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  1. $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

    The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is calling out the 15.53 percent salary increase for councillors at Tauranga City Council at a time when rates bills continue to spiral. Councillors will now be paid an average of $163,000 a year, while Mayor Mahé Drysdale receives $193,402.Taxpayers Union spokesperson Rhys Hurley said:“From $200,000...

    Read more about $163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

  2. REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that millions of dollars in business start-up grants handed out by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have resulted in large numbers of recipients returning to a benefit within two years.MSD spent $38,512,555.69 on Flexi-Wage Self-Employment support...

    Read more about REVEALED: Millions In MSD Business Benefits Without Transparency

  4. Prime Minister: Now is the time to start the conversation on asset recycling

    Responding to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments in the Sunday Star Times that New Zealand needs a more mature conversation about asset sales, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Hanging on to underperforming assets makes no sense. Why put off conversations we need to start having now?”“Treasury’s latest Investment Statement makes the need...

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  5. REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Christchurch City Council has paid $1,359,152.83 (GST exc.) to Mahaanui Kurataiao over the past three financial years under an ongoing funding arrangement with the six Ngãi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga within the area.Council has...

    Read more about REVEALED: Christchurch Ratepayers Fork Out $1.36 Million For Ngāi Tahu Consultancy

  8. Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

    Commenting on today’s release of the Review of Retirement Income Policies 2025 by the Retirement Commission, James Ross of the Taxpayers’ Union said: “This is another warning shot across the Government’s bow.”“Continued deficit spending means current policies are shifting more of the costs of supporting pensioners on to future generations....

    Read more about Retirement Commission joins Treasury’s warning call

  9. FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says the latest job cuts at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are the inevitable result of years of executive-level overspending affecting the frontline.The Taxpayers’ Union revelealed in September that FENZ employed:A Chief Executive being paid $503,0007 Deputy Chief Executives, for a total $2.37 million800 managers...

    Read more about FENZ restructure needs to cut waste at the top

  11. Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

     Hi,The breaking news re Andrew Coster / McSkimming's cover-up: another golden handshake must be ruled out.Last night, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) dropped its report on the Police cover up of the allegations related to disgraced former Commissioner, Jevon McSkimmings.As an organisation whose primary purpose is accountability...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Taxpayer Victory on health research 🔬| First poll since Labour's CGT announcement 📊 | Winston Peter's Mongolian horse🐎

  12. NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

    NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boostGood news for the Coalition as they regain the lead in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, conducted between 02 and 06 November – the first major national poll since Labour's capital gains tax policy announcement.Despite the lead for the coalition, the poll...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Centre-Right lead, Labour largest party, Seymour sees boost

  13. Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to immediately sack the Social Investment Agency's CEO, Andrew Coster and rule out a golden handshake or exit payout. This follows revelations that the former Police Commissioner “lacks integrity” and “lacks leadership”, according to current Police Commissioner Richard Chambers....

    Read more about Brian Roche looking like a fool for every minute Creepy Coster remains on the public teat

  14. $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for more than quadrupling its Auckland lease costs under former Governor Adrian Orr’s 10-year Britomart lease.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Even after he’s gone, Taxpayers are once again forced to underwrite Orr’s empire-building at the...

    Read more about $56 million price tag for half-full Reserve Bank office

  15. Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is praising Palmerston North City councillors who signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge for successfully removing unelected representatives from two council committees and is urging the full council to finish the job at Wednesday’s vote.Between the first draft and current proposed committee structure, unelected appointees have been...

    Read more about Palmy’s Ratepayer Pledge-signing councillors stand up for democracy

  16. Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

    On Friday, Treasury’s latest Investment Statement delivered yet another warning that the Government’s current fiscal path isn’t sustainable. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Treasury saying the Government’s balance sheet is heading for deterioration is not-so-subtle code for living well beyond our means. Spending will keep growing far faster...

    Read more about Treasury fires yet another warning shot across Government bows

  20. Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

      Entrepreneur and Crimson Education founder Jamie Beaton joins Taxpayer Talk to discuss his extensive academic career, including his 11 degrees, and to offer a strong policy critique advocating for replacing the NCEA high school qualification with a more rigorous, globally standardized system. 

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Jamie Beaton on how to fix New Zealand's failing education system

  21. Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

    Responding to David Seymour’s comments on selling down the Government’s stake in major electricity companies, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Seymour is asking the right questions. Why should the Crown own billions in shares in major electricity companies? We accept the Government doesn’t need to own fuel or telco...

    Read more about Seymour is right, it’s time to unplug power companies

  22. Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Minister Willis to deliver full capital expensing to boost the economy following today’s figures showing unemployment at an eight-year high, with youth unemployment at 15%.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“More New Zealanders out of work is not a sign of a healthy...

    Read more about Rising Unemployment Proves Economy is Stalling: Time for Willis to Act

  23. Second golden handshake in two months: Minister Collins must act

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming news of another taxpayer-funded payout, this time to Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby, calling it the second golden handshake revealed in as many months.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is déjà vu for taxpayers. Just weeks after Adrian Orr’s golden goodbye was...

    Read more about Second golden handshake in two months: Minister Collins must act

  24. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACC’s evidence-based funding reset

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming ACC’s decision to halt funding to Water Safety New Zealand, saying taxpayers deserve spending based on results, not emotion, lobbying, or good intentions alone.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:“ACC isn’t a charity. It’s funded by taxes and every dollar spent has to be shown...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes ACC’s evidence-based funding reset

  25. Unfair 59 percent capital gains hit under Labour’s 'inflation tax'

    Commenting on Labour’s proposal to tax inflation by not adjusting their capital gains tax plans for rising prices, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“If Hipkins’ plan had been in place over the last decade, people would have faced an effective tax rate of 58.57 percent on real gains. Pretending that...

    Read more about Unfair 59 percent capital gains hit under Labour’s 'inflation tax'

  27. Spot Audit Exposes GP Appointment Crisis: 1 in 7 Practices Leave Kiwis Waiting a Month to See a Doctor

    The Taxpayers’ Union says Labour’s promise of three “free” (taxpayer-funded) GP visits won’t be worth much if New Zealanders can’t see a GP in the first place, with 1 in 7 GP practices unable to provide an appointment for more than a month. Instead, Labour's policy looks more like...

    Read more about Spot Audit Exposes GP Appointment Crisis: 1 in 7 Practices Leave Kiwis Waiting a Month to See a Doctor

  28. The question Nicola Willis needed to ask: Why keep the power companies?

    Levi Gibbs is a senior researcher at the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. OPINION: Spend five minutes with a four-year-old and the endless “why?” begins. The relentless probing into why something is or isn’t. Sometimes we have answers. Other times, it exposes what we’ve long ignored: pointless rules, outdated...

    Read more about The question Nicola Willis needed to ask: Why keep the power companies?

  29. Labour’s Capital Gains Tax Punishes Kiwis for Inflation

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling Labour’s proposed capital gains tax (CGT) an unfair and poorly thought-out policy that punishes ordinary New Zealanders for inflation, not real gains.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Labour’s capital gains tax is effectively a tax on inflation. Around 40 percent of house...

    Read more about Labour’s Capital Gains Tax Punishes Kiwis for Inflation

  30. New report exposes tobacco tax well past the Laffer Curve: Hiking taxes on durries now means less revenue, more smokers

    A new report on New Zealand’s illicit tobacco market shows the Government’s tobacco excise policy is blowing smoke up gangs and criminals — while driving the first increase in smoking rates in decades.The report by FTI Consulting reveals that illicit tobacco now makes up 27 percent of all cigarettes...

    Read more about New report exposes tobacco tax well past the Laffer Curve: Hiking taxes on durries now means less revenue, more smokers

  31. Labour's 'Bach Tax' a stalking horse for full-blown Capital Gains - and it will make New Zealand poorer

    The Taxpayers' Union is slamming Labour's newly announced Capital Gains Tax on investment and commercial property, dubbing it a "Bach Tax" that punishes savers, kills productivity, and opens the door to a full-blown wealth tax."This is a tax on inflation disguised as fairness," said Jordan Williams, Executive Director...

    Read more about Labour's 'Bach Tax' a stalking horse for full-blown Capital Gains - and it will make New Zealand poorer

  33. Labour’s Gaming Subsidies Level Up Wasteful Spending

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Labour’s plan to expand taxpayer subsidies for the video-game industry, warning the current Game Development Sector Rebate is already unnecessary corporate welfare.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley, said:“This is déjà vu. We’ve already seen millions funnelled into the gaming sector through the Centre of Digital...

    Read more about Labour’s Gaming Subsidies Level Up Wasteful Spending

  35. Back to the Future Fund: Labour’s latest plan to pick winners with your money

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Labour’s newfound interest in economic growth, while warning that its proposed “New Zealand Future Fund” looks more like a trip back to the 1970s than a plan for the future.Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Economic growth isn’t everything, but it’s almost everything when it comes to...

    Read more about Back to the Future Fund: Labour’s latest plan to pick winners with your money

  36. Inflation driven by massive council rates hikes

    Responding to Statistics New Zealand’s announcement today that annual CPI inflation has hit three percent, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Inflation is hitting the ceiling of the Reserve Bank’s target range, and council rates hikes are doing the heavy lifting. Local authority rates and payments contributed 27.9 percent of quarterly inflation."“With...

    Read more about Inflation driven by massive council rates hikes

  37. Taxpayer Update: Local Elections 2025 🗳️ | The Government is finally getting some good economic news 📈 | MSD's $2.3 million survey 👧

    Hi,Despite the sad news about the passing of Jim Bolger this week, it's still been very busy. As more of the final council election results come through, one message is clear: this was the Revenge of the Ratepayer.Local election results: Revenge of the Ratepayer 🗳️A clear pattern has...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Local Elections 2025 🗳️ | The Government is finally getting some good economic news 📈 | MSD's $2.3 million survey 👧

  38. REVEALED: Te Puni Kōkiri’s $91,000 Bill for Backpacks, Beanies, and Branding

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Te Puni Kōkiri spent $91,086.50 in 2023/24 on branded merchandise, clothing, and lanyards.Documents show:$52,355.21 on branded merchandise including umbrellas, sunglasses, drink bottles, beach blankets, and tote bags$38,219.77 was spent on branded clothing such as wool jackets,...

    Read more about REVEALED: Te Puni Kōkiri’s $91,000 Bill for Backpacks, Beanies, and Branding

  39. REVEALED: Government Steals $7.5 Million in Tourism Levies from Rejected Tourists

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act request that Immigration New Zealand has collected $7,546,236 in International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levies (IVL) from people whose visa or NZeTA applications were rejected since 2022.Between January 2022 and June 2025, 156,773 visa applications and 2,160 NZeTA requests...

    Read more about REVEALED: Government Steals $7.5 Million in Tourism Levies from Rejected Tourists

  40. REVEALED: MSD's $350 Per Response Survey Comes Sweetened With $7,500 of Brownies

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act request that the Ministry of Social Development is spending $2.8 million on a youth wellbeing survey that included sending brownie boxes worth $7,544 to schools to encourage participation.The Ministry confirmed that research firm Ipsos, which is contracted to deliver...

    Read more about REVEALED: MSD's $350 Per Response Survey Comes Sweetened With $7,500 of Brownies

  43. Behind Closed Doors, New Plymouth Ex-Mayor Lands Top Water Job

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the outgoing New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom being appointed chief executive of the council’s new Water Services Council Controlled Organisation, the day before local election voting closed.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“This fails every test of transparency and fairness. Ratepayers will rightly be asking...

    Read more about Behind Closed Doors, New Plymouth Ex-Mayor Lands Top Water Job

  44. Taxpayers' Union congratulate Atlas Network Partner, Maria Corina Machado, for winning 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

    The Taxpayers' Union congratulates fellow Atlas Network participant Maria Corina Machado for winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize over the weekend.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"Pro-freedom think tanks in Venezuela were among the very first Atlas Network partners in the early 1980s, promoting the ideas behind the movement...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union congratulate Atlas Network Partner, Maria Corina Machado, for winning 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

  45. Revenge of the Ratepayers: Mayors Who Hiked Rates Punished at the Ballot Box

    Analysis of the 2025 preliminary local election results shows a clear pattern that mayors who treated ratepayers like an ATM have been thrown out of office, while those who showed fiscal restraint have been rewarded.Across the country, voters have sent a simple message: stop hiking rates.Of the ten councils with...

    Read more about Revenge of the Ratepayers: Mayors Who Hiked Rates Punished at the Ballot Box

  48. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Nats and Labour slide 📊 | Chris Penk, shatters costs 🦸 | CEOs back fiscal watchdog ✅

    BREAKING: Former Reserve Bank Governor under gag clause as part of $416,000 golden handshakeBefore we get into the newsletter proper, we've just had land on our desk a copy of the agreement signed between former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr and the Reserve Bank.On Monday we learned Orr...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Nats and Labour slide 📊 | Chris Penk, shatters costs 🦸 | CEOs back fiscal watchdog ✅

  50. NEW POLL: National and Labour Take Big Hits; NZ First and Greens Gain

    Bad news for National and Labour as they both take a beating in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll.The poll, conducted between 01 October and 05 October, shows Labour retain its position as the largest party, dropping 2.6 points to 31.2 percent. National dropped 3.5 points to 29.6 percent. The Greens...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National and Labour Take Big Hits; NZ First and Greens Gain

  51. OCR Cuts Not a Plan for Growth

    Responding to the Reserve Bank’s decision today to reduce the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“When the only plan for growth seems to be praying for OCR cuts, the Minister of Finance must be thanking her lucky stars for another...

    Read more about OCR Cuts Not a Plan for Growth

  54. RBNZ Board should be sacked for approving $416k golden goodbye for Adrian Orr and claiming he 'quit'

    The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Finance Minister Nicola Willis to justify why a $416k golden parachute was approved to disgraced governor Adrian Orr, and whether she knew about the proposal before it was agreed to by the RBNZ Board. If she didn't, she should sack the Board...

    Read more about RBNZ Board should be sacked for approving $416k golden goodbye for Adrian Orr and claiming he 'quit'

  55. Parents Should Support School Leavers; Can’t Be Punished for Working Harder

    Responding to the Government’s announcement that parents earning more than $65,000 will be responsible for supporting school leavers, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Breaking the benefit trap is good for young people and good for taxpayers. School leavers who go straight onto a benefit often end up spending...

    Read more about Parents Should Support School Leavers; Can’t Be Punished for Working Harder

  56. Sensible Heads Must Prevail on Gas Exploration

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Christopher Luxon’s call for a bipartisan approach to natural gas exploration. Commenting on Luxon’s letter to Labour, Union spokesman James Ross said:“Energy prices used to be New Zealand's edge, and within a decade they've become one of our biggest liabilities. We’re consciously crippling ourselves, and it’s not...

    Read more about Sensible Heads Must Prevail on Gas Exploration

  57. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

    The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding today’s decision from Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk to overhaul the earthquake-prone building system, cutting red tape and saving New Zealanders more than $8.2 billion.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is a win for common sense. The old rules lumped massive costs...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

  58. REVEALED: Bureaucrats Burn $226,000 on 400,000 Mile COP29 Junket

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through Official Information Act requests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment sent 13 staff to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.Collectively, these departments spent $226,159 to...

    Read more about REVEALED: Bureaucrats Burn $226,000 on 400,000 Mile COP29 Junket

  59. Taxpayer Update: NDPC are Ratepayer Heroes 🦸‍♀️ | $5m Roadside Art 🎨 | Confidence in Willis Collapses 📉

    Hi,From $5 million roadside statues to a new Taxpayer Hero council, it’s been a week of contrasts. We’ve also had our say on the draft Code of Conduct, checked the mood on Nicola Willis, and seen more candidates sign up to the Pledge. Pledge Update: Who’s really standing with...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NDPC are Ratepayer Heroes 🦸‍♀️ | $5m Roadside Art 🎨 | Confidence in Willis Collapses 📉

  60. Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze

      This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by Roger Partridge from the New Zealand Initiative to unpack his new report: Unscrambling Government: Less Confusion, More Efficiency.Right now, New Zealand has 81 ministerial portfolios, 28 ministers, and 43 departments. That’s three times as many portfolios and nearly...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Roger Partridge on Unscrambling the Ministerial Maze

  62. Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new Reserve Bank Governor, calls for end to Orr-era excess

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the appointment of Dr Anna Breman as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and is urging her to rein in the waste and empire-building that flourished under Adrian Orr.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:"New Zealanders deserve a Reserve Bank that is...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union welcomes new Reserve Bank Governor, calls for end to Orr-era excess

  64. Confidence in Willis Collapses: Boardrooms Confirm What Taxpayers Know

    Reacting to today’s Mood of the Boardroom survey, the Taxpayers’ Union is saying that the report tells us what taxpayers already know: Nicola Willis has tanked the books and business leaders have lost confidence.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“There are no surprises here. Willis and Luxon have flopped,...

    Read more about Confidence in Willis Collapses: Boardrooms Confirm What Taxpayers Know

  65. REVEALED: Manawatū's $5M Roadside Art Sees Motorists Pay the Price

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Waka Kotahi spent $5.05 million on mahi toi (cultural artworks) along the Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway.The spending went ahead without an open tender process.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Blowing $5 million on...

    Read more about REVEALED: Manawatū's $5M Roadside Art Sees Motorists Pay the Price

  66. Taxpayers' Union Chair, Former MoF Calls for Spring Statement to Reset Government's 'Go for Growth' Plan

    In light of yesterday's alarming GDP figures and the failure of the Government's current fiscal and economic approach, the Taxpayers' Union is calling on Nicola Willis to present a 'Spring Statement' to decidedly reset the economy on a growth path before this year's Half Year Economic and Fiscal...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Chair, Former MoF Calls for Spring Statement to Reset Government's 'Go for Growth' Plan

  68. Where’s the Money Going? Call for Transparency on Government’s Use of Visitor Levy

    The Taxpayers’ Union is criticising the Government for skimming up to $139 million a year from the International Visitor Levy while telling the public it’s for tourism and conservation, raising serious questions about whether the levy is being used as promised.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“No wonder the Department of...

    Read more about Where’s the Money Going? Call for Transparency on Government’s Use of Visitor Levy

  69. Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on rates driving inflation

      This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with financial advisor and Stewart Group founder Nick Stewart to tackle a question too many councils would rather avoid: are skyrocketing rates making inflation worse?Nick explains how council spending flows through to households and businesses, pushing up the cost...

    Read more about Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Stewart on rates driving inflation

  70. Taxpayer Update: Ruapehu’s Ratepayer Heroes 💘 | Catch up on our mayoral debates 📺

    Hi,We had an amazing week on the road with our mayoral debates. I loved getting to meet so many supporters, from Hamilton to Dunedin, and visiting new parts of the country that I've not seen before.Voting is Open: Who’s standing with ratepayers? 🗳️Local body voting is officially underway...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Ruapehu’s Ratepayer Heroes 💘 | Catch up on our mayoral debates 📺

  71. Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today released the Ratepayer Voting Guide, giving voters a clear picture of where local body election candidates stand on rates, transparency, and unelected appointments. The Guide is based on candidates’ responses to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which asked every mayoral and council candidate to commit...

    Read more about Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

  72. NEW POLL: Queenstown Lakes Mayoral Race Wide Open as Voter Uncertainty Remains High

    A new Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll of Queenstown Lakes voters shows that the mayoral race is wide open, ahead of the Taxpayers’ Union-hosted Mayoral Debate taking place in Queenstown tonight.The independent poll of 500 residents found that while incumbent Glyn Lewers has the biggest support among voters, at just 11 percent,...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Queenstown Lakes Mayoral Race Wide Open as Voter Uncertainty Remains High

  73. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Local’s Strong Stance on Unelected Appointees in Local Government

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed commitment from ACT to oppose voting powers for unelected appointees in local government, included in today’s Democracy policy release.“Democracy has been treated as a plaything in local councils for too long. Making a clear stand on this issue is essential for restoring fair...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Local’s Strong Stance on Unelected Appointees in Local Government

  74. $1.4 Billion National Ticketing Delay – Another Setback for Taxpayers

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for an end to the 16 year old National Ticketing System (NTS) after the announcement the scheme's full implementation will now be delayed until 2027.An Official Information Act request has revealed the scheme was reviewed in October 2024 and was deemed well governed and...

    Read more about $1.4 Billion National Ticketing Delay – Another Setback for Taxpayers

  75. REVEALED: Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Trucks Rust While Executives Cash In

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) collected $712 million from the fire levy last year, yet are failing to maintain frontline equipment while executives and back-office staff take home millions.New figures obtained under the Official Information...

    Read more about REVEALED: Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Trucks Rust While Executives Cash In

  76. Ratepayer Heroes? Ruapehu District Council Fixes $700,000 Overspend Without Hitting Ratepayers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding the decisive action taken by Ruapehu District Council to rein in a projected $700,000 overspend in its Community and Recreational Services, managing to offset it without saddling ratepayers with additional debt.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Sam Warren, said:“The council spotted a budget hole the size of a...

    Read more about Ratepayer Heroes? Ruapehu District Council Fixes $700,000 Overspend Without Hitting Ratepayers

  77. NEW POLL: Marcus Buddo leading Hastings mayoral race ahead of tonight's Taxpayers' Union debate

    A new Taxpayers' Union - Curia poll of Hastings voters shows Marcus Buddo in the lead in the race for mayor, ahead of the Taxpayers’ Union-hosted Hastings Mayoral Debate taking place in Havelock North tonight.The independent poll of 500 residents found Buddo has the support of 25 percent of decided voters, with...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Marcus Buddo leading Hastings mayoral race ahead of tonight's Taxpayers' Union debate

  78. Taxpayer Update: New poll puts Centre-Left ahead 📊 | 2025 Mayoral Debates 🗳️ | Labour wants to spend your money… on themselves 🚨

    Hi,NEW POLL: National up, ACT down, centre-left could form Govt 📊Our latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia Poll is out, and it’s mixed news for the centre-right. While Christopher Luxon's personal numbers are up, overall, it's bad news for the Government.Labour hold on to its spot as the largest party, up...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: New poll puts Centre-Left ahead 📊 | 2025 Mayoral Debates 🗳️ | Labour wants to spend your money… on themselves 🚨

  79. NEW POLL: National Gain and ACT Fall; Coalition Can't Form Government

    Mixed news for National in this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll, with National gaining but the Coalition unable to form a Government.The poll, conducted between 31 August and 02 September, shows Labour hold on to its spot as the largest party, gaining 0.2 points to 33.8 percent. National gained 1.3 points to...

    Read more about NEW POLL: National Gain and ACT Fall; Coalition Can't Form Government

  80. Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal

    This week on Taxpayer Talk, James sits down with John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the UK TaxPayers' Alliance. John and James dig into some big issues, to see what New Zealand can learn from the UK's (many) mistakes.Rates caps, death tax, and John's role in exposing the infamous...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: John O'Connell on Rates Caps, Death Tax and the MPs' Expenses Scandal

  81. Treasury’s $8.4b Budget Hole Isn’t Going Anywhere And Growth Alone Won’t Save Us

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the Government over its release of internal documents revealing an $8.4b “unfunded” hole in funding future public services over the years to 2028/29.Taxpayers’ Union Economist Ray Deacon said:"The Minister of Finance’s current strategy is to tinker around the edges and shuffle spending,...

    Read more about Treasury’s $8.4b Budget Hole Isn’t Going Anywhere And Growth Alone Won’t Save Us

  85. Taxpayer Update: MAJOR Taxpayer Victory ✌️ | NEW POLL: Majority of all groups back rates cap 🧢 | Grey District Council caught on camera 🎥

    Hi,Next week we head into Spring – and the meaty part of the local elections. Read more on our Ratepayer Protection Pledge below.This week we’re also celebrating a major Taxpayer Victory, an unexpected Taxpayer Hero, and a kid who gives us all hope for the future. It’s a...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: MAJOR Taxpayer Victory ✌️ | NEW POLL: Majority of all groups back rates cap 🧢 | Grey District Council caught on camera 🎥

  87. Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Nick Leggett on Infrastructure and Local Government

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/944017/episodes/17672947Building anything in New Zealand has no shortage of challenges. Whether it be soaring costs, reels of red tape, or problems with supplying labour, our choked infrastructure pipeline deeply affects this country's economy and quality of life. CEO for Infrastructure New Zealand, Nick Leggett, joins Peter Williams for a...

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  88. Peter Williams Hosts Taxpayer Talk: Mayor Andrew Tripe on the Lowest Average Rates Increases in the Country

    Rates across the country have soared, many into the double-digits. But while most councils point fingers and find excuses, Mayor for Whanganui Andrew Tripe has kept his average rates increase as little as 2.2 percent – the lowest in the country this year.Mayor Tripe joins Peter Williams for...

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  89. Hutt City Mayor Backs Ratepayers; Water Reform Not Greenlight for Spend-Up

    Hutt City Council Mayor Campbell Barry has called on councils not to spend recklessly after removing water services from their balance sheets.Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Sam Warren said:“Shifting most of their assets off the books means councils can return the majority of the rates take to...

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  90. Shuffling the Deck Won’t Fix Public Service Inefficiency

    The Taxpayers’ Union is sounding the alarm that recent reports of public service reforms are falling short of delivering the bold changes needed to tackle inefficiency and escalating national debt.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said:“The proposed reforms are nothing more than a superficial reshuffle. Without cutting duplication and reducing waste,...

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  91. ‘Appalling’ - Grey Councillors caught laughing at ratepayers’ anguish

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has slammed Grey District Council for its disgusting conduct during a council meeting, where councillors laughed when asked how residents felt about rates increases.“It’s utterly disgusting behaviour from councillors. Clearly the mask has slipped, showing no remorse for the impact their rates increases have placed...

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  93. TAXPAYER VICTORY! “Nosey Parker” Clause on the Chopping Block

    Revenue Minister Simon Watts has confirmed a major victory for taxpayer privacy with plans to repeal Section 17GB of the Tax Administration Act 1994.The so-called “Nosey Parker” clause, introduced in 2022, gave Inland Revenue the power to demand “any information the Commissioner considers relevant” for tax policy or...

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  94. Time to Axe $2.4 Billion Demographic Ministries

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche’s call to cut waste by consolidating or abolishing costly demographic ministries, like the Ministry for Women and Ministry for Pacific Peoples.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“New Zealanders don’t not need individual government agencies for each demographic. We need...

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  97. EXPOSED: NZ On Air’s $500,000 Encore for Artists Already in the System

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is questioning a new $500,000 pilot fund from NZ On Air to subsidise national concert tours but only for artists who have already received taxpayer support and completed a prior headline tour.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley said:“If you’ve already got a taxpayer-funded music project,...

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  98. Fourth Estate Should Report the News - Not Create It

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out The Wairarapa Times Age for overstepping the line between journalism and political activism after it publicly endorsed council amalgamation in Wairarapa, stated it will be lobbying candidates and dismissed public input as irrelevant.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Sam Warren said:“When local journalists start telling...

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