Work — Melissa Lee MP
We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Melissa Lee MP. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all good podcast apps.
Read more about MPs in Depth: A Generation of Losers, Racism and Hard Work — Melissa Lee MP -
Formal complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner from Taxpayers’ Union
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has lodged a formal complaint regarding the recent Capital and Coast District Health Board’s decision to move Māori and Pacific patients to the front of their elective surgery queues. We welcome Race Relations Commissioner Dr Meng Foon’s recent comments on radio that on the basis...
Read more about Formal complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner from Taxpayers’ Union -
Taxpayer Talk: Socialism – The Failed Idea that Never Dies
By many measures, socialist ideas are more popular than ever, with academics and increasingly hip activists unashamedly promoting the collective ownership of wealth and centralised government-led decision making. Louis has a discussion with Dr Kristian Niemietz from the Institute of Economic Affairs, who has written a book named...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Socialism – The Failed Idea that Never Dies -
Taxpayer Update: Race-based hospital waiting lists | Chch rates U-turn | Public health follies
DHB prioritises patients according to raceWe were amazed to find out this week that Wellington's DHB now has a policy which moves Māori and Pacific patients to the front of their elective surgery queues.We all pay tax into the health system with the expectation that we will receive help...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Race-based hospital waiting lists | Chch rates U-turn | Public health follies -
Three regional councils drag the chain on rates relief
A round-up of the country’s regional and unitary councils reveals that ratepayers in Wellington, Otago, and Southland are being ripped off by authorities who are forging ahead with rate hikes planned prior to COVID-19.New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “An economic crisis is the worst time...
Read more about Three regional councils drag the chain on rates relief -
Taxpayer Update: What will PM Muller do | Race-based funding | Pork 🐷
The National Party has a new LeaderThis afternoon, Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller successfully challenged Simon Bridges for the National Party Leadership.While we don't endorse political parties, we watch National very closely as a party of 'limited government'. Even if they fail to take back the Beehive...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: What will PM Muller do | Race-based funding | Pork 🐷 -
Revealed: Covid-19 funding for GPs is race based
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that COVID-19 support funding for general practice clinics was allocated significantly on the basis of enrolled patients’ ethnicities. Information obtained under the Official Information Act 1982 showed that organisations received $4.50 in funding per Māori or Pacific patient with any other ethnicities worth only $1.50...
Read more about Revealed: Covid-19 funding for GPs is race based -
MPs in Depth: Reform priorities, time in the private sector and long-held political aspirations — Todd Muller MP
This morning it was reported that Todd Muller is making a challenge for the National Party Leadership. Prior to these reports, Islay Aitchison sat down with him to hear more about his political philosophy, his goals and his background.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio...
Read more about MPs in Depth: Reform priorities, time in the private sector and long-held political aspirations — Todd Muller MP -
Taxpayer Update: Debt clock launched | Tram shelved | Rock bottom journalism
Watch Government debt tick up in real timeFollowing the Budget’s eye-wateringly high debt forecast, the team have been thinking about how to best illustrate what it looks like to borrow $200.8 billion by 2024 (or $109,700 added to the mortgage of every New Zealand household).A couple of the staff put together...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Debt clock launched | Tram shelved | Rock bottom journalism -
MPs in Depth: The National Party Divide, Modern Conservatism and Fencing - Simon O'Connor
We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Simon O'Connor MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)
Read more about MPs in Depth: The National Party Divide, Modern Conservatism and Fencing - Simon O'Connor -
Taxpayer Talk: Out of the Budget 2020 lock-up – Joe Ascroft and Neil Miller on the economics and politics of the biggest budget of our lifetime.
The Taxpayers' Union's Consulting Economist Joe Ascroft, and former Treasury (now Taxpayers' Union) Analyst Neil Miller, sits down with Jordan Williams to discuss Budget 2020, the economic and political risks, and what it says about the Government's election strategy.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Out of the Budget 2020 lock-up – Joe Ascroft and Neil Miller on the economics and politics of the biggest budget of our lifetime. -
Budget 2020: The Politics - Neil Miller
The Minister of Finance Grant Robertson describes Budget 2020 as a “once in a generation” budget to combat “a 1-in-100-year threat” of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It certainly contains high level of additional spending, headlined by the $50 billion COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund (of which only about...
Read more about Budget 2020: The Politics - Neil Miller -
Budget 2020: The Economic View - Joe Ascroft
Skyrocketing debtUnsurprisingly, the Government’s Budget Responsibility Rules (which capped Government spending and debt in coming years) are dead. Net debt is forecast to climb from $57.7 billion ($31,500 per household or 19% of GDP) to $200.8 billion ($109,700 per household or 53.6% of GDP) by 2024. Deficits are...
Read more about Budget 2020: The Economic View - Joe Ascroft -
Budget 2020: What Taxpayers Need to Know
As I write this, Grant Robertson is unveiling Budget 2020 in Parliament.Two members of our team have just emerged from the pre-Budget briefing. Below, our Consulting Economist Joe Ascroft summarises the contents of the Budget and what it will mean for you, the taxpayer.We've also had Neil Miller...
Read more about Budget 2020: What Taxpayers Need to Know -
Taxpayer Talk: Tim Hazeldine and Eric Crampton on Auckland's CBD Rail Loop and post-COVID economic recovery
On this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan Williams interviews Tim Hazeldine and Eric Crampton. They discuss Auckland's CBD Rail Loop, incentives for infrastructure spending and Thursday's Budget.Prof Hazledine’s opinion pieces referred to are here:https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/2020/05/11/1162413/tank-the-tunnelhttps://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12327344The NZ Initiative paper referred to is here:https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/media/media-release-new-zealand-cant-afford-any-boondoggles-in-the-post-covid-19-recovery-new-report-says/You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google...
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Tim Hazeldine and Eric Crampton on Auckland's CBD Rail Loop and post-COVID economic recovery -
Taxpayer Update: What to look for on Thursday | 18 days of reading about rock lobster
This will be a big week for taxpayers.Thursday is Budget Day, when Grant Robertson will decide how to spend around $100 billion of your money.As usual, we're sending staff to the Budget Day lock-up briefing. This event gives economists, sector groups, and unions a chance to read through...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: What to look for on Thursday | 18 days of reading about rock lobster -
Taxpayer Talk: Jami-Lee Ross on his rates freeze SOP, the Botany electorate and China
Should Parliament step in to enforce a nationwide rates freeze, what's happening in Botany and should our relationship with China change? Islay Aitchison interviews Jami-Lee Ross.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jami-Lee Ross on his rates freeze SOP, the Botany electorate and China -
MPs in Depth: Tough economic questions, Muldoon and PR — Paul Goldsmith
We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Paul Goldsmith MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)
Read more about MPs in Depth: Tough economic questions, Muldoon and PR — Paul Goldsmith -
Taxpayer Update: More pay cut victories | Business loan bonanza | Where's Heather? | Where's David?
State Services Commissioner throws his weight behind our pay cut campaign! 🎉We've had another major win in our campaign for the public sector to share the financial burden of COVID-19.Last month, we wrote to the State Services Commissioner and all major state sector agencies (including councils), asking if they would...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: More pay cut victories | Business loan bonanza | Where's Heather? | Where's David? -
Taxpayer Talk: Reserve Bank Reservations with David Seymour
Taxpayer Talk is back. This week Jordan and Joe interview Act MP David Seymour on the worrying signs of the politicisation of the Reserve Bank, and Grant Robertson's suggestion of monetising the Government's debt. You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)
Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Reserve Bank Reservations with David Seymour -
MPs in Depth: Police, the campaign trail and proud socialism — Ginny Andersen MP
We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Ginny Andersen MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)
Read more about MPs in Depth: Police, the campaign trail and proud socialism — Ginny Andersen MP -
MPs in Depth: Shameless liberalism, the Wellington bubble and opening a pub — Chris Bishop MP
We're giving taxpayers the opportunity to get to know their MPs beyond photo-ops and party-line speeches. In this episode, Islay Aitchison interviews Chris Bishop MP.You can subscribe to Taxpayer Talk via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all good podcast apps.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)
Read more about MPs in Depth: Shameless liberalism, the Wellington bubble and opening a pub — Chris Bishop MP
-
NEW REPORT: The Pitfalls of a Tax-Free Threshold for Income Tax
A new report by Taxpayers’ Union Research Fellow, Jim Rose,analysing the impacts of implementing a tax-free threshold concludes that the policy would be an expensive and poorly targeted way of reducing the tax burden and increasing after-tax incomes of New Zealand families.Key findings of the report include:> The introduction...
Read more about NEW REPORT: The Pitfalls of a Tax-Free Threshold for Income Tax -
NEW REPORT: Spoilt Policy: Why we must keep GST simple and free of food carve-outs
A new report published by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union analysing the impacts of taking GST off fresh fruit and vegetables concludes that the policy would be expensive, complicated, poorly targeted and would see most of the benefits going to supermarkets rather than consumers. Using a collection of the leading research on...
Read more about NEW REPORT: Spoilt Policy: Why we must keep GST simple and free of food carve-outs -
Parker's Fuel Tax Comments Tone-Deaf During Cost-of-Living Crisis
Responding to David Parker’s comments that hiking fuel taxes even further is not out of the question for Labour’s much-delayed transport budget, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said:“Fuel taxes hit poor and rural households the hardest, and we are just a few weeks since Labour last hiked fuel taxes...
Read more about Parker's Fuel Tax Comments Tone-Deaf During Cost-of-Living Crisis -
NEW REPORT: A wealth tax taxes savings, innovation and entrepreneurial growth
A new report published by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union analysing the impacts of a wealth tax reveals that it would be significantly damaging for New Zealand economically and would discourage savings, innovation and entrepreneurial growth.Using a collection of the world’s leading research in the area of wealth taxes, the...
Read more about NEW REPORT: A wealth tax taxes savings, innovation and entrepreneurial growth -
NEW REPORT: City Rail Link project throws good money after bad
A new report published by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union exposes the bad decision-making that led to a 61% cost blowout in Auckland’s City Rail Link and shows that the costs of the project now significantly outweigh any benefits.‘The City Rail Link: A Great Big Sucking Sound for Taxpayer and...
Read more about NEW REPORT: City Rail Link project throws good money after bad -
Now is not the time to hike fuel taxes and charges
Fuel tax rises should be scrapped as inflation remains stubbornly highThe diesel road-user charge reduction scheme, which reduced rates by 36 per cent, is due to end with charges going up significantly tomorrow (1 February 2023).The charge hike will mean a large increase in the cost of transport...
Read more about Now is not the time to hike fuel taxes and charges -
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...
Read more about Fuel tax relief extension: a small victory for taxpayers -
New paper highlights how vaping brings New Zealand closer to Smokefree 2025
A new white paper on international best practice towards vaping regulation features a case study on New Zealand, with data showing how increased vaping uptake has correlated with significant progress towards our Smokefree goal. The white paper is published by the Property Rights Alliance, with contributions from the UK,...
Read more about New paper highlights how vaping brings New Zealand closer to Smokefree 2025 -
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...
Read more about Briefing paper: The jobs cost of taxpayer-funded projects -
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...
Read more about Briefing paper: Cut GST for COVID-19 economic stimulus