Posted in NEWS by NZTU Media | February 3, 2026
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is backing Federated Farmers’ alarm over draft resource management legislation that could open the door to effectively enabling a tax on water by stealth.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:“This is exactly the kind of slippery, backdoor taxing power taxpayers...
Read more about reset must not become a cash grab: Stop the slippery slope to a water taxPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | June 17, 2025
The Taxpayers’ Union is celebrating a major win for taxpayers following Minister Chris Bishop’s decision to allow councils to de-list heritage buildings faster, including for Wellington’s derelict Gordon Wilson Flats.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf, said:“We’ve long said that heritage rules are being abused by bureaucrats...
Read more about Taxpayer Victory: Heritage Handbrake Lifted by Minister BishopPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | May 30, 2025
The Taxpayers’ Union is warning that the Government’s freshwater consultation still leaves the door wide open for Te Mana o te Wai to keep driving up costs through the back door. Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross, said:“Te Mana o te Wai had towns like...
Read more about We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet with Te Mana o te WaiPosted in SUBMISSIONS by Tory Relf | June 27, 2024
The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill proposes to remove Te Mana o te Wai’s legal hierarchy from the resource consenting process. This hierarchy currently requires water health to be prioritized over human needs and community well-being. We support removing the hierarchy...
Read more about Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment BillPosted in SUBMISSIONS by Tory Relf | April 19, 2024
The Fast-Track Approvals Bill is proposed legislation meant to speed up consenting for major infrastructure and development projects while broader Resource Management Act reforms are underway. It bypasses standard checks and balances, limiting hearings and public input. We oppose key elements of the Bill,...
Read more about Fast-Track Approvals BillPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | December 21, 2023
Responding to the repeal of the Natural and Built Environment Act and Spatial Planning Act, Taxpayers’ Union Policy Adviser, James Ross, said:“David Parker’s resource management reforms tried to strip consenting, planning and resource management powers away from local communities and place them in the...
Read more about David Parker’s Central Planning Committees on the Policy BonfirePosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | August 17, 2023
Commenting on the news that Climate Minister James Shaw has proposed an inquiry into climate-related community relocation before the passage of the Government’s Climate Adaptation Bill, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “Delaying climate adaptation legislation until the next parliament so that proper...
Read more about RMA Reforms Cannot Take Place without Time for Sufficient ScrutinyPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | July 27, 2023
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Minister for the Environment, David Parker, to pause the proposed Resource Management Act replacement bills until after the election to ensure that MPs have sufficient time to properly consider the changes they are voting on. Taxpayers’ Union...
Read more about RMA replacement bills a chaotic mess that must be pausedPosted in NEWS by NZTU Media | July 26, 2023
This week on Taxpayer Talk, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, sits down with National Party MP, Chris Bishop, to discuss the Government's proposed replacement to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and what National would do with resource management if elected. Chris Bishop is National's...
Read more about National MP Chris Bishop on the RMA replacement and National's alternativePosted in NEWS by Callum Purves | June 24, 2023
Three Waters 2.0: Our ad in the Herald exposing David Parker's central planning "reforms" With the support of hundreds of supporters like you, we managed to secure a four-page lift-out in the NZ Herald this week to coincide with the final day on our 'Hands Off...
Read more about Taxpayer Update: Stop Central Planning 📰 ☭ | Future of Local Government 📜 | Tax Hikes 🛑