The Taxpayers’ Union submitted formal feedback on the Review into the Future for Local Government, He mata whāriki, he matawhānui. We are a grassroots group advocating for lower taxes, less waste, and greater accountability in local and national government.
The submission opposes mandatory electoral changes like STV, lowering the voting age, and unelected appointments, while advocating that local government focus on essential services such as roads, water, and rubbish collection. It also recommends funding reforms, including a share of GST from new buildings, and emphasises fiscal responsibility and accountability in council governance.
The Taxpayers’ Union argues the proposals risk undermining local democracy by shifting power from elected officials to unelected bodies, limiting community decision-making. They also stress the importance of efficiency, growth incentives, and subsidiarity, ensuring decisions are made at the lowest practical level to strengthen localism.
