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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  20. Taxpayers’ Union wins two international Reed Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  24. 2026 Jonesie Awards for Government Waste Winners Announced: Chris Hipkins Receives Lifetime Achievement in Waste Award

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

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

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

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

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

  26. Selwyn Council’s Unelected Voting Rights Decision Disappoints

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  38. Nicola’s Fudge shortlisted for prestigious international award

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

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

  39. Pay equity spat calls for independent policy costings

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

    Read more about Pay equity spat calls for independent policy costings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  53. Government Borrows Millions to Play Cheerleader for Aussie Rugby League

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for using borrowed money to help bankroll an Australian sporting event, after this morning’s announcement that State of Origin will be coming to Auckland thanks to an A$5 million Government bid.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“Only days after preaching fiscal restraint...

    Read more about Government Borrows Millions to Play Cheerleader for Aussie Rugby League

  54. Untangling government key, but ACT’s ministerial cap needs to go further

    ACT announced plans during their State of the Nation address to cap the number of ministers at twenty. Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“New Zealand’s government is a jumbled mess, with no one knowing which bureaucrats report to which ministers at any given time. MBIE...

    Read more about Untangling government key, but ACT’s ministerial cap needs to go further

  56. IRD Ducks Responsibility as Kidnapping Allegation Ignored

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Inland Revenue for hiding behind tax secrecy laws instead of notifying Police after receiving an alleged kidnapping claim linked to a tax scam.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald says:“When someone alleges they’ve been kidnapped, the response is simple: call the Police. Instead, IRD hid...

    Read more about IRD Ducks Responsibility as Kidnapping Allegation Ignored

  57. REVEALED: Inland Revenue Spends $2 Million On Phone Campaign

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Inland Revenue spent $1.967 million on an outbound phone call campaign to encourage taxpayers to adopt two-factor authentication for their myIR accounts.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Too often government departments splash out on...

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  58. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes review of Reserve Bank’s COVID-era actions

    Responding to the Minister of Finance’s announcement today of an independent review into COVID-19 monetary policy, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson James Ross said the review is “long overdue”.“The Reserve Bank pumped far too much money into the economy. The result was a surge in asset prices and the kind...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes review of Reserve Bank’s COVID-era actions

  60. Tax or levy? The most self-destructive conversation National could choose

    The Taxpayers’ Union says Labour can scarcely believe its luck with the Government’s insistence that its proposed levy on electricity bills isn’t a tax because it’s a levy.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“We’ve been fielding calls and interview requests all day from people wanting to know whether...

    Read more about Tax or levy? The most self-destructive conversation National could choose

  62. Taxpayer Update: Shock Poll 😱 | Drag queen wigs for Samoa 🇼🇸 | Cow-sheds are now 'regional infrastructure' 🐄

    Happy Monday,A shock poll result, MBIE's secrecy on the costs of sending staff to do degrees off-shore, news that half the Provincial Growth Fund (yeah, that one...)'s loans are in default, and the Taxpayers' Union expose Creative New Zealand spending $25,000 of taxpayer money on drag workshops... in...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Shock Poll 😱 | Drag queen wigs for Samoa 🇼🇸 | Cow-sheds are now 'regional infrastructure' 🐄

  63. NEW POLL: Hung Parliament as cost-of-living concern soars to highest level since May 2024

    Neither the Centre-Right or Centre-Left blocs have enough seats to form a Government in the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.The poll shows Labour drops 0.3 points to 34.1 percent, while National drops 0.2 points to 31.3 percent.New Zealand First drops 1.4 points to 10.5 percent, while the Greens jump...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Hung Parliament as cost-of-living concern soars to highest level since May 2024

  64. Crown slush fund leaves taxpayers on the hook for bad bets

    With more than 50 percent of Crown Regional Holdings’ loan portfolio at risk of default or impairment, the Taxpayers’ Union says the Government is gambling with taxpayers’ money.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“When politicians start sloshing money around to butter up voters, you can guarantee they’re making bad bets...

    Read more about Crown slush fund leaves taxpayers on the hook for bad bets

  66. Taxpayer Update: Winston v Christopher 🥊 | Surprise results on India FTA 🇮🇳 | Govt logo bonanza 👨‍🎨

    Dear Supporter,For the politicians, it's all go up in Waitangi this week, and where the politicians go, your money is sure to follow – whether you like it or not. "We've done it for decades"                            —...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Winston v Christopher 🥊 | Surprise results on India FTA 🇮🇳 | Govt logo bonanza 👨‍🎨

  67. From Perth to Wellington: An Aussie Intern’s Time at the Taxpayers’ Union

    Declan Blaine interned at the Taxpayers' Union January 2025. He is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia. My name is Declan Blaine, and I’m currently completing an internship with the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union through the Mannkal Economic Education Foundation’s international scholarship...

    Read more about From Perth to Wellington: An Aussie Intern’s Time at the Taxpayers’ Union

  68. reset must not become a cash grab: Stop the slippery slope to a water tax

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is backing Federated Farmers’ alarm over draft resource management legislation that could open the door to effectively enabling a tax on water by stealth.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“This is exactly the kind of slippery, backdoor taxing power taxpayers have every right to...

    Read more about reset must not become a cash grab: Stop the slippery slope to a water tax

  70. REVEALED: Ministry Of Education Union Staff Paid With Taxpayer Time

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act requestthat staff at the Ministry of Education were paid $414,119.68 by taxpayers to do 8,528 hours of union work.This includes organising and advocating on behalf of the New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI), the Public...

    Read more about REVEALED: Ministry Of Education Union Staff Paid With Taxpayer Time

  72. Finance Minister Nicola Willis channels former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

    Responding to today’s reporting that Minister Willis expects the current rise in inflation to be "a blip", Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Minister Willis is sounding a lot like former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who dismissed rising inflation under the Biden administration and got it completely wrong. Minister...

    Read more about Finance Minister Nicola Willis channels former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

  74. Rates Pain, Pay Gain: New Councillor Salary Increase Dashboard exposes eye-watering pay rises for councillors and mayors

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched its Councillor Salary Increase Dashboard, exposing the staggering pay hikes many councillors and mayors across New Zealand are receiving while ratepayers struggle with a cost-of-living crisis.According to the latest dashboard data, local councillors have accepted an average 9.81 percent annual adjustment to...

    Read more about Rates Pain, Pay Gain: New Councillor Salary Increase Dashboard exposes eye-watering pay rises for councillors and mayors

  77. Election-year slush fund spending returns

    The Taxpayers’ Union says the Government’s $10 million Ringatū marae announcement is election-year pork-barrel politics, funded through loosely-governed slush funds with little accountability to taxpayers.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“We heard the same excuses with the Murihiku Marae during COVID, when spending was dressed up as ‘job creation’. Now, in...

    Read more about Election-year slush fund spending returns

  78. Taxpayer Update: NEW Councillor Salary Dashboard 💰 | How much is your MP spending? 🤯 | Auckland Council’s wet mistake 🌳

    Happy Saturday! Welcome to the first Taxpayer Update of 2026. As you'll see, the team are back into it fighting for transparency and accountability of how taxpayer and ratepayer money is being spent.EXPOSED: Local councillors pocket HUGE pay hikes while rates explode 💸While many Kiwis struggled to afford...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW Councillor Salary Dashboard 💰 | How much is your MP spending? 🤯 | Auckland Council’s wet mistake 🌳

  80. NEW POLL: New Zealand First's record high result; country direction takes a hit

    New Zealand First rise to their highest ever result in a Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll (polling since January 2021). The Coalition also strengthen their lead.The poll shows Labour gain 2.8 points to 34.4 percent, while National gains 1.5 points to 31.5 percent.New Zealand First gain 3.8 points to 11.9...

    Read more about NEW POLL: New Zealand First's record high result; country direction takes a hit

  81. Hipkins Rewrites History on Deficit, Treasury Must Set the Record Straight

    Chris Hipkins’ election year has already gone off the rails, with the former Prime Minister falsely claiming New Zealand’s structural deficit was created by the current Government rather than being inherited from Labour.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Treasury’s own estimates show New Zealand has been in structural deficit...

    Read more about Hipkins Rewrites History on Deficit, Treasury Must Set the Record Straight

  82. Commerce Commission best placed to regulate council development levies

    Responding to reports that officials are floating an interim regulator for council development levies, despite the regime not coming into force until mid-2028, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said the Government should stick with the Commerce Commission from day one.“There’s no logic in inventing a temporary regulator when...

    Read more about Commerce Commission best placed to regulate council development levies

  84. REVEALED: RNZ’s Growing Bureaucracy With 1 Manager for Every 4 Journalists 

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that Radio NZ managers now make up nearly 30% of RNZ’s workforce, compared to just 60% for journalists. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said: “63 managers for 220 journalists is a worrying imbalance which explains RNZs sinking viewership at the start of the year.” “That...

    Read more about REVEALED: RNZ’s Growing Bureaucracy With 1 Manager for Every 4 Journalists 

  85. Taxpayers' Union 'Christmas Box' Summer Media Releases

    The Taxpayers' Union Christmas Box contains a media release for each day over the Christmas break. You can download the Christmas Box below.The media releases and their relevant embargoes are as follows:EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 ON DATE SPECIFIED: Mon 22 Dec – REVEALED: Creative New Zealand’s $255,000 Global Spending Spree Tue 23 Dec – REVEALED: Fonterra Milks...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union 'Christmas Box' Summer Media Releases

  86. REVEALED: Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet Caught With Its Tabs Down AGAIN

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal that over eleven months the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) recorded 27 instances of staff attempting to access adult entertainment websites on government devices. Three more recorded access attempts than were recorded in the previous year. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations...

    Read more about REVEALED: Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet Caught With Its Tabs Down AGAIN

  87. REVEALED: NZ Police Misfuel Vehicles 45 Times, $20,000 In Damage

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that over the last three years there have been 45 instances of Police vehicles being filled with the wrong fuel, costing taxpayers $20,475.42 on avoidable repair costs.According to the Police’s response (IR-01-25-37668):2023: 18 incidents, costing...

    Read more about REVEALED: NZ Police Misfuel Vehicles 45 Times, $20,000 In Damage

  88. REVEALED: Tourism NZ’s Influencer Spend Hides Behind $9.4 Million

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal Tourism New Zealand has spent more than $9.4 million on social media influencers since 23/24, without providing any breakdown of this spending and citing commercial sensitivity. The response shows that 65 influencers across global markets were engaged to promote campaigns ranging from destination marketing...

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  91. REVEALED: $2.5 Million for Spin Doctors In The Demographic Ministries

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that up to $2,457,105.03 is being spent annually on 19 communications staff across the four demographic ministries. Among the ministries reporting their spending: Ministry of Disabled People spent $549,529.03 on salaries to employ four staff paid on average $137,382. Ministry for Ethnic Communities cost taxpayers up to...

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  92. REVEALED: E-Scooter Injuries Now Cost ACC More Than $14 Million a Year

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that ACC paid out $14,474,256 in e-scooter injury costs last year alone, nearly doubling the 2022 cost. ACC data shows the worst regions for e-scooter accidents are Auckland (1193), Canterbury (748), and Wellington (288). Besides losing balance, colliding or slipping, these accidents also include...

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  93. Taxpayers’ Union mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain

    The Taxpayers’ Union today mourns the passing of Garrick Tremain, widely regarded as New Zealand’s finest and most influential political cartoonist of the contemporary era.Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, said:"Garrick Tremain was a national institution. His intelligence, humour, and insight shaped political debate in this...

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  95. Taxpayer Update: One Ministry to rule them all 👷🏻‍♂️ | The Fiscal Elephants plain to see 🐘 | Jacinda: The Untold Stories 🎙️

    Dear Supporter,As the country winds down for Christmas, the wheels of Government (waste) have continued to turn. This week, we’re bringing you the latest on the state of the Government’s books, breaking down Minister Bishop’s latest reforms (another mega-department, anyone?), and we’ve got a surprising Taxpayer Hero story...

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  96. REVEALED: Fonterra Milks Taxpayers For $3 Million in Corporate Welfare

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that despite being New Zealand's largest company, Fonterra has accepted nearly $3 million in MBIE distributed corporate welfare payments relating to fellowships, careers and training grants for their workforce. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said: "You work hard, you pay your taxes, and the...

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  97. REVEALED: Creative New Zealand’s $255,000 Global Spending Spree

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Creative New Zealand spent $255,819.91 on overseas trips for 50 staff and Arts Council members between January 2024 and October 2025. Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said: “The worst examples from this list, like 12 staff flying to Hawaii for an arts festival,...

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  98. Taxpayer Talk: Jordan Williams and David Cohen, author of Jacinda: The Untold Story

    Author David Cohen joins Jordan Williams for a no-holds-barred chat about his new book, Jacinda: The Untold Story. Billed as a refreshingly un-mushy take on Jacinda Ardern’s premiership, David drew on hundreds of interviews to cut through the PR gloss and media fawning. His verdict? Ardern was a...

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  99. REVEALED: DOC $2 Million Campaign Shows Public Money Can Actually Make Money

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the Department of Conservation’s “Always Be Naturing” campaign, which will cost $2.07 million, is projected to bring in revenue and savings of $16.4 million through private-sector partnerships, donations, and value-in-kind support over the campaigns three year timeframe.Always Be Naturing is...

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