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  1. REVEALED: New Plymouth Attendance Records Expose Gaps on the Council Bench

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that some New Plymouth District councillors have missed dozens of official meetings. Released attendance records show multiple councillors regularly giving no apology at all for absences, despite being paid to represent ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union...

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  2. FamilyBoost or Fiscal Blowout? Taxpayer Handouts Shouldn’t Go to the Top Earners

    Responding to news that the Government is extending childcare subsidies to families earning up to $229,100 a year, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling the move completely out of touch.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“If you're pulling in nearly double the average household income, you do not need a handout...

    Read more about FamilyBoost or Fiscal Blowout? Taxpayer Handouts Shouldn’t Go to the Top Earners

  3. Unacceptable: Blunder to cost New Plymouth ratepayers $3 million

    A significant blunder in New Plymouth’s annual plan, described as a ‘typo’, could see ratepayers pay more than $100 this year than initially indicated.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“It’s hard to understate how much of a cock-up this is. Ratepayers deserve far better attention to...

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  5. The Pork Barrel Casino: More Than Half of Provincial Growth Fund Loans at Risk

     The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Crown Regional Holdings (formerly the Provincial Growth Fund) after a new report revealed more than 54 percent of its $257 million loan book is at risk of default or impairment and three more recipients have gone into liquidation since the report was finalised.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman...

    Read more about The Pork Barrel Casino: More Than Half of Provincial Growth Fund Loans at Risk

  7. Council reforms announcement a 'welcome course of travel' - devil is in the details

    The Minister for Local Government has today announced plans to refocus councils through the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to Parliament.Sam Warren, Campaigns Manager for Local Government at the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“The announcement is a welcome the course of travel to improve a desperately broken sector. But...

    Read more about Council reforms announcement a 'welcome course of travel' - devil is in the details

  8. 2025 Rates Dashboard Exposes Out of Control Rates Burden

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched the 2025 New Zealand Rates Dashboard at RatesDashboard.nzThe Rates Dashboard is for ratepayers to track and compare their council's annual and cumulative rates increases with councils across New Zealand. It shows the average cumulative rates increase over the current three-year council term is an astonishing...

    Read more about 2025 Rates Dashboard Exposes Out of Control Rates Burden

  9. REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki’s $2 Million PR Team – No One Paid Under $100K

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through a Official Information Act request, that Oranga Tamariki is burning through $1.97 million a year on salaries for a 14-person communications team.Every single one of these staff earn over $100,000.The team includes media advisors, senior comms managers, and a organisational communications manager.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations...

    Read more about REVEALED: Oranga Tamariki’s $2 Million PR Team – No One Paid Under $100K

  10. Taxpayer Update: Top 10 ways to fix local govt 🔨 | Shock political poll 😮 | Whangārei's $1.6 million patio

    Hi,Bumper newsletter today. It's poll time (and this month's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll is more dramatic than usual...).And the local government file is running red hot. Today's we're publishing our latest local government briefing paper: Building Better Councils.Let's get into it.💥 Building Better Councils: Ten ways to tackle unaccountable 'Big Council' 💥Despite everything...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Top 10 ways to fix local govt 🔨 | Shock political poll 😮 | Whangārei's $1.6 million patio

  12. Tauranga’s Mayor Needs To Collaborate, Not Amalgamate

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale for pushing amalgamation across the Bay of Plenty, as combining councils means less local control and higher costs, not more efficiency.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Amalgamation is always sold as a cost-saving silver bullet but the Auckland...

    Read more about Tauranga’s Mayor Needs To Collaborate, Not Amalgamate

  13. Far North double-digit rates increase calls for action on rates capping

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is criticising Far North District Council following a 10.95 percent rates increase, just a notch below the 11.3 percent initially proposed.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager for Local Government, Sam Warren, said:“These double-digit rates increases have become the norm across New Zealand, and its unacceptable.”“We...

    Read more about Far North double-digit rates increase calls for action on rates capping

  14. ‘Another gone, more to follow’ as Waikato Regional Council ditches LGNZ

    The Taxpayers’ Union has praised Waikato Regional Council for its decision to withdraw its membership to Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) citing costs, relevance, and left-leaning politicalisation.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Councils have woken up to how disconnected LGNZ are from reality. Their six-figure memberships provide...

    Read more about ‘Another gone, more to follow’ as Waikato Regional Council ditches LGNZ

  15. Reserve Bank Holds OCR, But Councils Keep Piling On the Pressure

    Commenting on the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 3.25 percent, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Housing is the biggest driver of the cost-of-living crisis, and runaway rates bills are making it worse. Just weeks after councils pushed through hikes averaging 8.71 percent, households...

    Read more about Reserve Bank Holds OCR, But Councils Keep Piling On the Pressure

  16. Bureaucrats Paid around 30 Percent More Than Kiwis And Still Unhappy

     The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling out the public service after the release of the 2025 Public Service Census, which reveals widespread dissatisfaction among government workers, despite enjoying average salaries of $101,700 - around 30 percent more than the average Kiwi.According to the census:Only 34 percent of public servants are...

    Read more about Bureaucrats Paid around 30 Percent More Than Kiwis And Still Unhappy

  17. Taxpayers’ Union Applauds Christchurch Mayor Backing Rates Cap

     The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger’s support for the campaign to cap annual council rates increases, and labelling him a 'ratepayer hero'.Taxpayers’ Union, Investigation Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Councils have been using ratepayers as a bottomless ATM. It’s refreshing to see a mayor finally admit that the current model is...

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  20. REVEALED: LGNZ’s secret campaign to attack ratepayers with their own money

    The Taxpayers’ Union has uncovered previously secret plans from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) to mount a full-scale public campaign against rates capping —paid for with ratepayers’ own money.“It’s shameless stuff from LGNZ, attacking ratepayers with their own money,” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union.“Documents provided...

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  21. CODE Gaming Taxpayers as Millions Vanish Without Accountability

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for urgent reform after the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE), a government-backed gaming grant scheme, has received millions in public funding.Despite being started by MBIE and Dunedin City Council, CODE is structured as a limited liability company, meaning it doesn't have to...

    Read more about CODE Gaming Taxpayers as Millions Vanish Without Accountability

  22. Barbara Edmonds Leads Where Government Fails on Policy Scrutiny

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union welcomes reports that Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, has offered to support Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ efforts to establish an election policy costing unit.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:“Barbara Edmonds is on the right track with her members’ bill. It’s rare for the...

    Read more about Barbara Edmonds Leads Where Government Fails on Policy Scrutiny

  23. Stop the Secrecy: Whānau Ora Probe Shows Why OIA Must Follow the Money

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for immediate legislative reform to bring all 75% taxpayer-funded organisations, including Whānau Ora commissioning agencies, under the Official Information Act (OIA), following a New Zealand Herald investigation into Pasifika Futures and potential conflicts of interest in the distribution of public funds.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Stop the Secrecy: Whānau Ora Probe Shows Why OIA Must Follow the Money

  24. Lost $29 million satellite proves space pet projects need to end

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on all New Zealanders to “check their local lost and found” after the Environmental Defense Fund's taxpayer funded, $29 million dollar satellite had been deemed lost.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“While it is true that the Government misplaces taxpayer money every minute, the...

    Read more about Lost $29 million satellite proves space pet projects need to end

  25. Pay Up, Performance Down: Why Are We Still Funding Dud SOEs?

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today calling on the Government to privatise State‑Owned Enterprises (SOEs) following Treasury analysis revealing alarming disconnects between executive pay and corporate performance.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Simeon Brown is right to call out underperforming SOEs, but strongly worded letters won’t fix a broken model. He...

    Read more about Pay Up, Performance Down: Why Are We Still Funding Dud SOEs?

  26. REVEALED: $290k Interisland Probe Reinforces Case to Sell the Ships 

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal, through an Official Information Act request, that the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has already spent $293,024 (exc. GST) investigating the grounding of the Aratere ferry.The interim report alone cost $34,958 to prepare, including payments to external engineers, psychologists, and advisors. TAIC...

    Read more about REVEALED: $290k Interisland Probe Reinforces Case to Sell the Ships 

  27. Paw-litical Madness: Puppy Penalties Bury Ratepayers in Red Tape

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tasman District Council for treating family pets like major infrastructure projects, after a local dog owner was slapped with a jaw-dropping $1,400 fee for a resource consent just to keep three dogs on his property.“In Tasman, puppies now need planning permission,” says Taxpayers’...

    Read more about Paw-litical Madness: Puppy Penalties Bury Ratepayers in Red Tape

  28. Part-Privatisation Isn’t Enough: Government Must Offload the Ferry Mess Entirely

    The Taxpayers’ Union welcomes the Government’s openness to part-privatising the Interislander ferry service, but says it doesn’t go far enough to reduce the burden on taxpayers or help address New Zealand’s growing public debt.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The Interislander project has become an expensive fiasco. Costs have ballooned,...

    Read more about Part-Privatisation Isn’t Enough: Government Must Offload the Ferry Mess Entirely

  29. REVEALED: Invercargill Consultant Bill Tops $7.3 Million

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal under Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Invercargill City Council spent $7,334,394 on consultants and legal services in just three years.The spending includes fees for everything from strategy consultants and cultural engagement advisers to legal firms and planning experts.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about REVEALED: Invercargill Consultant Bill Tops $7.3 Million

  30. Taxpayer Update: We meet with Watts in his Beehive office 💥 | Cap Rates Now hits 25,000 signatures📝 | The Greens fiscal 'strategy' 🦄

    📌 View Online | 🚀 Share on FacebookHi,First and foremost, in the last few hours we learnt the sad news of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp's death. The Taxpayers' Union has expressed our condolences to those close to Ms Kemp – you can read our media statement here.A...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: We meet with Watts in his Beehive office 💥 | Cap Rates Now hits 25,000 signatures📝 | The Greens fiscal 'strategy' 🦄

  31. Taxpayers’ Union calls for rates caps now following today’s 12 percent rates increase in Wellington

    Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Sam Warren said:“There’s no doubt at all we need rates cap, but clearly we can’t afford to wait for another year of double-digit rates hikes.”“Months and years of dysfunction have come to a crescendo. It’s a crushing decision while...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union calls for rates caps now following today’s 12 percent rates increase in Wellington

  32. REVEALED: $114,000 Welcome Signs Proposed Next to Existing NZTA Signs — Community Board Must Vote No

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Clifton Community Board today to reject a proposal to spend $113,850 ($99,000 plus GST) of ratepayer money on two “Welcome to Urenui” signs placed next to existing NZTA signage. This will be decided by the board during a vote at 4pm today.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator,...

    Read more about REVEALED: $114,000 Welcome Signs Proposed Next to Existing NZTA Signs — Community Board Must Vote No

  33. Act Now or Pay Later: Political Cowardice on Super Age Risks Public Services

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to urgently raise the age of superannuation eligibility in light of a newly released Treasury briefing warning of deep cuts to core services like health and education unless major spending reforms are undertaken.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Kicking the can down...

    Read more about Act Now or Pay Later: Political Cowardice on Super Age Risks Public Services

  35. REVEALED: Tauranga Ratepayers Billed Nearly $70,000 for Bus Stop Artwork

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Tauranga City Council has spent a total of $67,739 on decorative artwork for a single bus stop with $50,000 or 73.8 percent of the cost on design alone.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys...

    Read more about REVEALED: Tauranga Ratepayers Billed Nearly $70,000 for Bus Stop Artwork

  36. EXCLUSIVE: Māori immersion school taking all staff to Tahiti for school holiday junket

    The Taxpayers' Union can reveal that Te Wharekura o Tauranga Moana is set to take staff to Tahiti this Friday and refuses to answer basic questions to justify the spend.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:"Earlier this week we received a tip off that Te Wharekura o Tauranga...

    Read more about EXCLUSIVE: Māori immersion school taking all staff to Tahiti for school holiday junket

  38. Archaeologists brought in for Wellington’s $2.3 million light-up toilets

    A Local Government Official Information Act request made by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows a new toilet block is budgeted to cost ratepayers $2.3 million, which includes costs for a light-up exterior and archaeological work.Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Sam Warren said:“How reckless can Wellington Council...

    Read more about Archaeologists brought in for Wellington’s $2.3 million light-up toilets

  39. Cook Islands Shouldn’t Get Automatic NZ Privileges if Foreign Policy Splits, say Kiwis

    A new nationwide poll commissioned by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows New Zealanders do not believe the Cook Islands should continue to enjoy automatic access to New Zealand citizenship, healthcare, and education if its government pursues a foreign policy contrary to New Zealand’s – or fails to...

    Read more about Cook Islands Shouldn’t Get Automatic NZ Privileges if Foreign Policy Splits, say Kiwis

  40. 25,000 Back a Rates Cap But Government Delay Lets Councils Keep Spending

    The Taxpayers’ Union is urging the Government to fast-track legislation to cap council rate hikes, following new figures from Stats NZ showing runaway local government spendingand the risk of even higher rates next year if action isn’t taken now.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:“Council spending is out...

    Read more about 25,000 Back a Rates Cap But Government Delay Lets Councils Keep Spending

  42. Taxpayers’ Union Slams National’s “Ute Tax 2.0” As Even Worse than Labour’s Original

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the National Party's leadership to rule out Simon Watts' proposed changes to the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) regime that amount to a new, harsher version of Labour’s infamous “Ute Tax”.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “National campaigned against Labour’s...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Slams National’s “Ute Tax 2.0” As Even Worse than Labour’s Original

  43. New Zealanders should not have to wait yet another year for Rates Capping

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Local Government Minister Simon Watts’ commitment to rates capping made last night in Wellington but is urging him to expedite the policy. The Union warns that continued delays will undermine public confidence and emboldening opponents of reform such as Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about New Zealanders should not have to wait yet another year for Rates Capping

  44. Minister Watts Silent Again as Taxpayer Data-Grab Replaces Census

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming IRD and Statistics NZ after the Government announced it’s scrapping the Census and replacing it with a mass data-harvest from across government departments without public consent.IRD will share sensitive personal data like income and benefit details that must be linkable back to individual taxpayers...

    Read more about Minister Watts Silent Again as Taxpayer Data-Grab Replaces Census

  46. “Alarm bells should be ringing”: Trust in Wellington Council plummets in new survey

    Damning results from Wellington's annual survey has been released show major declines in trust and confidence in how the City is being run.“Alarm bells should be ringing. What has long been suspected has now been confirmed: Wellington residents have lost faith in Council.” said Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for...

    Read more about “Alarm bells should be ringing”: Trust in Wellington Council plummets in new survey

  47. Still No Ticket to Ride: Time’s Up for Motu Move Money Pit

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the complete scrapping of the “Motu Move” National Ticketing Solution following confirmation that the project is ‘not on track’ and under external review.“This scheme has gone from late and over budget to totally unworkable,” says Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf. “It’s costing...

    Read more about Still No Ticket to Ride: Time’s Up for Motu Move Money Pit

  49. Green Party’s Fiscal Fantasy Would Bankrupt New Zealand

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Green Party’s so-called “Fiscal Strategy 2025” as reckless and would saddle New Zealanders with crippling debt, soaring taxes, and zero accountability.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross says:“This isn’t a fiscal strategy, it’s an economic suicide note. The Greens are proposing to throw out...

    Read more about Green Party’s Fiscal Fantasy Would Bankrupt New Zealand

  50. Taxpayer Victory: Heritage Handbrake Lifted by Minister Bishop

    The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating a major win for taxpayers following Minister Chris Bishop’s decision to allow councils to de-list heritage buildings faster, including for Wellington’s derelict Gordon Wilson Flats.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf, said:“We’ve long said that heritage rules are being abused by bureaucrats and activists to block...

    Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Heritage Handbrake Lifted by Minister Bishop

  51. Taxpayers Slugged for $400k Boutique Snails

    The Taxpayers’ Union has revealed through an Official Information Act request that the Department of Conservation (DOC) has spent $411,875 on the endangered southern Powelliphanta augusta snails.Following the collapse of Solid Energy, DOC took over responsibility for the captive snails, with additional habitat restoration projects now costing more than $1 million.Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Taxpayers Slugged for $400k Boutique Snails

  53. Luxon’s Common-Sense Sick Leave Reform Can’t Come Soon Enough

    The Taxpayers’ Union is backing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments on reining in pandemic-era sick leave rules.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says: “The current system is fundamentally unfair, costly, and out of touch with economic reality - especially for the taxpayers footing the bill.”“Sick leave entitlements disproportionately favour part-time...

    Read more about Luxon’s Common-Sense Sick Leave Reform Can’t Come Soon Enough

  54. Taxpayers’ Union Backs ACT on Ditching Council Climate Theatratrics

    The Taxpayers’ Union has welcomed ACT’s announcement that its local candidates will oppose council-level emissions policies, calling it a needed step to rein in wasteful spending and refocus councils on core services. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Under the Emissions Trading Scheme, emissions are already capped nationally. Local climate...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union Backs ACT on Ditching Council Climate Theatratrics

  55. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Labour ahead of Nats 📉 | Selwyn District Council listening to kids 🖍️ | Waipā's $800k spin doctors 😵‍💫

    Hi,This week, your humble Taxpayers' Union are exposing Waipā District Council, asking why Selwyn let the kids make decisions, and it's bad news for the Government in our latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll.Selwyn's childish consultation debacle 🎨Last week, we uncovered that Selwyn District Council has been caught mixing feedback...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL Labour ahead of Nats 📉 | Selwyn District Council listening to kids 🖍️ | Waipā's $800k spin doctors 😵‍💫

  59. Taxpayer Talk: Sir Bill English on the Future of Superannuation and the Public Service

    It’s seven years since Sir Bill English left politics but the former Prime Minister and long serving Finance Minister is still a keen follower of the political landscape and how the economic outlook for the country can be improved.In conversation with Peter Williams for the latest Taxpayer Talk...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Sir Bill English on the Future of Superannuation and the Public Service

  60. Orr Resigned Over Funding Disagreement Despite Massive Boost

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Adrian Orr’s resignation as nothing more than a sulk over funding disagreements, despite a significant increase in funding over and above the previous five-year agreement.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Orr resigned because he didn’t quite get all of the massive funding increase...

    Read more about Orr Resigned Over Funding Disagreement Despite Massive Boost

  62. Join the campaign to Cap Rates Now

    We are officially launching our "Cap Rates Now!" campaign, to rein in New Zealand's out-of-control councils.We're using this week's National Fieldays to call on Local Government Minister Simon Watts to introduce Australian and UK-style rates caps to limit annual rate increases to inflation.We're demanding a rates cap -...

    Read more about Join the campaign to Cap Rates Now

  66. Taxpayer Update: DoC funding eco-lobbyists 🪧 | Mayoral robes? 👙 | Upgrade to official NZ Govt. Debt Clock ⏰💣

    Hi,This week, your humble Taxpayers' Union exposed more taxpayer funded anti-government environmental lobbyists, the $94,000 vanity project for Rotorua's Mayor, and why we're updating the Debt Clock. EXPOSED: Department of Conservation funding eco-lobbyists to... fight the Government? 🌳✊A few months ago, our Investigations Coordinator, Rhys, emailed supporters to expose the funding received...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: DoC funding eco-lobbyists 🪧 | Mayoral robes? 👙 | Upgrade to official NZ Govt. Debt Clock ⏰💣

  67. Tick Tock: Taxpayers' Union Refreshes Debt Clock to Show Full Government Borrowing

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today updated its online Debt Clock to reflect Total Crown Borrowings, replacing the previously used measure of Net Core Crown Debt.The change comes after concerns that Net Core Crown Debt understates the true burden of government borrowing by excluding the ballooning liabilities...

    Read more about Tick Tock: Taxpayers' Union Refreshes Debt Clock to Show Full Government Borrowing

  68. Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’

    Since its launch, the New Zealand Debt Clock has highlighted the burden of government debt in real time. We’ve always aimed to present this figure in a way that's meaningful, honest, and easy for taxpayers to understand.In recent years, we’ve used Net Core Crown Debt – a figure often referenced in government...

    Read more about Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’

  72. Taxpayers back Minister Brown’s tough questions, now its time to finish the job

    Responding to Minister Simeon Brown’s demands for underperforming SOEs like NZ Post and Pāmu to lift their game, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Minister Brown is absolutely right to ask why SOEs like NZ Post and Pāmu are failing to deliver basic commercial returns, proving that government ownership doesn’t...

    Read more about Taxpayers back Minister Brown’s tough questions, now its time to finish the job

  73. REVEALED: Lights, Camera, Waste: Rotorua’s $94k Mayoral Ad

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Rotorua Lakes Council—via its Council Controlled Organisation, RotoruaNZ—forked out $93,985 on a television campaign featuring Mayor Tania Tapsell.The ‘Robe Trip’ campaign, targeting luxury-seeking Auckland couples, cost $42,784 to produce and a further $51,201 to...

    Read more about REVEALED: Lights, Camera, Waste: Rotorua’s $94k Mayoral Ad

  75. Council mega-merger for Wellington still on the cards, play your hand carefully

    A mega-merger between Wellington councils is being considered for a non-binding referendum that would combine the services and functions for the five authorities.“Remember that big council doesn’t mean good council. What we got in Auckland was a cautionary tale; more bureaucracy and empire-building.” said Sam Warren, Local Government...

    Read more about Council mega-merger for Wellington still on the cards, play your hand carefully

  76. EXPOSED: Council mixes feedback from children and adults

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act that submissions collected from schoolchildren were given to Selwyn District Councillors to guide their decisions, as part of Waikirikiri Ki Tua, the Future Selwyn Survey.Officials have acknowledged that some responses from the children may...

    Read more about EXPOSED: Council mixes feedback from children and adults

  77. “9.9 percent rates increase is not a victory” Taxpayers’ Union slams Tauranga rates shambles

    Tauranga City Council has confirmed a 9.9 percent rates increase. Council has cited savings found that has led to a lower rise than the 12 percent proposed, and the 20 percent originally projected.“9.9 percent is not a victory—and councillors should not be patting themselves on the back for...

    Read more about “9.9 percent rates increase is not a victory” Taxpayers’ Union slams Tauranga rates shambles

  79. Whanganui Leads the Way: Taxpayers’ Union Applauds Country’s Lowest Rates Rise

    The Taxpayers’ Union is congratulating Whanganui District Council for delivering what may be the lowest rates increase in the country — just 2.2 percent for 2025/26 — at a time when most councils are hitting ratepayers with double-digit hikes.“This is what responsible local government looks like,” says Taxpayers’ Union...

    Read more about Whanganui Leads the Way: Taxpayers’ Union Applauds Country’s Lowest Rates Rise

  80. Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’

    Since its launch, the New Zealand Debt Clock has highlighted the burden of government debt in real time. We’ve always aimed to present this figure in a way that's meaningful, honest, and easy for taxpayers to understand.In recent years, we’ve used Net Core Crown Debt – a figure often referenced in government...

    Read more about Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’

  82. Taxpayer Update

     With Budget over, our heads are down working to launch our next campaigns fighting for Lower Taxes, Less Waste, and More Accountability in the coming weeks. First and foremost: tackling the costs of local government, and demanding more transparency.In this week's edition, we expose the 14-year "temp" at IRD,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update

  84. Death and Wealth Taxes Back on the Table — Hipkins Must Rule Them Out

    Responding to Winston Peters ruling out working with Chris Hipkins after the 2026 election, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesperson Tory Relf said:“A potential Labour Government would now almost certainly need to rely on parties demanding wealth and death taxes. That would cripple family farms and small businesses.”“Kiwis need economic growth,...

    Read more about Death and Wealth Taxes Back on the Table — Hipkins Must Rule Them Out

  85. Wellington consultants more than doubles in five years: “The opposite of what Council needs to do.”

    Responding to news that Wellington City Council’s consultant costs have more than doubled since 2020, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Sam Warren said:“This is incredibly insulting as a 12.0 percent rates increases has just been announced—on top of last year’s 16.9 percent hike. That’s more than a 30.9 percent compound increase...

    Read more about Wellington consultants more than doubles in five years: “The opposite of what Council needs to do.”

  90. ‘We’re going to need a bigger debt clock’ – no plan for tackling runaway debt

    Commenting on Budget 2025’s failure to restrain New Zealand’s runaway Government debt, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Debt is increasing every single year over the forecast period in Budget 2025, reaching $108,700 per household by 2029. That’s $2,000 more than the last forecasts issued just five months ago.”“Grant...

    Read more about ‘We’re going to need a bigger debt clock’ – no plan for tackling runaway debt

  91. Parents, not the nanny state, should be responsible for school leavers

    The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the decision to limit access for 18 and 19 year olds who are not working or in education to Jobseeker Support and Emergency Benefit, but is questioning why this change isn’t being implemented until July 2027.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross asks:“Getting teenagers off...

    Read more about Parents, not the nanny state, should be responsible for school leavers

  100. $100,000 dinosaur sculpture causes uproar with ratepayers

    There has been uproar from ratepayers following the unveiling of a $100,000 dinosaur sculpture amidst a colossal 8 percent rates increase proposed by Taupō District Council.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Council just doesn’t get it—locals want the basics: roads, pipes and rubbish. Instead,...

    Read more about $100,000 dinosaur sculpture causes uproar with ratepayers

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