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  1. Q&A on Full Capital Expensing: Taxpayers’ Union Urges Government to Adopt Policy in Budget 2025

    Following growing public discussion over the weekend and the Prime Minister’s remarks on Newstalk ZB this morning, the Taxpayers’ Union is once again calling on the Government to adopt full capital expensing as a centrepiece of Budget 2025.James Ross, Spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, says: "Full capital expensing is a proven,...

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  2. Oranga Tamariki’s $500 Million Failure: Where Is the Accountability?

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for urgent accountability at Oranga Tamariki following the release of a scathing Auditor-General’s report exposing systemic failures in procurement and contract management.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Tory Relf said:"The Auditor-General has confirmed that Oranga Tamariki is spending over half a billion dollars a year without...

    Read more about Oranga Tamariki’s $500 Million Failure: Where Is the Accountability?

  5. REVEALED: The 14-Year Temp Worker: IRD’s $21 Million Long-Term Consultant Spend Exposed

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal, through an Official Information Act response 12 contractors have been continuously engaged by IRD for more than five years, costing taxpayers a total of $20.8 million over just the past five years.As Nicola Willis prepares to unveil Budget 2025, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling...

    Read more about REVEALED: The 14-Year Temp Worker: IRD’s $21 Million Long-Term Consultant Spend Exposed

  7. Taxpayer Talk: David Baker

    This week Peter Williams is joined by social media sensation, David Baker, from Rapid QS. David is a quantity surveyor by trade, specialising in pricing residential buildings—and has spent the last year blowing the whistle on why so many public housing and infrastructure projects cost so much.But price...

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  8. Taxpayer Update: Debt Clock on Campus ⏰ | Pay equity 👩 | What the media's not telling you? 🤫

    As the "Hīkoi" for Balanced Budgets continues rolling through the South Island, our research team has been delving right into Budget 2025 preparations. The Debt Clock goes to Uni 🎓We knew the Debt Clock would turn heads, now it’s earning tutorial time!This week, at Victoria University of Wellington, a tax tutorial...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Debt Clock on Campus ⏰ | Pay equity 👩 | What the media's not telling you? 🤫

  10. ‘Economic Looney-Tunes’ from the Greens’ Alternative Budget

    The Taxpayers’ Union has called out the barrage of new taxes proposed in the Green Party’s alternative Budget presented today.A Spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, James Ross, said:“Even Marx would be blushing at this manifesto.”“Taxes for dying, taxes on entrepreneurship, taxes for savings, even higher taxes on nurses’ income. Controlling...

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  11. REVEALED: Kiwirail Gravy-Train Has Never Returned a Cent in Dividends

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that KiwiRail has not paid a single dollar in dividends to the government in any year since being designated a State-Owned Enterprise in 2012, with Kiwirail’s own corporate documents confirming the state-owned rail operator returned $0 to the Crown in every year from 2012...

    Read more about REVEALED: Kiwirail Gravy-Train Has Never Returned a Cent in Dividends

  12. Taxpayers’ Union slams Tauranga’s 12 percent rates hike, says rates capping is urgently needed

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today slammed Tauranga City Council for its proposed 12 percent rates increase, saying more needs to be done to protect ratepayers. Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said: “Rates capping is desperately needed to rein in reckless council spending—ratepayers are fed up...

    Read more about Taxpayers’ Union slams Tauranga’s 12 percent rates hike, says rates capping is urgently needed

  13. Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes Judith Collins’ Plan to Scrap Diversity Mandates in Public Service

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today celebrating a significant policy victory following Public Service Minister Judith Collins’ announcement that she intends to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements from the Public Service Act. Appointments would be made on the basis of merit, not identity, bringing the focus back to...

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  14. Taxpayers' Union Welcomes Judith Collins' Plan to Scrap Diversity Mandates in Public Service

    The Taxpayers’ Union is today celebrating a significant policy victory following Public Service Minister Judith Collins’ announcement that she intends to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements from the Public Service Act. Appointments would be made on the basis of merit, not identity, bringing the focus back...

    Read more about Taxpayers' Union Welcomes Judith Collins' Plan to Scrap Diversity Mandates in Public Service

  15. Government Borrowing $100 million for High-Risk Gambling

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s latest foray into corporate welfare, following the announcement that Budget 2025 will include an extra $100 million Government funding for the Elevate NZ Venture Fund.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“When will this Government learn the way to grow the economy isn’t just...

    Read more about Government Borrowing $100 million for High-Risk Gambling

  16. Nicola Willis Has Wasted Our Nest Egg - Being Chicken Won’t Change That

    Organisations including the Taxpayers’ Union, Council of Trade Unions, New Zealand Initiative, and BusinessNZ have been banned from Treasury’s Budget lock-up.Commenting, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Nicola Willis is spending more than Grant Robertson and borrowing more than $47 million every single day. Burying her head in the...

    Read more about Nicola Willis Has Wasted Our Nest Egg - Being Chicken Won’t Change That

  17. Health NZ’s $2.75m restructure consultant fees just the tip of the iceberg

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is joining the Public Service Association in slamming  Health New Zealand for blowing nearly $2.75 million on consultants  to “manage restructures”. The Taxpayers' Union is calling the latest scandal "just the tip of the iceberg" of the $338 million Health NZ consultant budget this year...

    Read more about Health NZ’s $2.75m restructure consultant fees just the tip of the iceberg

  19. Taxpayer Update: RIP Sir Bob 🕯️ | A sad milestone ⏰ | Warning signs for Govt in new poll 📊

    Hi,It's been a busy week here at the Taxpayers' Union, with Rhys and our interns out on the road continuing the "Hīkoi" for Balanced Budgets, and the research team prepping for the Budget in just a few weeks time. We have the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll (spoiler alert:...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: RIP Sir Bob 🕯️ | A sad milestone ⏰ | Warning signs for Govt in new poll 📊

  20. Taxpayer Talk: Robert MacCulloch

     This week on Taxpayer Talk, free-thinking economics Professor, Robert MacCulloch, walks Peter Williams through how life here in New Zealand could be so much better if our politicians were prepared to show some political courage. Rob also asks why can’t we have a competitive health system like France, and why...

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  21. NEW POLL: Net country direction drops, centre-right could still form a Government.

    NEW POLL: Net country direction drops, centre-right could still form a Government.The latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll shows the Government Coalition once again able to form a Government, despite net country direction falling ten points.The poll, conducted between 30 April and 04 May shows National gain 1.1 points on...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Net country direction drops, centre-right could still form a Government.

  22. 'We need rates capping' – Taxpayers’ Union slams Tauranga Council for $200,000 spend on short videos

    Tauranga City Council has come under for fire for spending $200,000 on a series of short videos amidst a 12.5 percent rates increase.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, slammed the Council’s spend, saying:“Again and again, we’re seeing completely shameful spending by Tauranga City Council. Ratepayers demand...

    Read more about 'We need rates capping' – Taxpayers’ Union slams Tauranga Council for $200,000 spend on short videos

  23. Trump’s tariff threat should be the final scene for film subsidies

    Responding to reports of President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Kiwis have forked out over $1 billion in film subsidies in just five years — much of it for big-budget international productions.”“Film handouts have soared from $129 million in 2017 to...

    Read more about Trump’s tariff threat should be the final scene for film subsidies

  27. Tick Tock: Net core crown debt will hit $190 billion tonight. Now more than $93k per household

    As the Taxpayers' Union tours the country on its Hīkoi to Balance the Budget, the Government will hit a nasty fiscal milestone with Net Core Crown Debt passing the $190 billion mark at 8:53PM this evening.Commenting on the financial milestone, Taxpayers' Union spokesman James Ross said:"Nicola Willis is borrowing nearly...

    Read more about Tick Tock: Net core crown debt will hit $190 billion tonight. Now more than $93k per household

  28. Bureaucracy is still booming — taxpayers need a smaller, sharper government

    Bureaucracy is still booming — taxpayers need a smaller, sharper governmentResponding to ACT Leader David Seymour’s comments calling out New Zealand’s bloated executive, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“Taxpayers are sick of funding a government that looks more like a political participation programme than a lean, effective executive....

    Read more about Bureaucracy is still booming — taxpayers need a smaller, sharper government

  29. ‘Councils shouldn’t fund activists’ – Rotorua ratepayers on the hook for $93,458 LGNZ membership

    Rotorua Lakes Council has voted to retain its membership with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) through to 2025/26—while some Councillors raised concerns over political bias within the organisation, and its $93,458 price tag paid for by ratepayers.“Councils are waking up to the fact that LGNZ has become captured by ideologues...

    Read more about ‘Councils shouldn’t fund activists’ – Rotorua ratepayers on the hook for $93,458 LGNZ membership

  30. “Be bold, Minister” – Billions can be saved in Labour’s KiwiSaver subsidies

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis has not ruled out ending Government KiwiSaver subsidies ahead this year’s Budget.“Willis’ Government was elected to make hard decisions—ending Government funded KiwiSaver subsidies is exactly one of them” said Sam Warren, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union.“Make no mistake, the subsidies costs taxpayers hundreds...

    Read more about “Be bold, Minister” – Billions can be saved in Labour’s KiwiSaver subsidies

  31. 'Listen to locals, not councils' – Taxpayers’ Union tells Simon Watts to commit to rates capping legislation

    Local Government Minister Simon Watts has today suggested rates capping laws are still on the table following a proposed 16 percent rates increase by Tauranga City Council.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“We’ve been pushing for rates capping laws for years. Used in the...

    Read more about 'Listen to locals, not councils' – Taxpayers’ Union tells Simon Watts to commit to rates capping legislation

  32. Taxpayer Update: When a "cut" is just a slowdown 📰 | The numbers Nicola Willis wants you to see ✅ | And the ones she DOESN'T 😱

    Hi,Thanks again to the hundreds of supporters who have chipped in to get the National Debt Clock back on the road in the form of our "Hīkoi for Balanced Budgets" (we're calling it a Hīkoi so that even 1News will have no option but to cover it! 😉...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: When a "cut" is just a slowdown 📰 | The numbers Nicola Willis wants you to see ✅ | And the ones she DOESN'T 😱

  33. “Another tax” – Taxpayers’ Union demands clarity on Congestion Charging, equivalent RUCs to be cut

    The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill has drawn criticism from several Tauranga Councillors, objecting that revenue could be invested elsewhere.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Tauranga City Council is hardly a bastion of fiscal leadership—so when even they are blowing...

    Read more about “Another tax” – Taxpayers’ Union demands clarity on Congestion Charging, equivalent RUCs to be cut

  34. Taxpayer Talk: Ruth Richardson

     This week on Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Ruth Richardson, Minister of Finance during the National-Bolger Government, and catalyst of major economic reforms during the 90s.With this year’s Budget only a few weeks away, she proposes some of the major surgery she believes the New Zealand economy...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Ruth Richardson

  35. Ruapehu Council’s $700k blunder shows need for standardised council accounting

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Ruapehu District Council after it overspent by $700,000 on Community and Recreational services — blaming the blowout on incorrect coding.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:"Ratepayers already struggling under a cost of living crisis and skyrocketing rates are right to call this...

    Read more about Ruapehu Council’s $700k blunder shows need for standardised council accounting

  38. Dunedin cannot afford another white elephant: $92 million landfill development must be deferred

    The Dunedin City Council has come under fire for its $92.4 million development of Smooth Hill landfill—at risk of blowing out to become ‘another white elephant’.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“Council is up to its eyeballs in debt—expected to climb to one billion dollars...

    Read more about Dunedin cannot afford another white elephant: $92 million landfill development must be deferred

  42. Health CEO Paid More Than the PM — Then Got a Golden Handshake

    On the news Health NZ paid for outgoing Chief Executive Margie Apa to attend a governance course — after she’d already resigned.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Co-ordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Margie Apa was already one of the highest-paid public servants in the country — pocketing $895,000 this year, nearly $400,000 more than the Prime...

    Read more about Health CEO Paid More Than the PM — Then Got a Golden Handshake

  43. Taxpayer Update: Nicola Willis #FactCheck 💥 | Military-style e-scooters 🛴 | EXPOSED: p*rn in the PM's office 🫣

    Dear Supporter,As the country battens down the hatches for Cyclone Tam, your humble Taxpayers' Union is preparing for a different storm: the economic implications on New Zealand of the Trump tariffs. This week, we also cut to the truth about whether Nicola Willis is spending big or cutting her cloth, and...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Nicola Willis #FactCheck 💥 | Military-style e-scooters 🛴 | EXPOSED: p*rn in the PM's office 🫣

  44. REVEALED: South Taranaki District Councils $200k Lost in Radio Static

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that the South Taranaki District Council has spent $194,379.23 on radio advertising over the last three years.Taxpayers Union Investigation Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Almost $200,000 of hard-earned money pumped into the airwaves with no...

    Read more about REVEALED: South Taranaki District Councils $200k Lost in Radio Static

  46. Reserve Bank’s ‘Funding Cut’ is Actually a Massive Increase

    The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out spin over the Reserve Bank’s newly signed five-year funding agreement, warning that despite talk of “funding reductions”, the deal still locks in a major increase compared to the previous period.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Slapping the Reserve Bank’s ludicrous $1 billion funding...

    Read more about Reserve Bank’s ‘Funding Cut’ is Actually a Massive Increase

  47. This isn’t an office—it’s a corporate penthouse for local bureaucrats

    Responding to news that Tauranga City Council has signed a $91.9 million lease for new offices and budgeted a further $33.5 million for an interior fit-out—complete with $470,000 worth of coffee machines — Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“This isn’t an office—it’s a corporate penthouse for local bureaucrats. Ratepayers are coughing up...

    Read more about This isn’t an office—it’s a corporate penthouse for local bureaucrats

  49. $5.2 million consultant spend unacceptable as cost blowouts grow

    The Taxpayers’ Union has today slammed the $5.2 million spend on consultants by Invercargill City Council for the Te Unua Museum of Southland, as part of the wider $87 million dollar ‘Project 1225’ development.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, commented:“Councillor Pottinger is right to raise concern—it’s...

    Read more about $5.2 million consultant spend unacceptable as cost blowouts grow

  50. Big council doesn’t always mean better council: Amalgamation on the cards

    Potential amalgamation is today in the news as the Government pursues resource management restructuring that would scale back council responsibilities.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:“Better collaboration between councils to find efficiencies for both service and infrastructure delivery is certainly encouraged, so long as they...

    Read more about Big council doesn’t always mean better council: Amalgamation on the cards

  51. REVEALED: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Caught With Its Tabs Down

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal, through an Official Information Act response that over eleven months the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) recorded 24 instances of staff attempting to access adult entertainment websites on government devices.The response confirms the incidents occurred across multiple months in 2024,...

    Read more about REVEALED: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Caught With Its Tabs Down

  52. End of term for Kāhui Ako – time to expel this failed scheme.

    On the news the Government is considering scrapping the $118 million-a-year Kāhui Ako (Communities of Learning) scheme.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Kāhui Ako was supposed to be a revolution in school collaboration. Instead, it has shown to be a taxpayer-funded teachers’ lounge—complete with bonuses, busywork, and not a single meaningful...

    Read more about End of term for Kāhui Ako – time to expel this failed scheme.

  53. Dunedin Council tight-lipped on salary for missing Deputy Chief

    Dunedin City Council (DCC) has refused to explain the ongoing absence of its Deputy Chief Executive, Leanne Mash, citing privacy. Questions remain as to whether Mash still receives her full salary, which is as high as $499,999.Sam Warren, Local Government Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, commented:“This is a shocking lack...

    Read more about Dunedin Council tight-lipped on salary for missing Deputy Chief

  54. Taxpayer Talk: Levi Gibbs

     This week on Taxpayer Talk, broadcaster Peter Williams sits down with our Senior Researcher, Levi Gibbs, to discuss the true cost of New Zealand’s climate targets — and how the Government can get back on a pathway to a surplus without raising taxes.In this episode, Levi also previews...

    Read more about Taxpayer Talk: Levi Gibbs

  55. REVEALED: Scootergate – Defence's $32,800 Joyride on the Taxpayer Dime

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the New Zealand Defence Force has splurged $32,800 on e-scooters for Base Auckland from private operator Beam.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:“Kiwis are doing it tough — cutting back on groceries, delaying holidays, and skipping...

    Read more about REVEALED: Scootergate – Defence's $32,800 Joyride on the Taxpayer Dime

  56. "No-Show Nick” – Gisborne Councillor Misses More Than Half His Meetings

    On the news that Gisborne District Councillor Nick Tupara has attended only 41.2 percent of meetings and workshops in his third term—failing to see ‘why it is an issue’.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“You can’t represent your community if you can’t be arsed showing up."“And...

    Read more about "No-Show Nick” – Gisborne Councillor Misses More Than Half His Meetings

  58. Nicola Willis’ new procurement rules won’t pull wool over taxpayers’ eyes

    The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to the Government latest supposed “Going for Growth” announcement, which will restrict Government departments and agencies to only using New Zealand wool.Commenting on the Finance Minister’s latest move to increase government waste, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Alex Emes said:“If the Finance Minister is trying...

    Read more about Nicola Willis’ new procurement rules won’t pull wool over taxpayers’ eyes

  59. Green gravy train starting to derail — but the job’s not done

    On the news of the Government’s decision to wind down the New Zealand Green Investment Finance Ltd (NZGIF), which has cost taxpayers $400 million.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:“Credit where it’s due, scrapping this expensive and ineffective green slush fund is a huge win for taxpayers.”“NZGIF’s biggest achievement was...

    Read more about Green gravy train starting to derail — but the job’s not done

  60. REVEALED: Ōtorohanga District Council treating accountability like a threat

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act response that the Council is tagging information requests as “high” or “medium” risk based on who requested it.Sitting at the top of the “high risk” list, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys...

    Read more about REVEALED: Ōtorohanga District Council treating accountability like a threat

  61. Tariffs mean need to announce Full Capital Expensing now

    With Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s announcement of a “Growth Budget,” the Government must act now to deliver it. In a tough global economic climate, not least driven by 10 percent US tariffs further punishing Kiwis, New Zealand needs bold, pro-growth reforms—starting with full capital expensing.New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Rhys...

    Read more about Tariffs mean need to announce Full Capital Expensing now

  62. If the Government wants to spend up on defence, show us the savings

    Responding to the PM’s latest claims around the affordability of the latest defence spending plans, the Taxpayers’ Union is wondering where the recently announced 12 billion dollars of defence spending is coming from.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:“While the PM has claimed ‘we can...

    Read more about If the Government wants to spend up on defence, show us the savings

  63. ‘Tauranga doesn’t need more debt!’ - borrowing limit increased for Tauranga City Council

    The Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) has increased the borrowing limit for Tauranga City Council from 2.8 times revenue, to 3.5 times revenue.Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager for Local Government, Sam Warren, responded:“If you need to borrow 350 percent of your income, you don’t have a revenue problem, you have a spending problem.”“Mayor...

    Read more about ‘Tauranga doesn’t need more debt!’ - borrowing limit increased for Tauranga City Council

  64. ‘Should put it to a public referendum’ Tauranga proceeds with Māori Wards by-election:

    Voting today opens for Tauranga City Council's by-election to determine who will represent the Māori ward of Te Awanui following Mikaere Sydney’s resignation earlier this year.Speaking on this, Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union said:“Mayor Mahé Drysdale has labelled this an exercise of local...

    Read more about ‘Should put it to a public referendum’ Tauranga proceeds with Māori Wards by-election:

  65. Taxpayer Update: 24-hour cone hotline gimmick 📞 | H&S reform no gimmick 👏 | KiwiRail's $8 Million secret 🤫 | Queenstown Council's $60 million bloat 🏢

     While World War Fee breaks out in the form of the biggest tax increase ever recorded (thank you Mr Trump!) it's otherwise been a pretty good week for New Zealand taxpayers. Some more great announcements by the Government on cutting red tape and regulatory taxes — including on health...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: 24-hour cone hotline gimmick 📞 | H&S reform no gimmick 👏 | KiwiRail's $8 Million secret 🤫 | Queenstown Council's $60 million bloat 🏢

  66. NEW POLL: Centre-right bounce back, could now form Government

    The latest Taxpayers' Union–Curia Poll will bring a sigh of relief for the Coalition parties as they find themselves able to form a Government again. The poll, conducted between 29 March and 01 April, shows National is effectively static, down 0.1 points to 33.5 percent, while Labour is down 4.3 points from last month to...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Centre-right bounce back, could now form Government

  70. Kiwirail exposed for trying to secretly flush $8 million taxpayers’ dollars into Cook Strait

    The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming KiwiRail following today’s decision by the Ombudsman, revealing $8 million spent on McKinsey mega-consultants. This comes after continued attempts by KiwiRail executives to keep the information from the public, citing ‘commercial sensitivity’ as a reason."This is a shocking revelation - $8 million dollars for...

    Read more about Kiwirail exposed for trying to secretly flush $8 million taxpayers’ dollars into Cook Strait

  71. Majority of Kiwis Agree—Parents Should Provide School Lunches

    The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is calling on the Government to can its costly school lunch programme in light of a new RNZ-Reid Research poll revealing that 61.5% of voters believe parents should be primarily responsible for providing their children's lunches.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:"This poll confirms what we've all been...

    Read more about Majority of Kiwis Agree—Parents Should Provide School Lunches

  72. REVEALED: Queenstown to Drain $60.7 Million on New Council HQ

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will squander $60.7 million under the plan for a new administrative headquarters.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:"This isn’t a case of need outweighing cost—it’s the opposite. Queenstown’s...

    Read more about REVEALED: Queenstown to Drain $60.7 Million on New Council HQ

  73. Jordan Williams' departure from the Taxpayers' Union

    The Taxpayers’ Union is thanking its departing Executive Director and Co-founder, Jordan Williams, following his appointment as Chair of the Government's Department of Government Efficiency Aotearoa—DOGEA—announced by Minister Willis today.“When David Farrar and I started the Taxpayers' Union back in 2013—a borrowed office, a jammed printer, and generous...

    Read more about Jordan Williams' departure from the Taxpayers' Union

  75. Golden parachute for failure: Kāinga Ora boss pockets $1m on the way out

    Commenting on the revelation that former Kāinga Ora CEO Andrew McKenzie will walk away with a $1.066 million pay out, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Alex Emes, said:"Forget the farewell card and supermarket voucher, this is just a golden handshake for failure. All for the guy who steered the ship straight...

    Read more about Golden parachute for failure: Kāinga Ora boss pockets $1m on the way out

  76. Taxpayer Update: Judith "Crusher" Collins at it again 🤩 | RMA red-tape bonfire 🔥| ACC's rear-end costs 😳 | Taxpayer-funded fun police 🚨

     For once, it's been a great week for taxpayers! News that the Government is finally getting on top of the Ardern/Hipkins-created "consultant gravy train" is welcome, as are the details for what amounts to the most important thing the Luxon-led Government is likely to do to improve New Zealand's long term prosperity.Plus,...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Judith "Crusher" Collins at it again 🤩 | RMA red-tape bonfire 🔥| ACC's rear-end costs 😳 | Taxpayer-funded fun police 🚨

  77. Tauranga City Council says 'goodbye' to democracy - again

    A meeting held on Wednesday saw unelected Iwi appointees reinstated with voting powers on Tauranga City Council committees, following a decision made by councillors in December.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, said:“In a democracy, only elected representatives have voting powers on council committees....

    Read more about Tauranga City Council says 'goodbye' to democracy - again

  79. Same subsidies, different logo: stop babying CHPs with taxpayer cash

    The Government has announced $150 million in cheap taxpayer-backed loans for Community Housing Providers (CHPs)—propping them up with training wheels instead of letting them ride with private capital.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“This is Kāinga Ora-lite—same subsidies, different logo. Taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook...

    Read more about Same subsidies, different logo: stop babying CHPs with taxpayer cash

  80. The bureaucracy is still bloated — This ain’t no fiscal diet

    The Government’s reduction in consultants and contractors is set to save $800 million, while the public service workforce has shrunk by 4 percent to 62,968 FTEs.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Rhys Hurley said:“Fewer consultants writing pointless reports and sucking up taxpayer dollars is good progress—but let’s not pretend this is...

    Read more about The bureaucracy is still bloated — This ain’t no fiscal diet

  81. REVEALED: Ministry Funnels $3.8 Million to Eco-Lobbyists

    The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that the Ministry for the Environment has handed out $3,839,094 (exc. GST) to environmental NGOs over the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years—without a single report measuring its effectiveness.Amongst the big winners are the Environmental Defence Society ($377,743) and Forest & Bird ($200,000)—groups...

    Read more about REVEALED: Ministry Funnels $3.8 Million to Eco-Lobbyists

  82. RMA reform plans are a win for common sense consenting

    The Government’s announcement today of legislation to finally repeal and replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) is a long-overdue, much-needed win for New Zealand’s productivity. Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, James Ross, said:“The RMA has long been a bureaucrat’s dream and a developer’s nightmare. It’s been a lead weight around...

    Read more about RMA reform plans are a win for common sense consenting

  83. REVEALED: Cultural consultants cash in $1.365m while Dunedin rates soar

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Dunedin City Council (DCC) has spent a staggering $1.365 million over just three years on consultation with Aukaha—an iwi-owned consultancy firm—with ratepayers now hit by an average rates hike of 17.5%.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley...

    Read more about REVEALED: Cultural consultants cash in $1.365m while Dunedin rates soar

  84.  REVEALED: Wellington Council’s $21,000 Hīkoi Portaloo Flush-Fund

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Wellington City Council flushed $21,702 (exc. GST) of ratepayer money on portaloos for last November’s Toitū Te Tiriti Hīkoi protest—despite having no policy on funding facilities for protests and never having done so...

    Read more about  REVEALED: Wellington Council’s $21,000 Hīkoi Portaloo Flush-Fund

  85. REVEALED: Taxpayers Need to See the Backside of ACC Subsidising Rear-End Mishaps

    New figures obtained by the Taxpayers’ Union under the Official Information Act request lay bare an embarrassing trend—ACC claims for injuries involving objects stuck where the sun doesn’t shine are on the rise, with taxpayers left to pick up the tab.In the 2023/24 financial year alone, ACC shelled out $125,348 for...

    Read more about REVEALED: Taxpayers Need to See the Backside of ACC Subsidising Rear-End Mishaps

  86. Lacklustre GDP per capita growth shows it’s time for Full Capital Expensing

    After eight consecutive quarters of decline, New Zealand’s GDP per capita has inched up by 0.4%.Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Kiwis can breathe a small sigh of relief, but it’s far from time to pop the champagne. Even after two years of declining living standards,...

    Read more about Lacklustre GDP per capita growth shows it’s time for Full Capital Expensing

  87. Taxpayer Update: Let them eat marmite 🥪 | High Court anti-road bombshell ⚠️ | Health NZ's $28b spreadsheet 🚨

     Holiday update: Debbie Ngarewa-Packer's postcard from HawaiiYou'll recall a few weeks back, we raised concerns about Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer taking time off Parliament for a holiday to the Cook Islands to celebrate a wedding anniversary.But, unlike Ministers, MPs aren't covered by the Official Information Act – therefore...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: Let them eat marmite 🥪 | High Court anti-road bombshell ⚠️ | Health NZ's $28b spreadsheet 🚨

  89. ‘Another domino falls’—district council ditches left-wing Local Government NZ

    Western Bay of Plenty District Council has today voted to leave Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) with one councillor saying it has swung ‘so far left’ that it no longer represented local views. “Western Bay of Plenty is the latest council to ditch the increasingly toxic group” said...

    Read more about ‘Another domino falls’—district council ditches left-wing Local Government NZ

  90. REVEALED: KiwiRail painting over failure with $87,000 kitty-cat and cultural murals

    The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through an Official Information Act request that KiwiRail has spent $87,259 on murals—including a “kitty mural” and various cultural artworks—while Wellington commuters continue to endure delays, cancellations, and fare hikes.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:“Wellington commuters should be fur-ious that KiwiRail is prioritising feel-good pet projects while...

    Read more about REVEALED: KiwiRail painting over failure with $87,000 kitty-cat and cultural murals

  92. “$437 million sinkhole” eye-watering sums budgeted for Wellington Council’s social housing upgrades

    Wellington City Council this week expects to confirm its long-term plan that will include a budget of $437 million for social housing upgrades over the next 10-years.“Many of the houses are in fine shape following recent upgrades by government, and we’re in danger of seeing money spent for...

    Read more about “$437 million sinkhole” eye-watering sums budgeted for Wellington Council’s social housing upgrades

  97. Government’s protectionist procurement blows hole in “Go for Growth”

    The Government has today opened consultation on new procurement rules that would prioritise contracts based on “public value”—a concept that includes social, cultural, and environmental benefits, alongside a preference for domestic businesses - rather than cost-effectiveness.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross has condemned the move as “irresponsible protectionism at...

    Read more about Government’s protectionist procurement blows hole in “Go for Growth”

  99. NEW POLL: Hipkins overtakes Luxon as preferred Prime Minister, Centre-Left extend lead

    More bad news for the Coalition Government following the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, as Labour edges ahead of National and the Centre-Left bloc increases its lead.The poll, conducted between 02 and 04 March, shows National up 1.7 points to 33.6 percent, while Labour gains 2.8 points to 34.1 percent.The...

    Read more about NEW POLL: Hipkins overtakes Luxon as preferred Prime Minister, Centre-Left extend lead

  100. Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Hipkins preferred PM 📈 | Best policy you've never heard of 🏆| $85k gecko hunt 🦎

     Going for GrowthWhat gets us up in the morning is a determination to put a stop to the economic drift - and the low productivity - that New Zealand's had for a generation.Economic growth isn't the silver bullet to all New Zealand's problems, but it comes close! Only with...

    Read more about Taxpayer Update: NEW POLL: Hipkins preferred PM 📈 | Best policy you've never heard of 🏆| $85k gecko hunt 🦎

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