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Sir William Birch leaves a formidable legacy of public service

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union joins New Zealanders in mourning the death of former Finance Minister Sir William Birch.Taxpayers’ Union Chair and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson said:"Hold a mirror to Bill Birch and you hold a mirror to the transformation of the NZ economy.”"He came to prominence as an...

Heads should roll over Civil Defence website fiasco

The Taxpayers' Union says there must be accountability after New Zealand's Civil Defence website crashed during last night's Fiordland earthquake and tsunami warning, leaving New Zealanders unable to access critical emergency information when they potentially needed it most.Taxpayers' Union spokesman, Jordan Williams, said:"Heads should roll. If Civil Defence can't keep...

$1.7 billion ferry bill leaves every household $820 out of pocket

The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union says the Government's announcement taxpayers will be charged up to $1.7 billion on the ferry fleet raises a fundamental question: why are taxpayers borrowing billions to own and operate a commercial ferry service in the first place?Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:"Every New Zealand...

Callaghan losses show Government must stop picking winners

In response to reports of mounting losses from Callaghan Innovation’s business loan book, Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“The Government must simply stop trying to pick winners. These are either loans too risky for private investors or opportunities good enough to attract private money without taxpayer backing.”“Callaghan should stand as...

If ‘local voice’ matters on amalgamation, let ratepayers vote

Responding to emerging proposals for a Wellington “Super City”, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling for any council amalgamation to be put to ratepayers through a binding referendum.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“These plans are being designed by the very officials who stand to gain bigger bureaucracies and build bigger empires.”“If...

Road delays show political parties cannot keep marking their own homework

Responding to reports that the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme has been put in the “slow lane” after costing taxpayers $323 million, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union says voters need independent scrutiny of election promises.Taxpayers’ Union spokeswoman, Ella Dickson, said:“Spending $323 million before shovels have touched the ground and...

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If you know of an example of government extravagance, waste or misspending, we want to know about it! 

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About Us

Who we are

We are New Zealanders who have formed a union to stand up for hardworking New Zealand taxpayers. We represent the common interests of all taxpayers and aim to become New Zealand's largest union.

We are not a political party, and we don't represent big business or special interests. Joining the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union only takes a few minutes and costs $25. Membership entitles you to attend our annual conference, AGM and other events, and to get regular communications from the Taxpayers' Union.

We rely on people just like you to support and donate to our cause to fight government waste. Our annual operating budget is currently smaller than the smallest trade union.

Click here for more information about who we are

The Taxpayers' Union stands for value for money for government spending. We want our politicians spending money as if they'd worked as hard the taxpayers who earned it and argue that new taxes should only be introduced when there are equal decreases in other taxes. We believe in a fair and efficient tax system. We are not a political party, nor are we aligned to any.

We promote sensible restraint of government expenditure by:

  • Scrutinising government spending;
  • publicising government waste;
  • Arguing for an end to corporate and union welfare; and
  • promoting and efficient tax system.

Click here for more information about what we stand for

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Join Us

Joining the Taxpayers' Union costs only $25 and entitles you to attend our annual conference, AGM and other events.

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With your support we can make the Taxpayers' Union a strong voice exposing waste and standing up for Kiwi taxpayers.

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Often the best information comes from those inside the public service or local government. We guarantee your anonymity and your privacy.