Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | September 14, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on political parties to reconsider costly election promises after 10-year Government bond yields climbed above five percent.Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“With bond yields now five times higher than they were five years ago, the era of cheap debt...
Read more about Soaring borrowing costs require election promise rethinkPosted 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 PAPERS & BRIEFINGS by NZTU Media | March 30, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union has today released Fiscal Reality Check: The Reckoning in Numbers, exposing the scale of New Zealand’s deteriorating finances and the mounting pressure on Kiwi households.The report highlights soaring debt, no surplus this decade, rising interest costs, and weakening economic growth, now compounded...
Read more about NEW PAPER: Fiscal Reality Check: The Reckoning in NumbersPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | March 23, 2026
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s commitment that today’s fuel support package must not drive government debt higher.“At a time when the books are already under strain, this is a welcome sign of discipline,” Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said. “It...
Read more about Luxon’s ‘no new debt’ pledge on fuel support is the right callPosted in NEWS by Peter Williams | June 6, 2025
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...
Read more about Tick Tock: Taxpayers' Union Refreshes Debt Clock to Show Full Government BorrowingPosted in NEWS by Peter Williams | June 6, 2025
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...
Read more about Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’Posted in NEWS by Tory Relf | May 29, 2025
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...
Read more about Why We’re Switching the Debt Clock to ‘Total Crown Borrowings’Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 22, 2025
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...
Read more about ‘We’re going to need a bigger debt clock’ – no plan for tackling runaway debtPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 20, 2025
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming Labour Leader Chris Hipkins for refusing to commit to the Government’s 50 percent debt ceiling on RNZ's Morning Report — a reckless move that could spook credit rating agencies and raise borrowing costs across the board.Taxpayers' Union Executive Director...
Read more about Hipkins' Loose Talk on Lifting Debt Cap is Economic VandalismPosted in NEWS by James Ross | May 8, 2025
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...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: RIP Sir Bob 🕯️ | A sad milestone ⏰ | Warning signs for Govt in new poll 📊