Taxpayers back Minister Brown’s tough questions, now its time to finish the job

Responding to Minister Simeon Brown’s demands for underperforming SOEs like NZ Post and Pāmu to lift their game, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:

“Minister Brown is absolutely right to ask why SOEs like NZ Post and Pāmu are failing to deliver basic commercial returns, proving that government ownership doesn’t guarantee results. If a household had assets that drained their coffers, they’d ask whether it was time to sell them. The Government should do the same.”

“Each household in New Zealand owns $275,000 worth in public assets, but instead of earning us returns, they actually cost us. Valued at more than $570 billion, the Crown’s portfolio should be working for taxpayers, not the other way around.”

“Past asset sales improved service quality, boosted performance, and paid down debt. It’s time we stop subsidising commercial mediocrity and sell the things we once wanted but no longer need, while keeping the things we truly value.”