Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 28, 2026
Despite branding this a “responsible Budget”, Nicola Willis has today confirmed the Government will have borrowed more by 2029/30 than Treasury forecast just five months ago.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“The accounting tricks and fiscal illusions in Budget 2026 can’t hide the facts. Yes,...
Read more about If this Budget is responsible, why are we borrowing more?Posted in NEWS by Tory Relf | May 28, 2026
We’re just out of the Beehive where the team have been in Budget 2026 ‘lock-up’ poring through Nicola Willis’s election year budget pack. This year’s budget will be a difficult one for the Government (or the Opposition) to frame. It’s a real mixed bag....
Read more about Budget 2026Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 28, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out this year’s Budget for its continued spending commitments.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Despite Minister Willis’ assurances to the contrary, this Budget is full of sugar hits.”“From $20 million to host the Pacific Islands Forum, to $48 million for...
Read more about Budget 2026 delivers a sugar hit for new spendingPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 28, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government’s decision to hand councils $400 million in “growth incentives” while walking slow to bring council costs under control by capping rates now. Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said: “Local Government Minister Simon Watts has let ratepayers down. Handing councils $400...
Read more about Watts hands councils $400 million while ratepayers waitPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 28, 2026
Commenting on Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ decision to introduce a new tax - sorry, ‘levy’ - on banks and deposit takers in Budget 2026, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said: “Minister Willis’ ‘no new taxes’ promise is now dead. As much as the Beehive are...
Read more about RIP National’s ‘No new taxes’ promise: New $209 million “banking tax” will hammer savers and mortgage holdersPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 28, 2026
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is cautiously welcoming the announcement of Budget 2026, with a surplus now expected this decade – but warning that it’s based on seriously optimistic assumptions. Commenting from within the Budget briefing, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said: “This...
Read more about Spend today, save tomorrow: Budget 2026 promises restraint, eventuallyPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 19, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ target to reduce the public service to 55,000, saying it is a win for taxpayers – but that next week’s Budget must keep the same pressure.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Cutting the public service headcount...
Read more about Willis’ bureaucrat slash is a win for taxpayers, Budget must now go furtherPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 13, 2026
Responding to the Prime Minister’s pre-Budget speech, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Christopher Luxon is talking about fiscal responsibility while announcing nearly $3,780 per household in additional government spending.”“A $2.1 billion operating package is not restraint - it is still $2.1 billion more spending....
Read more about Luxon’s “Responsible” Budget Starts With an $3,780-per-household SplurgePosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | April 23, 2026
Moody’s has placed New Zealand’s credit rating on a negative outlook, underscoring growing concern about the Government’s worsening fiscal position.Responding, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Minister Willis is right to say this is another warning that New Zealand can’t afford to simply spend...
Read more about Moody’s warning shows Nicola’s Fudge isn’t so sweet after allPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | March 5, 2026
Responding to Treasury figures showing the Government’s deficit is slightly smaller than forecast, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“These figures are genuinely encouraging for taxpayers, especially young New Zealanders who will inherit this debt.”“But let’s be clear, better than expected is not the same...
Read more about Government Books Improve But Budget 2026 Will Be the Real Test