Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | September 8, 2026
Responding to National’s announcement that it will redirect International Visitor Levy revenue to councils rather than introduce a bed tax, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“National has shown what we have been saying all along: councils do not need a bed tax or a...
Read more about Tourism funding boost means no excuse to delay rates capPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | August 28, 2026
New Taxpayers’ Union analysis shows the average household could save around $391 a year under the Government’s rates cap, more than eleven times the $34 claimed by Local Government New Zealand.Taxpayers’ Union Head of Policy James Ross said:“LGNZ told ratepayers a rates cap would...
Read more about LGNZ's bogus $34 rates cap claim blown apart by new analysisPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | August 25, 2026
Responding to today’s announcement of rates cap legislation, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said the next step is stopping council waste at the source.“Capping rates is a major victory for ratepayers nationwide, who cannot afford another term of 34 percent rates hikes. But limiting...
Read more about Next step is getting councils back to basicsPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | August 25, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating a major policy victory after the Government announced council rates increases will be capped from 1 July 2029.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“This is a huge win for ratepayers. More than 31,000 New Zealanders backed our Cap Rates Now campaign, and...
Read more about Government’s rates cap a campaign win for ratepayersPosted in DASHBOARDS by NZTU Media | July 9, 2026
The 2026 Rates Dashboard compiles the average rates increase for each of the territorial and unitary councils across New Zealand, allowing ratepayers to compare their council with others. This year’s Rates Dashboard includes a “total cost increase” that takes into account the councils where...
Read more about Rates Dashboard 2026Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | July 7, 2026
Responding to reports that Waitaki District Council is investigating options such as reduced penalties and charity for ratepayers struggling with the council’s 16.9 percent rates rise, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen, said:“Waitaki ratepayers will be feeling insulted by this token gesture.”“Despite overwhelming opposition from the...
Read more about Calls for ‘relief’ are an insult to Waitaki ratepayersPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | June 5, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union says Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum’s admission in front of a packed ratepayer meeting that she was given a “heads up” about the impact of QV changes on rates — while the Council kept the information from the public until just two...
Read more about Hastings Mayor’s extraordinary admission undermines entire Annual Plan consultationPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | June 4, 2026
Rates showdown tonight: Hastings businesses face rates increases of up to 85 percent The Taxpayers' Union says small businesses and jobs are at immediate risk in Hastings following the District Council's new revelations that commercial rates are going up next month by an average...
Read more about Rates showdown tonight: Hastings businesses face rates increases of up to 85 percentPosted 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 8, 2026
Responding to reports that Waitaki District Council considered but rejected consulting ratepayers on a 9 percent rates increase option, instead only presenting options of 19-45 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Waitaki ratepayers have already been smashed with a 34.8 percent rates hike over...
Read more about Waitaki rates stitch-up shows Watts must bring cap forward