The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to comments made by Labour Leader Chris Hipkins on Newstalk ZB this evening, where he confirmed the Labour Party is open to supporting the Government’s proposed rates capping legislation.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“For the first time, Labour has backed away from its previous blanket opposition...
Responding to the Reserve Bank’s decision to raise the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 2.50 percent, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“Higher interest rates are what happens when Wellington refuses to stop spending.”“The Reserve Bank is being forced to lean on mortgage holders and businesses because the...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is criticising Labour's $160 million SolarSaver policy, saying taxpayers should not be covering private home improvements.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, James Ross, said:“Rather than just removing red tape and making sure cheap finance is available for solar, Labour has reverted to the failed politics of taxpayer-funded subsidies.”“The...
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s comments that the Government is considering a review of tobacco excise.Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:“Tobacco tax has become a textbook Laffer Curve problem. The Government has pushed excise so high that it is now losing revenue, while criminals are...
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the NZTA bureaucracy to be slashed, before tolling and congestion charging are rolled out nationwide, after Tauranga Councillor Steve Morris claimed that 80 cents of each $1.10 toll charge on the Pāpāmoa East Interchange would cover administration costs.Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Ella Dickson, says:“Reasonable...
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 community, the Council pushed ahead with...