The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is slamming the Government's decision to spend $6.3 million of taxpayers' money bringing the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, resulting in the award of 16 Michelin stars.

Taxpayers' Union Spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:

"Subsidising wining and dining in restaurants that most Kiwis could never afford in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is disgustingly out of touch."

"New Zealand has no shortage of world-class restaurants. If the Michelin Guide sees commercial value in operating here, it should fund its own expansion - not expect taxpayers to pick up the tab."

"Ministers claim this is about tourism, but taxpayers deserve far stronger evidence before being forced to bankroll what amounts to a luxury dining marketing campaign."

"At $393,750 per star, this is an extraordinary amount of money to spend on restaurant ratings when the Government is supposedly focused on getting spending under control."

"The Government should be concentrating on core public services and reducing wasteful spending, not underwriting prestige projects for wealthy diners and overseas guidebooks."

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Corrections has spent $32,478,300 (GST inclusive) since 2021/22 pursuing Carbon Neutral Government targets.

The Official Information Act request also shows:

• Corrections has bought 327 electric vehicles supported by 352 chargers since the targets were implemented.
• Corrections spent a further $369,150 (GST inclusive) on emissions inventories over this period.
• 2025 emissions reduction targets weren't met and uncertainty about meeting its 2030 target remain.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigative Lead, Rhys Hurley, said:

“New Zealand already built the Emissions Trading Scheme to cap emissions nationally. Forcing Corrections to spend $32 million chasing separate carbon-neutral targets will not cut emissions by a single gram, and shows exactly why the programme should be scrapped.”

"Corrections’ job is to keep criminals behind bars, rehabilitate offenders, and keep the public safe, not worry about decarbonising their sheep farm.”

“The Government looked at removing the targets back in 2023. These figures show it should stop looking and finally pull the plug.”

A few weeks ago we went public with our concerns about the ’No Beersie' campaign by the Health Promotion Agency. To recap:

• * the campaign cost taxpayers $1.2 million;
• * it doesn’t target those most likely to be affected by alcohol related harm; and
• * even the HPA’s own focus groups found the campaign confusing (some even thought it was advertising beer!).

Despite the bad press (including this scathing Waikato Times editorial) the HPA is feeling very jolly indeed with your money.  It’s either that or the HPA so desperate to be liked they’re giving away fishing rods, surf boards and even $100 petrol vouchers! 

All this with money that should be helping those who have a problem with alcohol.

We’ve launched a petition to tell the Government to end to these sorts of silly taxpayer funded advertising campaigns promoting common sense and feel-good nonsense.

Do you agree that this is a waste of money? Will you support us? Sign the petition by clicking here.